It is with no doubt that Andrea Mendoza, a Global Undergraduate Exchange Scholar for Spring 2022 under the program of World Learning and Fulbright Philippines, is living a dream that every student desires. She also shared her experiences of becoming the first Filipino in the program to be placed at Central Washington University. She said, “I had a great time spending my six months in the program representing the Philippines and raising our banner, lecturing the American students about the Philippines during the International Cafe, and showcasing a Filipiñana at the Parade of Nations which made me featured in a university publication, The Observer.” Mendoza proudly highlights the time she got featured in the CWU Pulse Magazine talking about Adobo. “I think food is our weapon when it comes to identity, so when I received an email to share something about my country without a doubt, I talked about how to make the Adobo.”
Regarding diversity, Mendoza also shares her participation in the 26th CWU Annual Fashion Show “I was one of the models for the fashion show under the designer Cindy Tran. It was my first ever fashion show and I enjoyed it very much. Ladies of my height and body are not that much present in the modeling and fashion industry, but the way that the university promulgates diversity makes me comfortable in my skin and to be present in the show.”
Mendoza also shares being able to bridge Filipino culture’s gap with Filipino students studying at Central Washington University. “It’s incredible how I was able to teach the Filipino language to the Filipino club. They are Filipinos who grew up in the US, and as someone who was born and raised in the Philippines, I took that as an opportunity to teach them the language and expose them to Filipino traditions.”
Mendoza furthermore tells the new and existing students of SSU. “Your identity matters the most, and it will take you further than you expect. Never be afraid to search and grab opportunities to see the bigger picture of the world.”
