Scotlight

A weekly inside look at the unique faces and personalities that make up The College of Wooster community.

Features Editor Emma Shinker ’24 sits down with Emily Mendoza ’23 to discuss the Culture Show, ISand Latinx community at Wooster.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Emily Mendoza. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I’m a senior political science major with an International Relations concentration from Chicago. I’m a member of Delta Theta Psi, Vice President of Finance for Latinas Unidas and I work at the Alumni Center.

Could you tell me about your involvement in the Culture Show this year?

Yeah, so this was Latinas Unidas’ first time performing in the Culture Show since my freshman year in 2019. I have to give a lot of the credit to the choreographers of our dance performance. My role was to show up to the practices whenever I could, just giving support, doing what I can and, you know, getting the shark costumes too, which I know our group had really set our hearts on. I was like, if there’s one thing I will do — I will get those shark costumes.

Even if you weren’t very involved in the planning, I’d still love to hear about your experience!

Honestly, I have to say, a couple of us were nervous the night before the show because, you know, we had put in hours of practice, and our first show in so long. But once we were backstage and we were hyping each other up, there was a good sense of unity with the rest of

the members. It was a really great bonding experience, during the practices and the dress rehearsal and just having goofy moments during practice, too. Right up until the show concluded, it was just…I don’t know, it was a “wow” moment for all of us.

Have you been a part of Latinas Unidas for all four years at Wooster?

Yeah, when I first came to school it was really important for me to find a Latinx community on campus. Latinas Unidas was one of the first groups I found. I remember going to a lot of the events and then meeting a bunch of people from different places, even other Latinos from Chicago, which was a nice surprise. I started taking executive positions my junior year before becoming treasurer this year. It was about wanting to provide that space for other Latinos that are coming into Wooster and continuing to uphold and maintain that space for them. It’s really nice to have thatcommunity here on campus.

Do you have any advice for younger students who are trying to find a similar community?

The first thing I’d say is to join any organizations or any clubs that spike your interest. You never know what kind of connections you can find. Try to be involved in anything that you have a passion or interest for, whether that’s for some

of your classes or an organization, because chances are you will find people that share those passions and interests with you.

Could you tell me about your IS?

My IS is looking at why truth commissions are more effective at promoting reconciliation in post conflict societies. It’s interesting for me to see how societies rebuild after a very violent conflict and seeing how they rebuild that trust and that sense of community, and what role the government plays in helping to promote and facilitate that process.

What is something that brings you joy?

Probably art. That’s always been something I love to do. I unfortunately haven’t had the chance to do it as often with my studies, but I do try to find time to draw or do art. I paint a lot, too. It’s something that I don’t need to put my entire focus on, and it’s just a big stress reliever for me.

Anything you’d like to plug?

Latinas Unidas events — we have our general meetings every Wednesday from 5 to 6. You don’t have to identify as a Latinx woman, we’re very open to accepting all members who want to be a part of the group and this community, so please come to our general meetings and show up to our events, too! We love seeing new faces.