Yralee Mendez

Yralee MendezSt. Lawrence University
Class of 2006
Speech and Theatre
Hometown: New York

Life is full of opportunities. The opportunity to receive a higher education is exactly what Higher Education Opportunity Program has given me. HEOP has allowed me to attend St. Lawrence University, a prestigious liberal arts institution. Without the academic and financial support of HEOP, I would not be the person I am today. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had the motivation to make a difference in my life and the lives of my family members.

My parents both sacrificed their educations to handle the difficult transition from living on an island to inhabiting this industrialized country. They emigrated from the Dominican Republic in hopes of discovering better possibilities for their children. In essence, I am living their dream as well as my own. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a communication and performing arts concentration and a gender studies minor, while participating in various campus activities, has further developed my determination and ambition to become the self-confident and independent woman that I want to be. I always knew that earning a college degree would force me to overcome difficult obstacles. Leaving home behind and becoming the first member of my family to attend college has presented me with the challenge of having to pave my own way. HEOP has made it possible for me to effectively meet this challenge.

I’ve developed my leadership skills through my active participation in the college community. I serve as the President of the Latino Multicultural Alliance, Coordinator of the Black Women’s Theme Cottage Residence, Student-Athletic softball representative in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and founder and choreographer of the Step Team. I take great pride in being the first Latina in the history of SLU to hold a place on the women’s softball team. The academic support and financial assistance HEOP has offered me has made it possible for me to attain my goals.