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| EDUCATING LEADERS OF FAITH & CHARACTER |
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Clint Mendonca
Psychology/Philosophy (joint major)
Theology (minor)
Honors Program
Houston, Texas
You might call Clint Mendonca a “practical idealist.” On one hand, he knows change doesn’t just happen. On the other hand, he dreams of “taking over the world and changing it for the better.”
“My big plan involves a lot of small work in being a catalyst for change for the better (in any and all available fields) on the most minor of levels in hopes that people with the resource to take it to larger levels follow suit,” explains Clint. “I wouldn’t mind being the rich, famous philanthropist who urges other millionaires to follow suit, but since it may or may not happen, I'd still like to make whatever difference I can.”
Clint is making a difference at UST as president of the Unleaded Commuter Organization, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and volunteer with Psi Chi, Phi Sigma Tau, Presidential Ambassadors, Student Activities Board, and Campus Ministry.
“The majority of the activities I've participated in have been on-campus through the university, helping out with various events, fundraisers, and service programs meant to benefit the local community. A few of the causes I’ve advocated include the Save Darfur Coalition, The ONE Campaign, Bread for the World, and Liberia Aid,” he says.
Helping others is just part of how Clint thrives at UST. He’s also big on the academics. He particularly enjoyed a class in metaphysics. The course itself, he says, focused on simple basic realities—the world beyond the physical—and the necessary conclusions that come from them. “The class really helped me put things into perspective and look at even the simple fact of ‘things exist’ in a completely different way,” he says.
He’s also discovered a newfound passion for English. After taking a class with Dr. Clinton Brand, Clint became more interested in the subject. “Dr. Brand goes to great lengths to make the material engaging,” says Clint.
“Engaging” pretty much wraps up Clint’s experience at UST. “UST has given me plenty of opportunities to grow as a person and as a community leader. The all-around experience of classes, extracurricular activities, and service work has also helped me develop both personally and spiritually.”
Overall, Clint says it’s the people who make UST what it is. Everyone here, he says, “just plain cares.” The students care about learning and being involved, the faculty care about interacting with the students outside of class, and the various members of staff are \ friendly and approachable.
“In the past couple of weeks, I’ve had lunch with President (Robert) Ivany twice. One of those times was with a couple of people from another college who weren’t familiar with UST,” says Clint. “After we had left, they asked us what subject Dr. Ivany taught. When we informed them that he was the president of the university, they were shocked and informed us that they would never have such opportunities at their college. It’s the little things like that which build the community aspect that I find really remarkable and memorable.”
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