On campus, Jaziel Armendariz is a Spanish and secondary Spanish education double major and is building community and growing his passion for education and mentorship.
University Communication and Marketing had a conversation with the junior from Hastings, Nebraska, about his future career, his involvement on campus and being a leader.
What drew you to teaching?
I’ve always believed in the transformative power of education — it not only imparts knowledge but also opens doors to new perspectives and opportunities. Growing up, I often struggled to find educators who represented students like me, which made school feel distant at times.
There was one teacher, though, who made all the difference. My high school French teacher, Tamara Cecrle, sparked my passion for language learning. While teaching me the fundamentals of French, she showed me that language is more than just words; it’s a bridge to understanding different cultures, creating connections and experiencing the world through a new lens. This experience ignited a desire within me to help bridge the cultural gap in education. There continues to be a significant lack of representation, especially for students of color, and I want to be an educator who helps fill that void. I hope to not only teach Spanish but also to integrate Latin American culture into my curriculum, empowering students to connect with their heritage.
Personally, growing up in an immigrant household, I’ve realized that despite speaking Spanish, I lack a deep understanding of my own cultural history. Becoming a teacher will allow me to explore my own roots and share that journey with my students — helping them, whether they are first-, second-, or third-generation, to feel more connected to their own identities.
Talk about being part of the William H. Thompson Learning Community. How has that impacted your college experience?
Being part of the William H. Thompson Learning Community has truly enriched my college experience at UNL. One of the things that stands out to me is how intentional the learning community is in fostering a sense of belonging among its scholars. Through various events, mentorship opportunities and support systems, I’ve been able to connect with students from different backgrounds and year levels, from first-year students to fifth-years, all of whom have played a role in helping me navigate college life.
One of the most impactful aspects is the genuine care and support from the team. Whether it’s through academic advising, career planning, or just having someone to talk to, the staff has always made me feel valued and supported. This sense of community has not only helped me academically but also provided me with a network of peers and mentors that I can rely on throughout my college journey and beyond.
You’re now paying it forward as a peer mentor for first-years in the learning community. Can you speak about this experience?
Becoming a WHT peer mentor was a meaningful step for me. During my first year, I knew I wanted to be involved in an organization that supports students like me, but I wasn’t sure how to get started. Being a part of the learning community made that process easier by providing me with a mentor and having someone on campus I could turn to for guidance and support.
Now, as a peer mentor, I want to pay that forward by being a source of support for new students. What I enjoy most about being a WHT peer mentor is the opportunity to connect with first-year students who are navigating the same uncertainties I once faced. The WHT community is large, but it feels like a tight-knit family, and it’s always exciting when I meet a new scholar who shares my academic path or interests. Each interaction allows me to foster connections and help others feel more comfortable in their new environment. This experience also aligns perfectly with my passion for education.
As a future educator, I want to be someone who helps students not only academically but also personally. Mentoring in WHT has given me valuable experience in supporting students, building relationships, and creating a positive learning environment, which are all skills I look forward to bringing into my future classroom.
You’re the president of MASA this year. Do you have any goals in this capacity?
Last spring I was elected President of the Mexican American Student Association. MASA has always been a home for Latino students on campus, and it was one of the key reasons I chose UNL over other universities. The sense of belonging and cultural connection that MASA provides has been invaluable to me, and as president, I’m committed to continuing that legacy for our members.
After serving as the MASA secretary last year, I’ve realized that we’ve often prioritized the “business first, pleasure afterward” approach a bit too heavily. This year, I want to shift the balance by incorporating more excitement into our general body meetings through interactive activities, fun socials and collaborative events. While our members are dedicated students, I believe it’s equally important to create spaces where we can celebrate and honor our shared Latin identities in a meaningful yet enjoyable way.
One of my primary goals is to strengthen MASA’s relationships with other multicultural organizations on campus. Although our name highlights our Mexican heritage, MASA has historically welcomed students from all backgrounds, and I want to ensure that inclusivity continues by fostering more joint events and collaborations. Whether through cultural celebrations, educational workshops, or community-building activities, I hope to create an environment where every member feels connected, valued and proud of their cultural roots.
Is there anything you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
While I am determined to eventually receive a Ph.D. in Spanish, I also hope to travel the world starting with Latin America. I spent some time in France a couple of summers ago, and I am currently applying to study abroad in Argentina. I know that these experiences will only expand my world knowledge, so I hope to make these aspirations a reality.
What or who inspires you?
My mother, Maria Elena Ramirez Negrete, is my greatest inspiration. She immigrated from Mexico at a young age, driven by the desire to provide me with opportunities she never had. Despite the challenges she faced — leaving her home country, adapting to a new culture, and working tirelessly to support our family — she has always believed in the power of education. Although she was never able to pursue higher education herself, she instilled in me the belief that education is the key to success and the pathway to a better life. Her strength, resilience and unwavering support continue to motivate me every day to achieve my goals and honor the sacrifices she made for me.
What is your advice to other students looking to make an impact on campus?
My advice to students looking to make an impact on campus is to embrace every opportunity that sparks their interest, no matter how uncertain the outcome may seem. When I joined MASA during my freshman year, I never imagined I would become president a few years later. Taking that initial step opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. I also encourage students to be kind and intentional in building relationships. When I first arrived at UNL, I barely knew anyone, but stepping outside of my comfort zone and actively seeking connections helped me form a strong network of friends across campus. These relationships have enriched my experience and made my time here more meaningful.
