Building Leaders for Tomorrow

Fresno, Calif.– First-generation college students need a lot of guidance and support when navigating through the universities that they choose.

These students usually feel lost and are in need of a support system. Academic Consultant and Mentor Leena Mendoza, invests a lot of time to inspire college students to succeed.

Mendoza does this through workshops with topics that will help students transition into college and will prepare them for their future career.

“We sit down and talk about their gifts,” Mendoza says. “What’s the knowledge, what are the talents and the skills they have, so that they can actually put them on career path that will fulfill their heart.”

Fresno State student Miguel Herrera, went to Mendoza’s workshop on leadership. He says meeting Mendoza has made a big impact in his life.

“She made me think about the people I’m surrounding myself with,” Herrera says. “Who’s dragging me down and who’s lifting me up and she got me thinking a lot of who’s really positive in my life and if I’m making good choices.”

Herrera says he learned a lot of great advice and feels that he was at the right place, at the right time.

“I felt like giving up this semester,” Herrera says. “And hearing her speak gave me a lot more confidence in finishing hard this semester.”

Mendoza uses her social media to post uplifting messages for her students and people needing support.

Fresno State student Lupe Madrigal, says he admires Mendoza’s personality because she is very humble and encouraging.

“She’s just very down to earth,” Madrigal says. “Very friendly, I admire that a lot and that’s like the best part of her.”

Mendoza says that finding and believing in a dream are the key components of finding a path for these students.

“Remember why you are here,” Mendoza says. “Remember where you’re going. Surround yourself with the right people and continue relentlessly towards your goals.”