As a resident assistant, member of the swing dance club, Enactus Team President and Student Senate Public Relations/Historian, it’s clear NWC sophomore Emiliano Mendez has zeal for both campus and community involvement. 

However, Mendez’s passion for involvement and bettering his community is not something new.

In his hometown of Burlington, Wyoming, during his high school career, he participated in SkillsUSA, basketball, football, student council, drama club, band club and choir.

“I personally believe community involvement is very important,” Mendez said. Each organization on campus has a plethora of projects slated for each semester.

For example, members of Enactus—NWC’s collegiate business organization—regularly meet with Powell Middle School students to discuss bullying and the importance of being kind to one another. In addition, the group also spearheads “Gears for Careers,” a program for anyone in the Powell community needing assistance building a resume or portfolio for a job application.

“I love helping with projects; it’s a way I can give back to my community.”

During Mendez’s junior year of high school, a recruiter visited to give his class an overview of Northwest College, and he immediately knew NWC was a good fit for him.

Shortly afterward, it was decided that Powell would be his destination after high school.

“It made perfect sense for me to come to Northwest College because it fit all my main criteria,” Mendez noted. “From the moment I made that decision, I fell in love with campus and the warm welcoming people gave here.”

After graduating from NWC, he plans to transfer to the University of Wyoming to earn a bachelor’s in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship. “I plan on getting into the finance program when I get to Laramie,” Mendez said.

“There are so many opportunities here at Northwest College, and I am so grateful for them. I will cherish the memories I have established here forever—Northwest College will always have a special place in my heart.”