Luis Mendez, a dedicated double major in Psychology and Chicano Studies from Lancaster, California, will graduate from º£½ÇÉçÇø Channel Islands (º£½ÇÉçÇøCI) in 2027. His academic journey has been enriched by a range of experiences, from his service in the Marine Corps to his active involvement in campus life through organizations like MEChA and Union de Hermanos. As Vice President of Student Veteran Orgs and co-chair of Union de Hermanos, Luis is committed to fostering a supportive environment for discussions on mental health and offering practical help through initiatives like financial workshops.
Service is a profound responsibility for Luis. It is about using one's abilities to support others, whether by lending an ear, providing financial guidance, or simply helping someone change a tire. His service philosophy is deeply personal, shaped by military experiences and the loss of comrades to suicide, driving his commitment to mental health advocacy.
Luis's service timeline is marked by significant transitions: from military service to a passion for psychology to culinary arts with the intent to bring joy through food. Despite a setback from a motorcycle accident limiting his physical activities, he maintained his dedication to community support, particularly for Latino men and veterans. His ongoing projects include setting up food pantries and helping local restaurants prepare food for the homeless.
A typical day in Luis’s service activities might include random acts of kindness—these, he finds, are most fulfilling on difficult days. His service work is driven by a vision to create accessible mental health clinics in low-income, veteran-populated areas. Ultimately, he aims to work with the VA as a therapist, leveraging his experiences and knowledge to make a significant impact in the field of mental health.
His mentors at º£½ÇÉçÇøCI, including Dr. Jose Alamillo, Dr. Moreno, and Dr. Jennie Luna, have significantly influenced his approach to service, teaching him the importance of direct engagement and support within the community. A pivotal moment for Luis was during a Raza College Night event, which cemented his dedication to community service and activism
Luis's journey has been marked by challenges, particularly balancing personal well-being with his commitment to others. However, he remains steadfast in his belief in the power of community service to foster a supportive network. He envisions a world where asking, 'Who’d you help today?' is a norm, not an exception. This approach not only destigmatizes mental health but also promotes a culture of proactive engagement.
In closing, Luis advises anyone at º£½ÇÉçÇøCI interested in starting their service journey to simply begin. With each action, he sees the potential to ignite a chain of goodwill, transforming individual acts of kindness into a broader legacy of community support and resilience. His story shows how service can shape personal growth and bring substantial community change.