Auburn College of Education student Isai Mejia finds purpose in service to country and as a future educator

Isai Mejia is pursuing his purpose in and out of the classroom, with a desire to serve students as a future educator and his country as a current member of the U.S. National Guard.

“For family, friends, neighbors and community, for those who cannot fight for themselves, every day I find another reason to continue my service because as teachers that’s who we are. That’s what we do,” said Mejia, a student in Auburn University’s College of Education. “We give back what was once given to us.” 

The message of service comes at a poignant time as the birth of the country is recognized with July Fourth celebrations taking place nationwide. At Auburn, Mejia is one of 34 student veterans in the College of Education. One hundred additional College of Education students are dependents of those who have served in the military.

Mejia balances his duty to country with his passion for education—training in the field as a 12W vertical engineer and in the classroom as a Spanish Education major. In both roles, he lives out a deep desire to challenge himself, serve others and push past limitations.

“I stand today in front of challenges with a much higher confidence than before,” he said. “I believe in the effectiveness of the education I have received at Auburn, in my military training, and the discipline which, when combined, makes me proudly say I am an Auburn student.”

Meeting the challenge

Mejia’s journey didn’t begin in Auburn—it started in a remote town in western Guatemala, where he was born before immigrating to the U.S. at age 14. After visiting Auburn seven years ago, he set his sights on the university even while some told him it might be difficult for him to get accepted.

“I visited Auburn in 2018 and told myself that if one day I had the chance of pursuing higher education, it would be at a university that constantly challenges me academically,” he said.

Four years later, in fall 2022, his dream became a reality as he received his letter of acceptance to Auburn. Mejia said his Auburn experience since his start on the Plains has been nothing short of amazing.

“Being able to go and interact with students, teach and get teachers' feedback is one of my favorite things about Auburn,” he said. “Having the opportunity to develop our strategies and grow in our field with direct exposure to the experience is something I love about Auburn.”

In the field

As for his service in uniform, Mejia said he has learned a lot from the experience, and his time at Auburn has helped him along the way.

“I initially had concerns about the military experience and questioned my decision to leave for training,” he said. “After completing Basic Training, I utilized my academic experiences and methods to finish Advanced Individual Training. Having completed a semester at Auburn University, I was familiar with the classroom environment and effective study techniques.

“These methods helped me score a 100 on my final math evaluation for Advanced Individual Training. When asked how I achieved this, despite math not being my strong suit, I cited my education at Auburn University.”

Mejia added that his National Guard experience has pushed him both academically and physically.

“As a 12W, or vertical engineer, we focus on building,” he said. “While it does not directly relate to my college major, the military requires diverse knowledge and skills. The uniqueness of the U.S. Army lies in its members' varied backgrounds, experiences, languages and skills.”

The college connection

At Auburn, Mejia’s professors say he is excelling in his studies.

“Isai is an incredibly inspiring student whose journey from Guatemala to Auburn reflects his determination and heart,” said Sara Ahnell, an assistant clinical professor and program coordinator for Foreign Language Education programs in the College of Education. “His passion for sharing his culture with others, especially in creating meaningful classroom experiences for his students, sets him apart as a future Spanish teacher in our program.

“Isai brings a unique and thoughtful voice to everything he does, and his service to our country with the National Guard makes him a standout in every sense.”

Mejia’s service and that of the many others in the College of Education reflect the college’s ongoing partnership with military veterans. Just this past year, the College of Education became the first official academic partner of Auburn’s Veterans Resource Center (AVRC).

In the past year, the college has also collaborated with the AVRC by offering Lunch and Learn events that have featured Jeffrey Fairbrother, dean of the College of Education and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor, as well as Assistant Clinical Professor Margie Taylor, involving the topic of mental health counseling as the college continues building a bond between the AVRC and the college’s Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling.

The college’s strong partnership is perhaps most visibly seen through its support of the annual Operation Iron Ruck event, with participants training with the School of Kinesiology’s Warrior Research Center. Kinesiology students are also on hand for the event to support participants throughout the 151-mile ruck. The event is hosted by the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) and the University of Alabama Campus Veterans Association (CVA) to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention.

The college also has specific research focused on taking care of tactical athletes. Joellen Sefton, a professor in the College of Education’s School of Kinesiology, is the director of Auburn’s Warrior Research Center and focuses on reducing injury and improving health, wellness, and performance with those in the military, firefighters, and law enforcement.

Looking ahead

Mejia said that the embrace of the military and the educational support he’s received at Auburn have made all the difference with his future goals.

He now plans to earn a master’s degree and ultimately pursue a doctorate, all while continuing his service in the National Guard.

And while reflecting on the Fourth of July and all who have sacrificed for this country and its great opportunities, Mejia offered some advice to incoming Auburn students.

“Do not be afraid to embrace challenge,” he said. “Yes, you will fail, because if you don’t, you are not challenging yourself enough. If you were given two options, one easy and one difficult, always choose the difficult. That is where you will grow. Be unique, be creative, be spontaneous, be a good teacher. Join the Army.”