By Scott Jackson
When Hingry Mendez (’25 Intl. Busi., Mktg.) arrived in the US from Chiapas, Mexico, at 14, she didn’t speak a word of English. Adjusting to a new language, culture, family dynamic, and school system was a challenge as a first-generation student. She not only learned English but also excelled academically.
After earning college credits early through Washington’s Running Start program, Mendez began attending WSU in the fall of 2022. Today, she is an honors student double majoring in marketing and international business with a minor in hospitality business management.
Mendez had always been passionate about languages and different cultures. Besides English and Spanish, she also speaks Tzeltal, an Indigenous language of Mexico. This curiosity led her to pursue international business, a field where she could blend her interest in other cultures with her professional aspirations. When she learned about the Carson College’s study abroad programs, she saw an opportunity to expand her horizons even further.
“Participating in study abroad is an honor in some ways, because we don’t always have those opportunities,” she says. “It really enriched me as a person—I’m more knowledgeable about languages and other cultures around the world, but specifically, I visited a lot of historic places I had only read about.”
A life-changing experience in France
Through a student exchange program, Mendez traveled to Le Havre, France, to study at EM Normandie, an international business school. Mendez says networking was a powerful component of her trip. She met peers from Japan, Korea, Germany, Spain, Thailand, and even fellow students from Mexico. When she had a little time outside the classroom, Mendez enjoyed visiting Italy, Germany, and the UK—often with her newfound friends as company. She says the experience instilled in her a growing sense of confidence and adventure.
“Now that I’m back, I can see I’ve really grown. That experience really empowered me to take advantage of those opportunities,” she says. “It’s the same for academics and career opportunities—studying abroad helped me be more motivated and unafraid to take risks.”
Professional growth and lasting impact
Mendez’s time in France had a tangible impact on her professional skills. She says one of the most significant takeaways from her study abroad experience was a group project she worked on with international peers. Collaborating with students from different cultural backgrounds pushed her to develop her communication and teamwork abilities—skills she now finds invaluable as she approaches graduation.
“Being able to communicate with my team in an effective way is a skill I’m still using after coming back,” she says. “Now, I’m doing my capstone, and it’s more serious because we have a team and a client. Having that experience with people from different countries has really helped me communicate with them.”
Mendez’s global experiences have also shaped her career aspirations. Initially drawn to international marketing, she discovered a passion for hospitality during her time abroad. She hopes to work for an international hotel chain like Hyatt or Marriott, where her multilingual skills and cross-cultural understanding will be assets.
Her participation in WSU’s mentorship program has reinforced this goal. She says her mentor, who works for Hyatt, helped her recognize the strengths inherent in her personal background and college experience.
“It’s really helpful to talk with her about how I’m connecting all my majors and trying to go for hospitality,” she says. “She’s told me that being bilingual and doing study abroad really helps me stand out in the hospitality industry, because that’s what they’re looking for.”
