Mia Mendoza
Intended Majors: International Studies
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

What were you involved in during high school, and what did those experiences mean to you?
I was involved in performing arts, campus ministry,  tennis, and Spanish club. These experiences taught me not only how to work well with others, but how to use my own talents in group situations as well. I was also taught how to be a leader. And through tennis, I learned what it was like to be on a team and how to focus on my own individual wins, but also support my teammates. I realized that a sense of community and support is something I truly value, and whether it was building that community for others or finding one for myself, these experiences helped me find that.

How did you know Butler was the right place for you?
I started exploring Butler because my college counselor recommended it, and because I have a bulldog! But after looking into the University more and visiting, I knew that Butler would be the perfect place for me to start this new chapter of my life. The residence halls made me feel secure, and the small class sizes provided a sense of comfort to me. And Butler is the best of both worlds—there is a strong school spirit in things like the Dawg Pound, but it isn’t a huge school, which would be overwhelming for me.

What are you most excited to get involved with on campus?
I am excited to get more involved with the Morton-Finney Scholars Program! I was beyond excited to be accepted, and I can’t wait for the retreat this summer. Considering that I want to advocate for human rights and social justice on an international scale, this program seemed like the perfect fit for me. I am also happy about my class schedule, which includes classes that are community-based and a theater class so I can still hold on to my love for theater.

What are you looking forward to most while being a student at Butler?
For sure the Dawg Pound, Butler’s official student section. School spirit is definitely my thing—I am a very passionate person and love rooting for a team! I also really want to study abroad, perhaps in a Spanish-speaking country to get to know the culture that my family grew up with.

How do you think Butler will help you grow as a person or student?
I think Butler will help me grow as a student through its challenging academics, which I know will prepare me for the real world. I also think being in a new place with new opportunities and new people will help me grow as a person. In high school, I grew personally and academically, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me at Butler. I do hope to become more aware of the world around me, gain confidence, and establish the ability to speak up about things and make decisions without doubting myself. High school laid down a foundation for me to be a leader, and Butler will help me build that foundation.

What are you planning to study, and what sparked your interest in that area?
I am planning on studying International Studies. I completed a social action project during my junior year that advocated for more money in the federal budget for foreign aid, specifically for people suffering because of the war in Gaza, to give them shelter, food to eat, and a sliver of hope. This inspired me to become more knowledgeable on social issues worldwide and to know how to accurately advocate for them!

What advice would you give to other students starting their college search?
I think my biggest advice is don’t stress about it, and go into the process with an open mind. There will be schools you don’t like, others that you do; schools that surprise you in a good or bad way. Visiting in-person is also super important! For me, it was making sure that I could see the school as my home, or somewhere where I could feel at home, and Butler checked all the boxes for me!