Student Profile: Mariela Lopez
Hometown: Salem, OR
Institution: Linfield College
Major: Exercise Science
Year: Sophomore
When Mariela made the decision to pursue a college education she was taking on unknown territory. She is the first in a family of seven to do so. While in high school she was given the opportunity to visit several campuses and eventually made the decision to attend Linfield College because of its proximity to her family, the programs offered, and the small size. Her parents were initially worried because they did not understand the process and could not provide her with any assistance.
Mariela hopes to use her exercise science major to prepare herself for a career as a physician’s assistant. Her first year’s coursework was incredibly challenging because her high school’s science curriculum was not developed enough to prepare her for the demands of college science classes.
In addition to academics Mariela has also been extremely challenged in the area of finances and has felt tremendous personal stress of feeling a burden to her parents. This year she has been accepted into the newly launched MESA program, which has brought relief and excitement for both her and her family as it has reduced the financial demand on them.
“I would definitely encourage other students to not be afraid to go to a private college, if they have financial issues, because there are programs and people out there that are more than willing to help them fulfill their dreams.”
Mariela was a member of the Linfield College Latinos Adelante in its first year of existence. She now serves as a mentor to freshman Latino students.