I am First-Generation: MJ Mencias

MJ Mencias

Student - Political Science & Law, Society, and Justice

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up and attend school before the UW? What was your route to get to college like?

I was born in Honduras, La Ceiba, and raised in Miami, Florida, where I did not have the opportunity to pursue formal education. As a teenager, I became a mother, making attending school and working seem unattainable. My path took a dramatic turn upon moving to Washington, where a car accident compelled me to reinvent my life. This transformative period led me to attend Highline Community College, where I successfully earned my GED and Associate in Arts degree. These achievements paved the way for my educational journey at the University of Washington, where I am earning a double Bachelor's degree In Political Sciences and Law, Society, and Justice.   

How has your experience been as a first-generation college student, and how does your First-Gen experience inspire/impact your approach to your research, work, and connection to this campus along with students and faculty?  

As a first-generation college student, my journey through higher education has been challenging and inspiring. Navigating the academic world without the guidance of family members who have gone before me has presented obstacles. Still, it has also fostered resilience, independence, and a strong work ethic in me. 

My first-generation status profoundly shapes my approach to research, work, and my connections on campus. It instills in me a unique perspective and understanding of the struggles faced by similarly positioned students, which fuels my commitment to inclusivity and equity in all aspects of my academic endeavors. This background enhances my research by continuously prompting me to consider diverse perspectives and address issues of accessibility and representation. It infuses my work with a deep-seated purpose, driving me to create opportunities for those who face similar barriers to education.

What does being a first-generation college student and part of a growing community mean to you? 

Being a first-generation college student is a badge of honor and a responsibility I carry with immense pride. It symbolizes the collective hopes and dreams of my family and community, as well as the barriers I have overcome to attain higher education. My journey as a first-generation student embodies resilience, determination, and the breaking of generational cycles, offering new paths and possibilities for those who follow in my footsteps. 

Being part of a growing community of first-generation college students strengthens this sense of pride and accomplishment. It means being intertwined in a network of individuals who share similar challenges, aspirations, and experiences. This community provides: 

• A crucial support system offering guidance. 

• Mentorship and solidarity in navigating the unique obstacles faced in the higher education landscape. 

It is a space where our diverse stories and backgrounds converge, fueling mutual inspiration and empowerment. 

What brought you to the University of Washington? 

I was drawn to the University of Washington because of my Mentor and its esteemed reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a vibrant, diverse community. The University's commitment to innovation and impact aligns with my own aspirations to contribute meaningfully to my field of study and broader societal issues. Its expansive network of faculty experts, research facilities, and collaborative learning environments offered an invaluable space for intellectual growth, skill development, and practical experience in my chosen field.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?  

Upon graduation, I foresee a continued and enriching association with the University of Washington. I am deeply invested in my education and continue growing professionally. I intend to leverage the knowledge, skills, and connections I have garnered here to make a meaningful impact in my community and field of study. I envision Continuing my education at the Even School of Public Policy and Governance, potentially earning my Master's in Public Policy Administration and continuing to collaborate with the esteemed faculty and leveraging the robust networks of the University to contribute to impactful research and projects that align with my professional goals and personal values.

What words of encouragement would you share with current and future first-gen students? 

To all first-generation college students, know that your resilient, determined, and courageous journey may alter your life and the world. Understand that your route, albeit difficult, shows your power and promise. Seek Support: Ask for advice and resources. Mentors, advisers, and peers are available at universities to help you succeed. Use these tools to browse schooling. Think You're Worth: You belong in higher education, and your ideas enrich the academic community. Trust your right to be there, your capacity to achieve, and your potential to flourish. Accept Your History: First-generation status gives you great strength and resilience. Let it enable you to see education and the world differently. You should celebrate it as part of yourself. Stay Resilient: Every challenge is a step toward your goals. Stay focused, work hard, and endure. Give Back: Help people behind you as you go. Your advice and guidance can help other first-generation kids succeed in school. Above all, realize that education can change you, your family, and your community. You create precedents and set the stage for future generations. Take pleasure in this duty and use it to excel in whatever you do.