William Alexander Meza

Student

“Everything in life is serious. But at the same time, it doesn’t need to be boring.”

He has an imposing name and laughingly offers, “You can attach a ’Sir’ at the front of it if it makes you feel more comfortable!” Bill Meza likes to laugh. As a matter of fact, enjoying himself—whether at work, studying or dancing—is something he considers an obligation. “With the right attitude, you can enjoy every experience that life provides you,” says Bill.

A recent transplant from Calexico in the Imperial Valley, Bill has adjusted quickly to “life in the big city.” He recently won a Ridley Tree scholarship award through the Latino Center at SMC and plans to use the money to further his goal of becoming a physician. “The Latino Center has been very helpful,” says Bill, who is determined to practice medicine in a way that will allow him to help people in his community. “I’m in Liberal Arts now. But I’m working at Kaiser hospital as a health information specialist and subpoena clerk. I really like the medical environment,” he adds, “and I think the ultimate way you can help someone is by saving their life.” Bill says that practicing community-based medicine “will be the best way for me to step in and help a lot of people who otherwise don’t have much of a chance.”

Bill plans to transfer to UCLA, continue his studies in both Spanish and English and then focus on medicine. “SMC has been, already, a great transition for me,” he says. “I can prepare and experiment and find my way to the best university,” he says. Adds Bill, who has been a director of choirs since the age of fourteen: “But I also plan to play in a Mariachi band some day, just for enjoyment.”

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