Catalina Arana Mendoza and Randy McCoy have a lot in common: they are both Greyhound Grads and dean's list honorees who come from Hispanic families and are now pursuing master's degrees in communication from Eastern New Mexico University while working in the ENMU Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Catalina graduated from ENMU in May 2020, which she dubbed the "#CORONACLASS," with a bachelor's degree in Spanish with a double minor in English as a second language and bilingual education. She serves as an administrative assistant for Multicultural Affairs.

Randy graduated from Eastern with a bachelor's degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations in December 2020. He is a graduate assistant for Multicultural Affairs.

The dynamic duo discusses their time as students at ENMU and their goals for the future.

Tell us about your family and background.

Catalina: I was raised in Mexico and came to Portales when I was 12 years old. There were two months left in sixth grade when I started school here. Spanish is my first language, and I started to learn English when I moved here to the U.S.

By ninth grade, I was already in regular English classes instead of bilingual education or ESL. Of course, it was not easy, and I had to work harder than the students who knew English. When I would get to school, I would go to my class (English was my first period), and I would read the stories we were going to read that day or communicate with my teacher on how I could get better. I learned in ninth grade that I needed to communicate how I felt and the questions I might have to achieve what I set up for myself.

My father only attended school until third grade, and my mother went to school until junior high. Any achievement I complete in school is all for my parents because they pushed me, worked those extra hours for me to have my school supplies and pushed themselves so I could have a better future.

Randy: I come from a Hispanic family, which is a bit shocking with the last name McCoy. We are all so close with another, which I am so grateful for. My family means absolutely everything to me.

My mom, Romie, is a teaching assistant in Albuquerque at Chamiza Elementary School. My father, Orlando, is a urology technical specialist at the University of New Mexico Hospital. He is also a recently retired veteran! Congrats, dad! I have three older sisters, and being the youngest of the family is great. 

I graduated from West Mesa High School in Albuquerque in May of 2017. I started attending ENMU that fall and earned my bachelor's in December of 2020. I began studying for my master's in the spring of 2021, and even though it is hard work, I absolutely love it!

Why did you choose to attend ENMU?

Catalina: Since I was a little girl, I was taught that family is of utmost importance. So, I chose ENMU because it is close to where I live with my family; it was affordable, as well.

Randy: When I was a senior in high school, we took a trip out here for ENMU's drama festival. It was then that I fell in love with the campus. ENMU was one of the first universities I could actually envision myself attending. The faculty and staff care so much for the students, and prices are very affordable.

How did you choose your field of study?

Catalina: I went into Spanish because I wanted to expand my knowledge of my first language. I also wanted to discover more of the history behind the Spanish language.

Randy: Originally, I wanted to study theatre, but it seemed too familiar to me since I had done it through all of high school. I then went on to find something that I thought would fit my personality, which led me to communication, specifically broadcast journalism.

After having some experience with that area, I still felt as though it was not the perfect fit. I spoke with my fabulous advisor, Patricia Dobson. She helped lead me to public relations, which clicked perfectly with my personality and the things I wanted to accomplish after graduation. 

Which activities were you involved in at Eastern?

Catalina: While I attended ENMU, I was in various organizations. I was a member of the Kappa Delta Phi Honor Society, Spanish Club, Student Government and A.H.O.R.A. I was the Homecoming Queen in 2018 and worked in the Office of Hispanic Affairs. I was on the dean's list multiple years and graduated cum laude.

Randy: I worked at the Child Development Center beginning in 2018 as a student employee. Working with children was never something I was interested in, but that place taught me how amazing kids are. The best part was that we were able to play with them all day and then send them back to their parents at 5 o'clock.

While there, I received the Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Award. I then went on to become one of the graduate assistants for the College of Education and Technology at the Child Development Center.

I also have been the editor of ENMU's student lead online publication, "HoundBytes," for around two years. I was lucky enough to receive the "HoundBytes" Outstanding Student Award in May 2021. I was named to the dean's list for fall 2019 and spring 2020, which I was very proud of since that time was a bit difficult for us all.

Discuss your Eastern Experience.

Randy: I have had an amazing experience at ENMU. One professor that had a major impact on me was Diana Cordova. She was my freshman seminar instructor who showed me that higher education is an experience worth having. I still credit her as the reason I am still at university today.

Someone else that will always hold a special place in my heart is the lovely Miss Vee Lucas. Vee takes in all her students and ensures that they not only receive the accommodations they deserve but also become a familiar, friendly face on campus. She was the very first person that made me feel like ENMU was home.

My advisor, Patricia Dobson, has always been there to support me with anything I need and does so with a fun joke and a big smile!

In spring 2019, I took Interpersonal Communication and Relationships (an amazing class), where I met Dr. Janet Birkey. Dr. Birkey has been key to me becoming an exceptional student, always encouraging me to do my best, giving me opportunities to do better and opening the doors to things I never thought possible.

While working at the Child Development Center, I met so many lovely people that truly left handprints on my heart.

Tell us about your job.

Catalina: I am the administrative assistant for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. I worked at this department for my undergrad, and when the opportunity arose, I applied and, fortunately enough, got the job.

