ADMISSION TO-DO LIST

Marcela Mejia-Martinez

Director of Undergraduate Admission
mamartin@chapman.edu

Biography in Brief:
Marcela became Director of Undergraduate Admission in 2008.  She has traveled extensively across the country and internationally, speaking to countless students and families at college nights and programs. Prior to her role as Director, for ten years, she coordinated transfer admission as Associate Director, helping to advise thousands of students every year in creating a path to college.

Marcela began working at Chapman in 1998. Prior to CU, she worked as an admission and financial aid counselor at her alma mater, Loyola Marymount University.  She was a first generation college student and has found a passion in challenging young people to consider higher education as a stepping-stone to opening up doors and windows to a brighter future.  She lives in Orange County with her husband and two boys and enjoys traveling back home to Colombia to be with family. 

Advice from Marcela:
"During the coming months you will be making comparisons between many of the colleges and universities in the country and I want you to know that the admissions counselors, our students, staff  and myself are all available to help you make the right college choice. Good luck with your college search and I’d love to hear from you if you have questions concerning Chapman, or to meet you during your campus visit."

Marcela's favorite spot on campus: "Our campus has numerous fountains and meditation spots.  I love the new Global Citizenship Plaza, The Fish All Faith Center especially the “Garden of the Senses” and although brand new I am amazed at the beauty of the new residence hall dining area….it will be a great place to connect with our current students!"

Marcela's best admission memory: "There are many days of hard work mixed with fun and laughter.  I am fortunate that so many of our students that I have met in my days in admission have truly become my friends.  I am so lucky to have so many opportunities to be touched by the lives of so many young people day in and day out."

Marcela's best College memory: "Studying abroad in Granada, Spain planted the travel bug in me.  There are so many amazing things to experience around the world. You can see different natural landscapes and climates that do not exist in here. There are historical landmarks in every country that helped shape the history of the globe. You can expand your knowledge of the world by actually being there, seeing it, touching it, and experiencing it. Pictures in textbooks simply do not do justice to standing under the Alhambra.  I was able to backpack and travel all over Europe.  This experience magnified my love of travel and learning about people and cultures."

From Our Application

Fast Facts

Three Words to Describe Yourself: Optimistic, insightful, energetic

Favorite Subject: I can’t choose one.  Cognitive Psychology, Philosophy/ theological studies and anything related to cultures, travel and nutrition

Role Model: Traits of my role models:  Hardworking, incredibly curious (eager to learn), networks (values people/relationships), works on self, creative (sees new combinations, new opportunities), self reliant, keeps perspective, lives in the moment, doesn’t waste time (uses it), sees the future, responds instantly (decisive).  Some examples…Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Ellen Degeneres. 

Favorite Musical Performer: Carlos Vives/Band:  U2 /Composer : Vivaldi

Most Prized Possession: Family pictures and family home movies

Favorite Summer Activity: Anything outdoors and if I’m by the water or in a hammock it makes it better!

Book You Would Read Again: The Giving Tree

Best Movie of All Time: Life is Beautiful

Favorite Quote (and by whom): I have many but here are two - “To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater"      -Bono

"The enlightened give thanks for what most people take for granted ...... As you begin to be grateful for what most people take for granted, that vibration of gratitude makes you more receptive to good in your life"     -Michael Beckwith

Dream Job: World Traveling Orphanage volunteer, career counselor….bottom line: being a person of service for others while traveling and experiencing the world around me.