Hi, I’m Eda Mendez.
Born and raised in the Philippines, I worked as a high school teacher and payroll
specialist before migrating to Florida in 2012. I worked as a dietary clerk and
eventually became a shift supervisor in Okeechobee. In 2013, we moved to
Gainesville when my husband accepted a position as a nurse at UF Health Shands.
In Gainesville, I worked as an assistant teacher for three years and later as a
Certified Nursing Assistant.

I have two grown-up boys, including one with special needs. When he attended
Santa Fe College, he inspired me to return to school as well, and I proudly
graduated in 2025 with an A.S. in Office Administration. I applied for my
internship at QOP almost by accident—or rather, through God’s work. I was
mentored by the kindest and best people who inspired me to become a better
person, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity they gave me.

Faith is central to my life. The best part of my Sundays is watching the sunrise on
my drive to church, seeing people passionately serving God, singing along with the
choir as I move about, and listening to the homily four times from different priests.

God is so good!