I help promote cultural awareness throughout the Eastern New Mexico University campus; collaborate with multiple cultures and departments to execute events while expanding personal knowledge of other cultures and societies; assist students in researching different scholarship opportunities and help them in completing forms if necessary; and fundraise and participate in activities to increase revenue for scholarships and student involvement.

Randy: I am currently a graduate assistant for the Office of Multicultural Affairs as the Multicultural Affairs coordinator. I was inspired to work in this role when I received a call from the director of the department, Diana Cordova, encouraging me to apply for the position when it opened.

I am responsible for assisting the different offices within the department as they plan events that promote cultural awareness throughout campus. I also help to manage social media, promoting all of the different events.

Which aspect of your job is the most rewarding?

Catalina: Being able to help the students is the most rewarding! It does not matter what it is; it could be from a compliment to helping them with a more serious matter.

Randy: I think the aspect of my job that is the most rewarding is watching the student employees grow. These people are working in a professional setting while also earning a degree. Watching them learn to balance their work responsibilities and school responsibilities and become successful is so amazing.

Along with that is meeting people of different backgrounds and having the opportunity to learn about many different cultures.

What are your short- and long-term career goals?

Catalina: One of my short-term goals this semester is to get an A in the class I am taking. My long-term goals are to get my master's degree, be a role model of an aunt and be a leader in my career.

Randy: As far as short-term career goals, I am currently working towards earning my master's degree in hopes that it will lead me to something bigger.

When it comes to long-term career goals, I believe that possibilities are endless. There are many things I wish to do, but for right now, I can say that my ultimate dream is to be a spokesperson and/or host my own talk show.

What were some of your previous jobs?

Catalina: Like mentioned above, I worked for the Multicultural Affairs department for my undergrad. I took a break from school and worked at Village Pharmacy here in Portales. I was a pharmacy clerk.

Randy: The jobs I have had since I came to ENMU are at Big 5 as a sales associate, Wendy's as a cashier, Sodexo as a cook and the Child Development Center as a teaching assistant and GA.

How did ENMU prepare you for your career?

Catalina: ENMU has been helping me with my career to this day, from being a leader to expanding my knowledge daily to learning new theories that take place in my day-to-day life.

Randy: ENMU has prepared me for my career in a few different ways. During my undergrad, I had to complete practicums that helped me to find out what it is that I am interested in within the field of communication. I feel like I have received hands-on experience, which is the best way to learn.

Ultimately, I have learned what it means to be a working professional in my time here at ENMU, and that really is essential when looking for your dream job.

What advice would you give to students interested in working in your career field?

Catalina: My advice to any student would be to get a career in something that you are passionate about! If you are happy doing something, you will be good at it and will succeed in that field. Life is too short to be unhappy, and, thankfully, we have many opportunities to choose what makes our life better.

Randy: The best advice I could offer is that being yourself, meeting deadlines and being organized is the best way to become successful if you are interested in working in this career field.

Are you involved in any organizations or causes? Volunteer work?

Catalina: I am not involved in any organizations yet. I do want to get involved on campus more, but I wanted to give myself time to get back to the college/work routine.

Randy: I am proudly a member of ENMU Gender Sexuality Alliance club because I feel it is important for people to be their most authentic selves at all times. Along with that, I am a graduate officer in the ENMU International Club.

Who is your role model?

Catalina: My role model is my mother. She has so much patience, faith and love that I aspire to be like her when I am a mother. 

Randy: I have so many role models in my life, but the people that push me to work so hard are my mom and dad. My dad is living proof that hard work pays off, and he showed me how to have a willing attitude when working. He also drilled the importance of showing up; my dad was never one to take days off unless he absolutely needed them. Ultimately, my father sacrificed so much so that we all had what we needed plus more.

My mom has always promoted the importance of furthering my education. I can't ever thank her enough for that. At times when I wanted to give up, my mom always encouraged me to keep trying but always told me to do what was best for me. Without these two, I would be nowhere. They have always been there, cheering me on through anything I ever wanted to do.

Which accomplishments or awards have you earned?

Randy: Although I don't have many, major accomplishments for me are graduating high school, getting into college, earning a bachelor's degree and applying and being accepted to be in a master's program.

I was on the dean's list for two semesters, received outstanding student employee of the year during my time at the Child Development Center, and received the "Houndbytes" outstanding student award.

What are your hobbies?

Catalina: I love dancing even though I do not know how to dance very well. I enjoy traveling and learning about other cultures. Lately, I have been getting into cooking. I also love spending time with my nieces and nephew.

Randy: When I'm not studying or working, I love to read, write, cook, watch Real Housewives and, most of all, do makeup!

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

Randy: Something interesting is that I am good at is reading lips; I always say it is my hidden talent. I don't often tell people, but I have severe hearing loss. This has never become an obstacle for me because my wonderful parents did all they could to ensure that I had the resources I needed to be  just as successful as someone who can hear perfectly!

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

Catalina: I have three nieces and one nephew. The oldest one is six years old, the twins are five years old, and the boy is two years old. I am also their godmother. They call me "tu tía," which translates to "your aunt." As you can tell, I love them as my own kids.

Randy: I absolutely adore Dolly Parton, so please, be the Dolly you wish to see in the world.

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton.