Student Spotlight - Eduardo Mendoza
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Eduardo Mendoza and I come from Seattle, Washington. I was originally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but I went to NIH and over there they ‘we know where your problem is but we don’t know what kind of condition you have and they wanted to call it the Eduardo Mendoza Disease, but I was like ‘uh-uh, uh-uh, no.’
Why did you choose EvCC?
I chose Everett Community College because it’s the closest one to my house and it’s really convenient.
What are you studying?
I want to get my education degree so I’m am studying to get my AA transfer degree.
What has been the biggest challenge your disability has caused?
Me and my brother and my sister were pretty athletic and we all had opportunities to play our sports and further our education at UW or Seattle U, but what happened happened and I’m not blaming anyone, but I actually want people to acknowledge that even though I’m sick I’m still doing it.
What happened with your brother?
My brother passed away in October 24, 2011, he was in a car crash and he was the only one to...he didn’t make it.
How have you overcome these challenges?
I started coming to Everett Community College because, I was like, what am I going to do for the rest of my life? I can’t work construction like my dad does for eight hours every day and Everett Community College gave me the opportunity to come to school and get a degree.
Who has helped you here at EvCC?
The Diversity and Equity Center and Student LIFE. They’ve been more than welcoming.
What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)
I plan to go over to Central Washington but I’m not accepted 100% yet. I honestly want to get my Master’s in teaching degree and my final goal is to get my Ph.D. from UW.
Why do you want to be a teacher?
Because I asked myself “what am I good at?” I’m good at talking with people and going into conversations that most people don’t like to have.
What was your best experience at EvCC?
My best experience at EvCC was, honestly, my speech (in front of a full house at Jackson Center) because I never thought in a million years that there would be so many people inclined to watch what I had to say and I want people to know...me.
What message do you hope people will take away from your speech?
The message is that nothing is impossible and you gotta do you. Don’t let other people tell you what to do.
What advice do you have for students who may be in a similar situation as yourself?
Everett Community College is like a community and you gotta go out there and try it for yourself. You never know what the outcome will be.