Jasper, Indiana, native Mendy Lopez is president of the USI Marketing Club. She is a sophomore majoring in Marketing and Spanish, with a minor in Economics, and is also a member of Business Professionals of America and Spanish Club.
What makes USI and the Romain College of Business special to you?
USI and Romain College of Business are special to me because it feels like another home away from home. I have made so many great friends here and many great connections, with faculty and staff. USI is especially important to me because it’s where I met my best friend and without her I would not be who I am today.
What has surprised you about college?
My overall experience of college has surprised me a lot, it is nothing like how I imagined it. I came in thinking that it was going to be hard, and I was going to have to do everything on my own. It has been nothing like that. My professors have been amazing and when things have gotten hard, they been there to help me through it.
What do you wish you had known as an incoming freshman?
As an incoming freshman I would have liked to know that it’s okay not to have your whole life planned out yet. When I was a freshman I was really overwhelmed because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study yet. I wish someone would have told me before that it was all right, that I had time to think about it.
What attributes make a student successful in college?
Getting involved on campus is the main attribute. Joining clubs and going to events on campus help you create friendships and connections. Making sure you give yourself time to do everything is important too. Don’t overwhelm yourself with things; it’s important to get involved but don’t stress yourself out.
As your student organization’s president, what are some things you hope to achieve?
As president, I hope to get more students involved with the University and help them in finding connections with professionals.
What made you decide to pursue being an officer of your organization?
Marketing Club was not very out there when I joined my first year, so I decided to take leadership to help make it better and more campus-known. I have so many great ideas to help the club and make it known to students.
Who is your mentor?
My mentor is Dr. Chad Milewicz, associate professor of marketing. Without him many of the events that we have done with Marketing Club would not have been possible. He has also me given me great academic and career advice.
How do you stay focused when the demands of school, work, etc. seem overwhelming?
I like to plan everything ahead. So whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or stressed I like to write all my tasks down and make a plan. I have also learned that it’s okay to ask for help, so when I am feeling too overwhelmed I speak with professors and peers.
Tell us more about your student organization and why USI students should get involved with it!
Marketing Club’s purpose is to provide students with an opportunity to expose themselves for a career in marketing or business-related field and help develop networks with professionals. Students should get involved because it helps build relationships outside the classroom, while still being involved. It’s a great way to stay active on campus and meet other students and build relationships.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to have advanced as much as possible. I hope to have a well-positioned career with lots of experience. I always had the desire to be in a leadership position, so I plan to be pursuing my dream as a Marketing Director. I will most likely be living in a different city or country working for a big corporation.
Published October 19, 2018