Mythology and Folklore: Introduction

Hello!

My name is Limayre Mendoza (Gramajo). I was born in Van Nuys, California but moved to Oklahoma when I was ten years old. I consider myself to be more of an Okie than a Cali girl. My parents were born in Guatemala but are now United States citizens. I often get confused for being “mixed” but I am 100% Hispanic. I am the eldest of my family and have one younger sister. I am a senior at the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a Biology major and a Spanish minor. Once I graduate, I plan on finishing up some pre- requisites and then prepare myself to apply to Medical School. I have always wanted to be a physician and currently I am in love with emergency medicine and trauma. At the University of Oklahoma, I am part of the Hispanic American Student Association, Integrity Council, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, and my wonderful sisterhood, Sigma Lambda Gamma. I have a beautiful, sassy, awesome and friendly three-year-old daughter named Gabriella Ester Mendoza who has made my college experience really “non-traditional” but has made it all worth it. I am an advocate for pursuing post secondary education in the midst of obstacles. I wish to see many other young mothers pursue higher education and reach for the stars instead of putting their life at a halt because of their situations. I am currently a full time staff for the College of Public Health at the Health Science Center where I do public health research and studies. During my summer break, I passed down my title of Riena Hispana de Oklahoma (Miss Hispanic Oklahoma), took a much needed school break (which didn’t last long because I then proceeded to take on Biochemistry), and got MARRIED! I have been married for three days and am loving it so far (probably because I am honeymooning on the beautiful coasts of California)! I am really excited for the last year of my undergrad career!