Iya Mendoza is a third-year student at Carleton University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Journalism Combined Honours in Journalism and Communications and Media Studies. She writes about various topics but has a particular love for writing under Her Campus’ wellness and life sections. Above all, she hopes that people enjoy reading her articles as much as she enjoys writing them.
Iya is of Filipino descent and her family immigrated from the Philippines to Canada just before she turned one. She graduated in 2023 from Notre Dame High School (Ottawa) with the top grade in university-level English. She believes that her interest in journalism grew the most during grade 11 and 12, as she rediscovered her love for photography and writing. During her last year, she was also given the opportunity to write an article for the Kitchissippi Times about her senior year experiences, which solidified her decision to pursue a journalism career. However, Iya has enjoyed writing for as long as she can remember, and some of the little stories and poems she wrote as a kid still sit in old drawers.
Aside from writing, Iya loves anything to do with the visual arts. She is constantly taking pictures—whether for her photography website, social media or just as personal keepsakes—and is often found desperately trying to free up space for her camera roll. One day, Iya hopes to become a writer, photographer and videographer in the journalism industry. Besides practicing her main hobbies, you can also find Iya drinking an iced latte at a coffee shop or scouring the city for photobooths.
“If you look for it…love actually is all around”
Nostalgia: One of my favourite things about being human
To the high achievers: Remember to take care of yourself
‘How are you, really?’: A reminder to ask people how they’re doing, especially when the days are shorter
Being A Student Of Colour Has Taught Me That Representation Is Absolutely Everything
Growing Up With Family 13,000 Kilometres Away Has Entailed More Than Just Airport Goodbyes