Name: Mariel Mata
Hometown: Clifton, New Jersey
Year: Junior
Major(s): Biology/Pre-Med
Involvement: She’s a part of the Young Democratic Socialist Group along with other social justice groups on campus. Off campus, Mariel continues her social advocacy by working with a recently launched group called, “Hispanos Community”, which works on issues that affect New Jersey’s Latino community.
Fun Fact: She studied drama in high school, has modeled before, and was Queen of the Dominican Parade and Festival of New Jersey in 2009.
Mariel Mata can be seen dashing off to class, hanging in the student center with her best friends, or advocating for a cause dear to her heart, but no matter where you catch her you can be sure she’s up to where her passions have led her. The determined young lady has graced the stage with her acting, reigned as queen, and spent a lot of her time giving back to her community.
HC: What is your favorite part of attending WPUNJ?
MM: My favorite part would be the range of opportunities we get to be involved in on campus. There’s definitely a club for everyone. WPUNJ encourages students’ voices and interests, which are very prominent in our college years. I also love the face that students we are offered a range of support in both our academic and personal lives.
HC: Considering your involvement to bring about awareness, what do you feel could be changed on campus to make WPUNJ better?
MM: I think that the WPUNJ community does so much to fight issues concerning the environment, feminism, fair trade, etc. yet not many students are aware or even informed. So I believe that we can change the way we get information out there, specifically the way we get it to commuter students who are hardly on campus. If we do this then more students will be involved and our collective voice will be greater.
HC: What has been your favorite class to take and why?
MM: Gender and Globalization! I had to take that class as part of the core requirement courses, and I have to say that it was life-changing! I learned a lot about the global economy, how it works, and what the consequences are. There are a lot of social issues that are derived from the notions of Gender and Globalization. I think this class opened my eyes and taught me not only how to understand society but also how to be about the change.
HC: When you’re not studying, or busy with your inolvement, how do you spend your free time?
MM: My free times are usually only during breaks so I usually travel to my native country, Dominican Republic, to visit my family or I’ll travel somewhere new and explore the cultures from more local views as opposed to the usual tourist experience. I get a richer experience and understanding. I’m also a girly girl at heart so I spend a lot of time in between classes obsessing over fashion magazines.
HC: Finally, what do you wish to accomplish this year?
MM: This year I hope to start my research here at WPU, and start preparing for my MCAT. I also wish to gain more exposure for YDS and other clubs and organizations that seek to give students empowerment!