Adriana Mendez

Adriana Mendez

River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) Peer Leader

College
Manning School of Business

Biosketch

  • Name: Adriana Mendez
  • College: Manning School of Business
  • Major: Marketing and Management
  • Hometown: Washington DC
  • Favorite hobbies: Traveling, journaling, thrifting, reading, listening to music, trying new things.
  • What is your favorite thing about UMass Lowell (UML)? My favorite aspect about the university is the sense of community that the school holds. I appreciate the efforts that the university makes to have students come together in various forms. There is something for everyone here and if there isn’t there are ways to create that space. I have been lucky to find a community in the clubs and different organizations on campus. As well meeting amazing people and building relationships some being friendships, I know will last a lifetime.
  • What are your future goals? My future goals are to graduate college, travel and get a job in marketing or entertainment management while also having the time to be able to give back to my communities.
  • What has having been involved with the RHSA meant to you? Being involved in RHSA has not only given me a community on campus but also continues to push me out of my comfort zone. As someone who used to be very shy holding leadership positions on campus including RHSA it has made me a better professional and given unforgettable connections.
  • Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself in your first year of college? Grades are not everything. Give yourself some grace this is a new chapter in your life and it is okay to not have everything figured out.
  • What advice would you give fellow students? Do not be afraid to ask for help. The resources on campus are here for a reason and suffering in silence never ends well.
  • Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell? Honestly, I initially chose UML solely because of financial aid because I never imagined myself moving far from home for college. I have grown to see and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities available at UML and have never once regretted my decision to leave DC and come to UML.
  • What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student? Being a first-generation student is one of the largest part of my identity and its given me the motivation to always push through the hard times because I want to accomplish the dreams my parents had for me before I even knew what a dream was.
  • What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA? Helping those who are in situations I once was in is a way for me to pay forward all the support I have received in my life. I truly believe that without those teachers, coworkers, counselors, and mentors I would not be in the position I am today. If I can contribute even just a little to someone’s journey, I know I have done something right.