Featured Firstie: 1/C Mundo Villalva Lijo

  POSTED ON: Friday, October 14, 2022 11:56 AM by mediarelations@usna.edu

Today’s Firstie Friday is MIDN 1/C Mundo Villalva Lijo of 8th Company, from Saint Paul, Minnesota! Lijo is an applied physics major and the president of the Latin American Studies Club.

Growing up in a Mexican-American household, Lijo learned from his parents the value of reaching one’s full potential by serving others. Throughout his childhood, he was encouraged to become a man of integrity through hard work. His values of integrity and service have held true as a midshipman: “I just try to do the best I can, and be the best person I can be.”

Lijo decided to come to the Naval Academy after seeing his brother commission with the Class of 2018: “I saw a host of men and women dedicating themselves to their country. I wanted to emulate that, and I saw myself doing that best at USNA.”

Lijo’s leadership inspiration is President George Washington, who prepared his whole life to be a man of character and was ready when his country needed him. George Washington famously said: “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain (what I consider the most enviable of all titles) the character of an honest man.”

Lijo’s favorite memory as a midshipman is 2/C Ring Dance, and he’s excited to celebrate with the Class of 2023 again for service assignment in November. Lijo is making the most of his final two semesters at USNA: he read thirteen books over the summer, and his intramural volleyball team is currently undefeated (8-0)! Today is the second-to-last day of Hispanic Heritage Month and also his 22nd birthday. Happy birthday, MIDN Lijo!

USNA

Category: General Interest, Midshipman