Jasmine Jacques: Can you tell me a bit about the GSA network?

Leonella Mendez: It is basically an organization and it works with their different departments in each state. In California, it’s basically that we spread the word, we invite people, and we find something that is a concern or something we should work on in our community. For the past years, we worked on bringing inclusive sexual education to the classes and school district. Last year I was able to talk to some people in the district and I am actually going to help train teachers to teach the course because sometimes it can be uncomfortable when it comes to topics about our community.

JJ: Being the president of the LGBTQ club, why do you think this club is important?

LM: It was a part of theater and I got into it during sophomore year. I was kind of like an intern, like a social officer for the second semester. Then I was vice president last year and it was actually really important to me because on this campus, it can be a little difficult to be gay. Also, because I’ve talked to younger people and they’ve expressed to me that sometimes they don’t feel safe on campus. So, I just wanted to keep the club running, so people can know that they have someone to go to. 

JJ: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing young people today?

LM: There’s obviously the entire thing with social media and the pressure of fitting in and also the pressure of success. Like, in today’s age we’re constantly being told, well with this economy, that we are not going to make it. I even feel stressed sometimes like, “Will I get a job?” “Will I be successful in my career?”and that is very stressful. Honestly it’s kind of impacted the way I run my life and my education a lot. 

JJ: Branching off of what you said about social media, what would you say are some of the most negative impacts it has?

LM: The fact that people only share the good and when you’re constantly going through struggles. Like I go through struggles, there are people showing that they are doing this and doing that, while I feel like I am doing nothing. But, then I think to myself, they’re people too and they are going through struggles too. Why am I basing my own opinion of myself on someone else’s good moments?

JJ: What do you plan to do after graduating? What college/major?

LM: I plan on going to RCC and I am going to get some seasoned business admin and also I’m going to try to join their illustration program. I do want to have that aspect of art in my life because it has always been important to me. After that, I hope to go to Cal State Fullerton to get my bachelor’s in business. While I am doing that, I hope to build my career as a tattoo artist and work my way into getting my own tattoo shop. 

JJ: Why do you believe that career is important to you?

LM: I mean I always knew I wanted to do something having to do with art, but I didn’t fully know what. I’ve tried a lot of different things like animation, different types of mediums, but I like drawing and it’s always been fascinating to me. I don’t really know what to call my art style, but it’s kind of something that I would want to get on my own body. I also love talking to people. So, just being there with one person, just drawing for them and talking to them seems nice. Also, I’ve always just wanted to build my career and buy a house one day and have my own business. Hopefully I could work my way up to being financially comfortable.

JJ: Where do you see yourself in five years?

LM: Well, hopefully I’m graduated from Cal State Fullerton. Hopefully become a full time tattoo artist, just talking to people, and helping people through my art and the conversations.

JJ: Would you say you have any inspirational figures?

LM: Honestly, no, because I’ve had a lot of people ask me, “Why are you going to do that?” or tell me, “You should rethink that.” So, honestly I have way more people telling me not to do that. Honestly, I’m going to do what I’m going to do with my life because I know I am going to enjoy that. It is the thing I do well and I actually enjoy. I want to work and not feel like I’m working.

JJ: Why do you think you should win Miss Cardinal?

LM: I think I should win because when someone gives me a challenge, I will go for it. I will do my best. I know if I win, I have a lot of volunteer work and showing up, and I am down for that. I know as Miss Cardinal, I’m going to have a responsibility and I will do my best to meet those responsibilities and expectations.

JJ: What do you think makes you stand out compared to the other contestants?

LM: Honestly, we are all pretty great. It’s very difficult to find something that we do better because we’re all so different, but we all have the same drives and goals. 

JJ: If you win, what improvements do you hope to make for not only campus, but for the community?

LM: San Bernardino gets a bad rep, so just showing people my age that it is not all that bad. You can still get involved and care for the community. Once we change how we see the community, I feel like we’ll change the way we act and we’ll find a way to feel better about ourselves.

JJ: If you could give some advice to your younger self, what would it be?

LM: Stop caring about what other people think about what you love and start caring about what makes you happy and what you feel you are meant to do. 

JJ: What would you say are some of your struggles not only academically, but in life?

LM: Mainly anxiety and depression since I was around 13 years old. That has impacted my education a lot, but outside of school it’s been mental health. Just trying to be there for my family mostly because there’s a lot of troubles, without getting to the nitty gritty. There have been moments where things tried to hold me back from being a good student and sometimes I’m like, “How did you get through that?” But, I’m here now, but there are moments where I don’t know how I recovered.

JJ: Can you tell me about a moment where you felt most proud of yourself?

LM: Yeah, actually. It was last school year, it was an art competition. I was like “What should I do for it?” I ended up painting a painting about self love and when I did it, I didn’t really think much of it, but when I finished, I was genuinely so proud of myself. I struggled a lot with self confidence and even liking myself as a person, so having that moment where I did something I loved, where I loved making it and it represented a stage in my life. I felt like I was finally over that hill and I felt proud of myself, and it really put into perspective how far I’ve come.

JJ: What do you feel most grateful about in your life?

LM: I feel most grateful that I even have the opportunity to have a better life, the opportunity to go to school and work hard and make a name for myself.

JJ: If you could give out one message to the world, what would it be?

LM: Stop focusing on the entire future and just focus on what you could do for yourself at that moment. It can be things like going to sleep early or having a nice cup of tea, instead of just dragging yourself down the further and further you get because you are so stressed about the future.

JJ: Is there anything you would like to add or share with people?

LM: I’m just doing my best. I have gone through some bad times and good times, and if you need to talk to me, you can.