ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
EXEL ESTRADA
LEADING BY EXAMPLE WALKING ALONG THE TR EE-LINED sidewalks of Guilford, Exel Estrada ’21 looks like any other college student. But just six years ago in Guatemala, he was working as a carpenter’s assistant and going to night classes. “I told my classmates I wanted to be in school forever because I really enjoy learning, and they thought I was crazy,” Exel says. “If you’re a carpenter you stay a carpenter all your life. I wanted more.”
’21
“I have not encountered
another student as dedicated to helping out on the campus and in the community as Exel is. He is able to identify a need and really drill down to find out how he can help specifically.” — Liz Torres Melendez
At the age of 14, Exel’s life changed
California with an Immigrant Student Coordinator. Liz Torres Melendez serves as a resource for Exel and all of Guilford’s immigrant population, helping navigate the world of FAFSA applications, health services, residency determinations and much more. “At a campus without this service these students have to do the leg work themselves, and it’s a big emotional and mental strain,” Liz says. Exel, who is interested in working
dramatically when he was able to join
in the healthcare field, also volunteers
his mother in Baltimore, Md. “High
with Cone Health, Hospice and the
school was a struggle in many ways,”
Alzheimer’s Association. “I am really grateful for the
Exel said. “I was having to learn English,
Sciences major volunteers as a guide
take a full load of classes and work to
for an after-school assistance program
scholarships that enabled me to attend
help the family.” With the support of his
at Northeast Guilford High School,
college here,” Exel says. “They have not
teachers and guidance counselors, Exel
helping students explore post-high
only given me the opportunity to pursue
not only performed well in high school
school options, and is developing a
the education I always dreamed of, but
but was able to earn a number of merit-
website of resources for immigrant
also opened my eyes to so much more.
based scholarships to help him attend
students. “I know first-hand how
I have the opportunity to give back to
Guilford College, including the Bonner
important it is to have a support system
others through volunteer work, and
Scholarship, the Eugene Thompson
in place to help you succeed in school,”
also have met many new mentors and
Scholarship and the Mirabelli-Heller
Exel says.
developed strong friendships. I was
Natural Sciences Award.
That support system doesn’t stop with
looking for a college with diversity and
Today, Exel uses his experiences to
high school. Thanks to a gift from Jon
a great sense of community, and I found
help others struggling to find their way
Bostock ’99 and Marigny Bostock ’01,
that here at Guilford College.”
in America. The Biology and Health
Guilford is the only school outside of
— K. Alley W W W. G U I L F O R D . E D U | 1 7
