Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Santiago Cortes Mejia (w/video)
June 26, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins
With a thriving international presence at Sam Houston State University, graduate students such as Santiago Cortes Mejia represent the institution’s steadfast commitment to expanded excellence across the globe.
“Sam Houston State is a place where you can bring your ideas to life,” said Cortes Mejia, who earned his master’s degree in music performance with an emphasis on cello. “If you’re an international student, you are not alone. There’s a space here for you.”
He was born and raised in the vibrant cultural center of Medellín, Colombia. His life transformed when he was recruited by personnel in the SHSU music department familiar with his work in a Colombian festival’s string quartet.
“It felt like this was the right place to grow,” he said. “Before coming here, I didn’t know I had so many opportunities in life. Being a Bearkat opened a lot of doors.”
Personal and artistic development defined Cortes Mejia’s growth through SHSU’s School of Music. Inspired by faculty mentors like Daniel Saenz, associate professor of cello and coordinator of string studies, his curriculum entailed orchestra performances and academic endeavors that set the stage for his newfound aspirations.
“At SHSU, I became a more confident musician and person,” he said. “The professors here don’t just teach music, they inspire you to become better professionals. They were super kind and always encouraging you to follow your own path and find your artistic self.”
Cortes Mejia managed to overcome the obstacles all too familiar to international students, including natural culture shock while navigating a rigorous workload.
“Getting into the rhythm and pace of the instruction was a big adjustment,” he said. “Everything was faster and more intense. The first semester was really challenging in terms of completing all my assignments in a second language.”
But Sam Houston State’s inviting atmosphere quickly embraced him. Through the International Student Organization (ISO), he found his community and expanded its strength through his role as president.
“SHSU offered me a space to find my people and build something meaningful,” he said. “We transformed ISO into more than a club. We became a family.”
As president, Cortes Mejia helped establish cultural nights, where the organization shared food, holidays and experiences from their home countries. The events and weekly meetings attracted students across campus and offered a platform for members to present their heritage with pride.
“The cultural nights were a huge hit. They helped others understand where we come from and why we are who we are,” he said. “At our last potluck, people didn’t just come to eat, they stayed to clean up. That’s when I knew we had created a true community."
Cortes Mejia plans to continue his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing another master’s degree in teaching, learning and leadership. He dreams of becoming a university professor with a special focus on music education. His ultimate goal is to teach both children and future educators, bridging performance with pedagogy.
“I want to help teachers become better teachers,” he said.
Cortes Mejia departs SHSU not only as a skilled cellist and educator, but a compassionate leader who has left a lasting impact. He encourages future international students to come forth with their unique perspectives and help build the community they hope to be a part of.
“This is a place you can create,” he said. “It’s a welcoming environment where your dreams are valued.”
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