Going cross country via academia

Published 2:39 pm Tuesday, December 19, 2023

As a standout scholar at Woodburn High School, Belen Mendoza Cortes figured that it would be a worthwhile goal to see what scholarship money might be available for college.

She did. What ultimately came about was a full-ride scholarship to an east-coast Ivy League institution — Yale.

Belen is still trying to absorb the gravity of it all, becoming a first-generation college student of Oaxacan-American heritage, hailing from Woodburn and heading to New Haven, CT. But one thing she is certain about: she’s grateful to everyone around her who helped her achieve a lofty ambition.

“Initially, my goal wasn’t to go to an Ivy League school but just to get my college education all paid for,” Belen said. “That was when my teacher, Mr. Sanderson, recommended me for the QuestBridge prep scholar program my junior year; I applied and was accepted.”

Belen said she became a finalist in the program, and she received news of her acceptance on her sister’s birthday – an especially festive day around the Mendoza Cortes household. Delight with this news expanded beyond family.

“We’re very proud of Belen,” Woodburn School District Superintendent Juan Larios enthused. “Over the years, we’ve been moved by her achievements and literary work. She’s a phenomenal individual and we’re so excited for what lies ahead for Belen.”

Belen sports a 3.95 unweighted and 4.13 weighted GPA, and her awards include: poetry publications with literary arts and the Pulitzer Center; opening for award-winning author Lauren Groff at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall; The Young Composer and Poet Project; performing at the University of Portland, and most recently winning the Migrant Education Student of the year award for Oregon.

“I hope that Belen’s success shows other students what is possible. Woodburn students getting into Ivy League schools should be routine,” said WHS teacher Charles Sanderson, whom Belen cites as a key mentor in her quest.

“As a child of immigrants who passionately believe in the power of education to transform lives, Belen is navigating many conflicting pressures,” Charles elaborated. “Despite a wealth of literary awards and performing in front of 2,000 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, her dream of becoming a writer is met with calls to be more ‘realistic.’

“While it isn’t my place to advocate for any particular path, I believe that Belen has a unique talent to move hearts and souls with her pen,” he continued. “Her story and the stories of other farmworkers deserve to be heard by a wider audience. Belen’s commitment to telling her truth amplifies voices that are far too often not heard. Belen Mendoza Cortes is a remarkable student and an even better human being.”

Belen handles her achievements with modesty and with profuse expressions of gratitude to those who have helped her along the way, including Charles, Brenda Valentin Bravo, Alyssa Nowack and Abigail Velasco De Jesus.

“None of this could have been possible without the support of my family and mentors like Mr. Sanderson, Brenda Bravo, Mrs. Nowack, and Ms. Velasco. So, I thank them sincerely for that,” Belen said.

Looking ahead

Belen is still wrapping her mind around the news that came in early December, as she prepares for the exciting challenges that await her on the other side of the country.

“I had been feeling nervous the entire week leading up to decision day,” Belen shared. “But on the actual day, I felt at ease. I surrounded myself with people who supported me and loved me.

“When I first saw my acceptance, I felt a sense of relief, but when I saw that I matched with Yale, I was beyond ecstatic,” she said. “I remember seeing my joy reflected on the faces of my family, and it will be a moment I will never forget.”

While subjects of study are frequently fine tuned once someone enters college and begins to experience new areas, Belen knows that writing is one area that will be a constant for her.

“I plan to study either English or Political Science at Yale,” Belen said. “I’ve spent most of high school taking every writing opportunity, exploring my passion for social justice through writing, and I hope to continue to do so at Yale.”

Charles and other WHS teachers have every confidence in her, and Belen is coming to terms with her own self confidence.

“Although I’m beyond excited about Yale and all the opportunities and challenges I will face, I am equally nervous about moving across the country when Woodburn is all I’ve ever known,” Belen said. “Yet, I know all it took to get here and look forward to everything to come.”

In a sense, Belen feels obligated to honor all those who helped her by striving hard and succeeding. She feels doing well is more about many others as it is about herself.

“I see this as an opportunity to pursue my writing at a top university, but also to be present in places not created for people like me — a first-generation, low-income, Oaxacan American,” Belen said. “With their low Hispanic student population, I realized I could make a difference, own my heritage, and take up space in these big institutions.

“I see this win as not just my own but for my entire family and community.”