Student Spotlight - Sandra Hernandez

Tell me a little bit about yourself, including the degree or certificate you earned from EvCC.

My name is Sandra Hernandez. During my time at EvCC, I had the wonderful opportunity to work for both the TRiO and MESA programs as an office assistant. I am now a recent graduate of EvCC with an Associate in Arts and Sciences -DTA degree.

Why did you choose EvCC?

I chose EvCC because of my prior experience as a Running Start student. When I first attended EvCC as part of the Running Start program, I was able to meet and interact with students of diverse backgrounds. Besides the proximity to campus, I liked the student and faculty atmosphere.

What do you plan to do next?

I will be a student at the University of Washington Bothell majoring in Environmental Studies. I hope to further my participation in volunteer services and organizations like AmeriCorps, America Reads, and the Riverways Education Partnership.

What interested you about your area of study?

Through the Environmental Studies degree, I will not only be able to advocate for our planet but also for vulnerable communities. What I like the most about this area is that it will allow me to combine my interest in being service-oriented and learning to improve the environment.

How do you think the skills you learned at EvCC are helping you reach your goals?

As a student at EvCC, I was able to grow my personal and professional skills. It was through my experiences at EvCC that I was able to develop my analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaborative participation abilities. With these tools, I will be able to navigate academic challenges more efficiently and excel in university moving forward. 

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

My best experience at EvCC was being a part of the Students of Color Career Conference (SOCCC). This was a great event for middle and high school students to imagine what their academic and professional careers could come to be. The event gave a platform to young voices and gave professionals of color a chance to exchange knowledge. During the SOCCC, I felt a sense of community and appreciation for culture.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?

There have been several people who have helped me succeed at EvCC. In addition to my family, my advisors, supervisors, coworkers, and peers have been great sources of support. I always received encouragement or academic advice when I needed it. I knew that I always had people to lean on and things I could learn from them, which was extremely helpful while I attended EvCC. 

How did TRiO Student Support Services help you? 

TRiO Student Support Services provided me with transfer advising, career resources, academic assistance, and so much more. These resources have helped me achieve my academic goals in a variety of ways.  As I became more involved in the program, I took part in a variety of TRiO projects and events. For example, I attended many workshops and learned to utilize the resources on campus. By having the opportunity to attend academic workshops and campus visits, I was able to begin to think beyond my academics and more about what skills I need to develop in order to better position myself for success. These experiences have assisted me not just in enhancing my interpersonal skills but also in realizing my potential. Without TRiO, I would not be as capable or as academically prepared for my future schooling.  As a result of this program, I have gained a variety of valuable skills that I can apply to my academic and personal future endeavors.

How did EvCC’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program help you?

As a MESA ambassador, I had the opportunity to provide information about the program to students who were not familiar with it and come up with new ways to increase student participation. I was able to evolve my creative thinking skills, along with several others, and understand the importance of building a stronger and more diverse student community. The program also helped me better navigate my career interests as well as my academic ones. This enabled me to have a greater sense of confidence when planning my future and my academics past EvCC. The MESA program improved my capacity to achieve academic and professional success while giving me the support I needed to enroll in university.

What advice do you have for new students? 

My advice to new students is to explore. Explore programs at EvCC that can help you academically or explore different career interests. Ensure that you are following the path you want to pursue and explore the ways you can further expand that interest.