Scholar Stories: Scholar Barbara Falcon-Mendoza

Scholar Barbara Falcon-Mendoza with Rep. Justin Rodriguez 

HSC scholars are active both in their education and as members of their communities. Our scholars participate in a multitude of internships, volunteer for causes they are passionate about, and are active in both student and off campus organizations.

 Barbara Falcon-Mendoza, sophomore, is an example of this type of initiative.
During the Spring 2015 semester, Barbara interned under Representative Justin Rodriguez as a part of the Frank Madla & Irma Rangel Texas Legislative Internship Program at St. Mary’s University. Barbara, who was a freshman at the time, was the youngest student to participate in the internship as it is usually an internship offered to upperclassmen. However, because of her passion for the subject and ambition to participate in the internship asked for an exemption; which her professor readily approved.

Scholars Barbara Falcon-Mendoza and Nathan Salazar
interning with Rep. Justin Rodriguez

During her time as an intern in the Texas Legislature, Barbara helped with the research and drafted bills, answered constituent’s letters and emails, and met with people, companies, and interest groups on behalf of her representative. Barbara was excited to share her experiences at her internship, stating, “It was very interesting environment to be the youngest person participating in the program. I was able to learn and meet amazing people, and helped the representative I interned for, be the voice for millions of people in Texas.”

Barbara is a Political Science major at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio whose dream is to one day open a non-profit organization and law firm that specializes in the aid of women and children. With this goal, she took “extra time to make sure I understood everything, and would stay late reading and re-reading bills and documents; even though I wasn’t paid.” Another one of Barbara’s long term goals is to one day run for the Texas Senate and then eventually the US Senate.

“My ultimate goal is to encourage other students, like me, to follow their dreams no matter the cost, barriers, or odds. I want to inspire someone else to believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know I have a plateful of goals, with a whole life ahead of me and endless possibilities, but if I play my cards right I’ll reach my goals and inspire others along the way. My personal motto is: believe in your dreams, and everyone else will follow suit,” Barbara says.