Aliento Features: Victor Mendez
Have you ever felt the thrill of reaching the top of a mountain, taking in the endless horizon, and feeling like you conquered the world—if only for a moment? That’s the feeling I chase every time I go hiking.
My name is Victor Mendez, and I am a student at Brophy College Prep. Life keeps me busy, but whenever I find a free moment, I love taking my dog to the park and letting her run wild. There’s something peaceful about watching her explore, just like I do when I’m out on the trails. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to connect with nature, and I’m always searching for new trails beyond the edges of Phoenix. Whether it's a quiet walk through the desert or a challenging climb, I love the adventure of discovering something new. This passion for exploration and pushing my limits has shaped who I am today—and it’s what drives me as a Fellow.
I first heard about Aliento through a random email that landed in my inbox, inviting me to Education Day 2022. Curious, I decided to sign up—and that decision changed everything. Ever since that day, I’ve been part of the Advocacy Club, finding a community that empowers students like me to share our stories and create change.
What stood out to me the most was the core idea behind Education Day: educating legislators about the real experiences of students like me and my brothers from Brophy. I’ll be honest—I’ve never been a fan of wearing suits. The stiff collar, the tight tie, the feeling of being way too dressed up—it’s not exactly my style. But on that day, it was worth it. Stepping into the Capitol, sharing my story, and knowing that I might actually change someone’s mind made every uncomfortable second in that suit meaningful.
Looking back, that first Education Day feels like a lifetime ago. What started as a random email became an experience I look forward to every year—not because of the suit, but because of the chance to stand up, speak out, and make a difference.
I have witnessed firsthand the harmful policies implemented against immigrants—not just in my own life but in my family’s and friends’ lives as well. It’s everywhere. The fear spreads quickly, creating divisions that make me question whether my classmates are against me, just as they might question me. It fosters uncertainty, mistrust, and isolation.
But despite this, I remain radically optimistic. As an immigrant shaped by an environment of brotherhood, I believe in the power of connection. Through my work in the Fellowship—whether it’s Aliento Votes, Fellows’ events, cohort meetings, or Education Day—I have found opportunities to bridge that uncertainty, to have real conversations, and to challenge misconceptions. These experiences have shown me that change doesn’t just happen through policies; it happens in the everyday moments when we listen to each other, share our stories, and find common ground. An example of this was during this year’s teach-in, where we were able to come together over stories.
This is why the work we do matters to me. It’s about more than just advocacy—it’s about building understanding, shifting perspectives, and creating a future where no one has to live in fear simply because of where they come from.
Prior to Education Day, I worked closely with all the attendees, especially the storytellers, to help them prepare. My goal was to help them craft their stories in a way that felt both authentic and impactful.
We were one storyteller short this year, so I asked a friend to step in. At first, he insisted he didn’t have a story to tell. But after some reflection and digging, he realized that his family’s journey was not only unique but deeply meaningful. In the process, he learned more about his parents’ experiences and had long-overdue conversations that answered questions he never thought to ask.
On the day of Education Day, he shared his story with a legislator known for being closed off. But something incredible happened—the legislator listened. He opened up. And at that moment, I saw firsthand how powerful storytelling can be. That experience was truly rewarding. Moments like these have shaped my leadership journey, showing me that sometimes, all someone needs is a little encouragement to recognize the power of their own voice. It introduced me to a new concept: empathetic leadership. It has taught me to listen to my team members and attend to their needs so they can attend to my needs. It helps develop sustainable leadership.
As this fellowship and school year come to a close, I find myself looking ahead to what’s next. I plan to continue my involvement with Aliento for my senior year, deepening my advocacy and mentorship roles. This work has been such a huge part of my journey, and I want to make the most of my last year before moving on to college.
As for colleges, I’ve begun searching for the right place to continue my education—one that aligns with my passions, values, and future goals. It’s an exciting yet surreal process, and as I weigh my options, it’s starting to sink in that I’m growing up. The idea of leaving behind the life I’ve known, stepping into a new chapter, and embracing the unknown is both thrilling and a little intimidating.
Beyond college, my goal is to find a path where I can continue making an impact, whether through policy, advocacy, or community work. This fellowship has reinforced my belief that storytelling and connection have the power to create real change, and I want to carry that forward into whatever comes next.
