From hurricane to honor roll: The comeback journey of a business student

Abimael Mendez’s story is one of persistence, resilience and remarkable personal growth.

As a first-generation college student who relocated to Aiken from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, he has plenty to be proud of from his journey to graduation.

“I lived there for 16 years and then moved here when I turned 17,” Mendez said. “My family and I moved because of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which wrecked Puerto Rico.”

This May, Mendez will graduate from the University of South Carolina Aiken with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, earning dual concentrations in management and marketing. He will walk across the stage on May 6 at the Convocation Center at USCA.

As the ceremony approaches, Mendez finds himself reflecting on where his journey began.

“I actually started as an engineering major in 2020,” he said. “Everyone has big dreams, but my head wasn’t in the game at the time. I was young, naïve, and I didn’t study. I basically dropped the ball and flunked out of school.”

Half a year later, while living on his own, Mendez realized something needed to change. What followed wasn’t just an academic comeback — it was a personal reinvention.

When he decided to reapply to USCA in the fall of 2022, he knew it had to be his decision, not one made for him.

“I switched to business administration because I needed a solid foundation to rebuild. Engineering is hard, and it wasn’t the best path while I was trying to recover academically.”

His parents, he said, helped guide that decision.

“They always said I had strengths in negotiating and talking. Even as a kid, I’d ‘make deals’ with my dad — trading good grades or chores for toys. I’ve always been frugal, liked investing in things that last, and I’ve always enjoyed communicating. If engineering wasn’t going to work, business was the next clear step.”

Mendez also knew he needed a support system. When he returned, many of his friends had joined Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, and he soon followed. “They were people of good character, so joining felt natural,” he said.

The fraternity provided the structure he needed to reset his academic life.

“They accepted me even with my terrible GPA at the time,” he said. “They put me on a study plan — weekly hours, study receipts, everything. It meant a lot. It was accountability, community and most of all, brotherhood.”

That support paid off immediately. Mendez came close to earning straight A’s that very semester. His time in Delta Sigma Phi has since been filled with community service, event planning and personal growth.

“Not everyone can say they came back after failing out of college, but I’m about to graduate with two concentrations: management and marketing. I’m proud of that.”

Reflecting on the USCA School of Business, Mendez says the program prepared him well for the real world.

“Public speaking has been huge. A lot of people fear it, but I love it. Classes helped with that, and it matters more than people think — especially in job interviews, where you’re essentially selling yourself. Plus, classes like finance and calculus gave me practical skills that add value in the real world.”

After graduation, he plans to polish his résumé and pursue opportunities in business or management at Savannah River Site.

“I know people there, and I think it’s a great starting point with strong benefits and career potential. USCA has strong partnerships — so even apprenticeships can open the door.”

If there’s anything he will miss about being a student, it’s the closeness to campus life.

“Having my friends just a few minutes away — there’s nothing quite like that. Also, the freedom and the ability to go on spontaneous adventures when schoolwork is under control.”

“I’ve accomplished a lot, even if I can’t name everything off the top of my head,” Mendez said with a laugh. “But overall, it’s been a comeback story I’m proud of.”

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