Majors: International Relations (BA), Spanish (BA)
Minor: Philosophy
When she arrived at Lynchburg, Kimberly Mendez Lemús ’20 — daughter of Guatemalan immigrants — was interested in studying the global south and Latin America. Her double major in international relations and Spanish allowed her to fulfill her personal passion of helping “those around the world who are most vulnerable and most in need.”
She also participated in Model European Union — the kind of thing the normally shy and quiet student never imagined doing. Dr. Marek Payerhin, professor of political science, pushed her to fulfill a role that was the opposite of her reserved personality, asking her to represent a far-right U.K. political party known for its disruptiveness and offensiveness.
Mendez Lemús thought she was sure to fail, but quickly found that playing such an extreme role could help her find and assert her own voice.
“I became more comfortable in my abilities, knowing that I was fully prepared with the knowledge and facts needed, making my voice heard, standing [up] for what I believe in, and negotiating with others to reach a consensus,” she said.
Mendez Lemús went on to participate in the European Union simulation three times and, in the spring semester of her senior year, was selected as a head delegate for the Iceland delegation at the National Model United Nations Simulation.
That spring, she also received one of the highest honors for undergraduate students: the Robert L. Hill Distinguished Senior Award.
