Students Travels with Marco

By Marco Mendoza

There can be a lot to say about one’s life and experiences and we show them in different ways. My name is Marco Mendoza and I am a senior at the University of Idaho and it has truly been an experience that has affected my life.

I came here three years ago planning on graduating with an English and broadcasting degree. Now, I find myself double majoring in secondary education and Spanish with a double minor in English as a second language and writing. The changes that I went through are typical .. .like those experienced by many other students. But what really changed me was living in Spain for five months. It was truly an experience for which I don’t have sufficient words to fully express.

I am a second-generation Mexican-American and very proud to be a part of two cultures. Being the oldest son has led me to take on a lot of responsibility in my life. It also has given me the willpower to be the first in my family to graduate from high school and kept me on track to graduate from college. What really impacted me in Spain was the opportunity I had to teach English to kids. It seemed to come naturally to me, and the professors I worked with were impressed and shocked that I wasn’t pursing a degree to become an educator.

Coming back to the United States was very difficult, but returning to the University of Idaho was a gift. Being in my broadcasting classes made me realize that it wasn’t my passion anymore, and becoming a teacher was. I want to be able to inspire other students and help them find their dreams just like so many instructors here at Idaho have helped lead me to mine.

The youth is our future just like I am now; there is still a lot to learn and to experience. Growing up, I had to learn and use two languages, and it was a struggle for me. I still have some issues with both languages. I hope to improve my writing and better understand the workings of both languages.

— Marco has been supported by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation Go On Scholarship and will be doing his student teaching in the fall.