Western Washington University

Can you tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to go to college?

My name is Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza, and I’m currently attending Western Washington University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems. I was born in Guatemala, where education, especially in the small town where I grew up, wasn’t the best. When I was around six years old, my family moved to the United States—a decision that changed our lives forever.

What inspired you to pursue higher education?

My dad always wanted to pursue higher education but couldn’t because he needed to work to support our family. We moved back and forth between Guatemala and the U.S., which made it impossible for him to go to school without sacrificing work. Despite this, my parents always encouraged my siblings and me to focus on school. That encouragement motivated me to study and work hard all the way through high school. I decided to go to college because I want a better future for myself.

What challenges did you face when deciding to go to college?

By my senior year of high school, I realized I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. I was overwhelmed by the cost and even considered not going at all. Coming from a low-income family, we simply didn’t have enough to cover the expenses of sending me and my sister to college without taking on thousands of dollars in loans. I was close to giving up on college and just working full-time, but I knew if I went down that route, I might never return to school.

What changed your mind and made college possible for you?

Thankfully, my high school counselor at Blaine introduced me to financial aid and scholarships. Before that, I didn’t know resources like FAFSA and scholarships even existed. Once I learned about them, I applied to FAFSA, the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS), and the WAVE scholarship—and I got them! Thanks to these programs and other scholarships, I’m able to attend college without the burden of overwhelming loans.

Have you had any impactful experiences during college?

Absolutely. I took on a work-study position, which has been an incredible learning experience. Last year, I also worked in an AmeriCorps position at my school and discovered my passion for helping people. These opportunities have shaped my career goals and reinforced my commitment to giving back.

What advice would you give to students considering college?

My biggest advice is to give it your all in high school and even in middle school. Your hard work will pay off—literally! Scholarships are often tied to good grades, and they can make a huge difference in your ability to attend college. Also, be sure to apply for FAFSA. Just apply—it doesn’t hurt, and you never know what you might qualify for. Plus, many scholarships require a FAFSA application as part of the process.

You currently work directly with students. How has that shaped your perspective?

In 2024, I was hired by Futures NW, where I help others navigate the FAFSA application process. It’s an amazing opportunity to guide students and families who might feel uncertain or skeptical about how FAFSA works. Through my story, I can show them that even if you don’t come from a lot of money, FAFSA can open doors you never thought possible.

How do you help students overcome FAFSA challenges?

The FAFSA process can be overwhelming and confusing, which leads some people to give up entirely. Despite its challenges, FAFSA is a game-changer. With my growing knowledge, I help students and families navigate the process, making it easier and less intimidating. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I can make a difference in their lives.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I want to thank Futures NW for giving me the opportunity to help others and for opening a new path in my life. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me on my journey, and I hope my story inspires others to pursue their dreams through education.