Mai Mera strives to understand and overcome her challenges
By James Auvil
Mai Mera is a first-generation college student and soccer player from Spain who has built a reputation for discipline, resilience and a commitment to helping others succeed.
“I put my heart behind everything that I do,” she said.
Mera has maintained a 3.9 GPA while working as a tutor, academic coach and research assistant at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. After earning her undergraduate degree in mathematics, she is now pursuing a graduate degree in business analytics.
A native Spanish speaker, Mera arrived at UAH with no prior English-speaking experience. She chose mathematics as her initial field of study, relying on its universal nature.
“I chose math because one plus one is two everywhere,” she said. “In English or Spanish, it’s always two.”
Adjusting to a new language and unfamiliar teaching methods presented early challenges, but Mera remained a high achiever. Over time, her academic interests evolved.
“After finishing most of my math requirements, I realized that finance and business were what truly interested me,” she said.
As a graduate student, Mera has played a key role in supporting the academic community. She has assisted 19 faculty members, tutoring students, serving as an academic coach and helping develop study plans across campus.
Her impact was recognized when she became the first student in the UAH College of Business to receive the Graduate Teaching Assistant Award at the Spring 2026 UAH College of Business Graduate Celebration. Graduate teaching assistants play a vital role in mentoring peers, supporting faculty and shaping the student experience.
In addition to her academic contributions, Mera demonstrated leadership on the soccer field. As a freshman, she was voted into a leadership role by her teammates and later served as a team captain until her eligibility ended.
Beyond campus, Mera has taken steps to prepare for a career in finance. She has participated in programs such as the Wall Street Development Accelerator and Wall Street Bound, gaining firsthand exposure to the financial industry and expanding her professional network.
Mera approaches challenges with intention and persistence. When she encounters difficulty in a course, she goes beyond attending office hours, seeking additional resources, joining student organizations and connecting with peers to strengthen her understanding.
Rather than simply overcoming obstacles, she focuses on fully understanding them so she can continue to grow.
“Through all of these roles, I’ve been able to make a meaningful impact on students,” she said.
Her leadership style reflects that mindset, allowing her to anticipate challenges and guide others through them. As she continues her graduate studies, Mera remains focused on making a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.
