Scholars of Color- Raul Mendoza
What is Scholars of Color?
It is a platform in which scholars of color are purposefully celebrated. It’s a space where scholars of color are showcased front and center. It is a digital space where we feel empowered and resilient. Let us get to know each other. Let us cheer each other on AND show the world what we have to offer.
Let us now welcome Raul Mendoza to the Scholars of Color Space!
Name: Raul Mendoza
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His
What do you currently do for work and/or school?: I currently work as a Resident Director for the UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services. As a resident Director some of my main responsibilities consist of the supervision of 12-16 student leaders and overseeing a community of 700-800 first year students. In this role I have the privilege of working with student leader to develop programs, workshops and socials that contribute to the development, learning and most important the transition first year college students usually go through. Another part of my position that I believe is an integral part is serving on-call, this consists of addressing any issues from facilities to student crisis situations. As a Resident Director I also have the opportunity to work in different departmental committees, as well as collaborate with many campus partners to improve the work, the programs, learning opportunities and the services that we offer to our students living on campus.
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: The way that I would describe myself both personally and professionally will be in a similar manner as I truly believe in the idea of always being authentic and one’s self. I would say I am a very passionate person. I truly believe that I put my heart in everything that I do and I always try to given my 100%. Another word I would use to describe myself would be positive, I try to find the beauty and the positive side to everything even when the things sometimes don't go the way we envision. Lastly I would say I am a respectful and thankful person. This is something I truly praise my parents for as they really taught me the importance of these two qualities. They truly embedded in me the importance of what respect is and to never forget my roots and where I come from. They taught me to always have my roots present on everything that I do, to never forget where I grew up, how I grow up but most important to never forget my people.
What are you passionate about?: I decided to enter the student affairs field because I truly believe in the mission that we as educators have towards all student. As an educator, especially educator of color, my passion is to work in the student affairs field in order to create positive, respectful, and equal opportunity for all students. One of my passions is to continue working on social justice, diversity and inclusion, as everyday is more crucial for universities/colleges/personal spaces to integrate these areas in order to create a safe, welcoming, but most important equal opportunity and equal representation.
Why is the representation of scholars of color important to you?: I believe that our country currently is in a space where not everyone can say I feel save and welcome. Our universities and colleges’ student populations have changed each year more and more. We see that students of color have enter the system in higher rates but unfortunately we continue to see the same low graduation rates. Representation of scholars of color is important to me because the reality is it’s frightening when you go to a space and you don't see someone like you or representing someone like you. As a scholar of color, being that representation to someone else is important, that as an educator and individual of color I would raise my voice, advocate and stand for the needs of all students and most important making sure that our students of color are never left behind.
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: if people are interested in getting in connected with me they can always email me at rrmendoza@ucdavis.edu or rmendoza877@gmail.com
Anything else you would like us to know?:Thank you for the opportunity, this is an awesome platform.
Thank you Raul for sharing space with us!
Stay tuned everyone for more Scholars of Color profiles. Interested in being showcased yourself? Please email the Scholars of Color team at scholarsofcolor@reclaimingyourhappiness.com and we will get back to you shortly.
