December 15, 2025 – Memorial Early College High School’s Student Council President Jake Hernandez gives us an inside look into his time at MECHS with this student edition Q+A.
Tell us about your experience at MECHS.
“I feel like overall I've had a really good experience here. There's a lot of support systems. I try my best in all my classes. Other people here are really nice. You get to know a lot of the staff and students because it's a small school, but I say for me, I'm just trying to be a part of as much as I can while not overworking myself. I think it's been a really good place for me.”
Why did you decide to attend MECHS?
“I heard about it in eighth grade. I was new to the district, and I didn't really want to go to a big high school, I wanted something smaller, especially because I was shy back then. I heard about it because they did a presentation at my school, and I thought maybe that could be for me. And my friend was going here, so I had a buddy.”
What are some extracurriculars at MECHS that you are part of?
“I am involved in intramurals, which is our sports program. I've played volleyball, flag football and basketball. I'm part of the Memorial Early College honor guard as well as the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Society, National Honor Society, Spanish club and the Superintendent Student Advisory group. Oh, I am also Class President.”
What sets your campus apart from others?
“I feel like you really get to know everyone. MECHS is really focused on that project based learning and collaboration. So there's a lot of group projects and there's a lot of opportunity to get to know people. Also in our electives, you get to know people in your grade, but also in different grades. Community and unity is a really big part that goes into our small class learning environment. The classes themselves really do help you get a better understanding of the world and your education.”
How is attending MECHS helping you prepare for your future?
“It's a free two-year degree, and so I don't have to spend money on two years of college. It's allowing me to get the base courses out of the way for college. I want to go to Texas State, major in political science, and become a lawyer. When it comes to being a lawyer, there's a lot of networking involved. So, I get to spend less time on things like English, math, science and more on my actual career field of political science. This gives me more opportunities to network myself with people who could give me better opportunities. Fortunately, my college gets paid for it because of my dad’s time in the military, but for those who don't have that blessing, it's obviously a lot of money they get to save. And it's a great head start on the path you choose.”
What advice do you have for eighth graders thinking about attending MECHS?
“I would say try to have if you have the opportunity, try to have some one on one conversations with some of the students. I know there's a reputation of early college, high school being sort of a deterrent because it seems like, oh, it's just going to be school like there's no fun, but there really are a lot of opportunities to have that because we are a normal high school where you have a normal high school experience while furthering your education. Keep an open mind about it, try to explore it, and then if it's not for you, then it is what it is. But if you can try it out. Try to be involved with whatever interests you. There's something for everybody. You just sometimes you might have to just go find it.”
Thank you for choosing Memorial Early College High School on your path to success! The application window for our Schools of Choice is open now through February 27. For more information, visit https://www.comalisd.org/apps/pages/highschoolsofchoice.
Photo Descriptions
- MECHS Senior Jake Hernandez walking to the basketball court at MECHS.
- History class at MECHS.
- MECHS Senior Jake Hernandez in class.