Jeff Mejia, Sr, (left) coached son Jeff Mejia, Jr., (right) on and off the baseball field.

Name: Jeff Mejia, Jr.

Major: Business Transfer

Hometown: North Reading

GPA: 3.5

High School and Year of Graduation: North Reading High School class of 2017

Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree? I attended UMass Lowell for two years.

What brought you to NECC? I came to NECC for the opportunity to play baseball for my dad, Jeff Mejia, Sr., and to become a member of such an historically successful baseball program.

Why did you choose your major? I have always been interested in business, especially finance.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? I was a captain on the NECC Knights baseball team.

What are you planning for fall, 2020? I am planning on continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Maine in fall 2020.

What did you appreciate most about NECC? I appreciate that NECC gave me the opportunity to become both a better student, and a better athlete. Being a member of the baseball team helped me make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It also gave me the opportunity to showcase my talents in front of numerous four year schools and ultimately earn offers from multiple division 1 programs.

Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? My dad , and head coach, Jeff Mejia helped me a lot during my time at NECC. He was constantly checking that every member of the baseball team pushed themselves to be the best student-athletes that we could be. Stephanie Wares was also very helpful during my time at NECC. She helped me pick the correct classes to enroll in, ensuring that I would receive my associate degree and also be eligible to move on to a division 1 baseball program.

What surprised you most about NECC? I was surprised with how much the athletic department pushes their student athletes to excel in the classroom.

What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? Go visit academic coaching on the second floor of C building. They helped me get organized and manage my time.

What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised that during my time at NECC I was able to balance two jobs, baseball, and classes all while being able to maintain a 3.5 GPA.

What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenge I faced in pursuit of my associate degree was being able to wisely manage my time.

What are you long term career/education plans? My long-term plan is to play baseball for as long as I can and then become an officer in the United States Army.