Jacqueline Hernandez

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a first-generation college student is like a “rose growing from the concrete”. Despite all of our hardships, sacrifices, barriers, and obstacles, we were able to flourish in the pursuit of achieving something that was once seen as an unreachable dream. As a growing collective, we are paving a path that empowers other students with similar experiences and identities to turn their dreams into realities. Our experience in spaces where we are underrepresented allows us to become mentors for those learning how to navigate these platforms. Being a first-generation student provides us with the opportunity to serve as role models for peers and loved ones who are pursuing a better future. Si se puede!

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

There are so many! The proudest moment is being able to reflect on all of my accomplishments, positive experiences, and amazing friendships I have had throughout my college experience. As a low-income student my biggest accomplishment was being able to afford all four years of college on my own while working, volunteering, and studying. I am proud of my decisions to step outside my comfort zone to explore opportunities that challenged and grew me into the person I am today.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

I am forever grateful for the unconditional love and support from my loving parents. There are no perfect words to describe how much I appreciate and love them. To my two younger brothers Daniel and Edward, and sister Jessica, thank you for always bringing a smile across my face during times of struggle with your positive vibrant energy and comfort. To my OG Monrovia friends, thank you for your endless empowerment, love, and support. I am very proud of all your accomplishments and privileged to have met such inspiring people and be able to grow with you all during the past several years. To all my dear friends I have met in Argo, Keeling, Village, Flying Sams, and many other programs, we did it! I am so blessed to have crossed paths with each single one of you and be able to experience our UCSD journey together. Each one of you has inspired and impacted me in life changing ways. Thank you for the wonderful memories I will continue to cherish after college!

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

I have been very fortunate to have crossed paths with amazing mentors and staff who have given me endless support, guidance, and encouragement. I would like to recognize my Summer Bridge ATC and mentor Celeste, 2Excel mentor Leo, my Village ADRL Rui, and my research mentor Shanna. They continuously empowered me through pivotal stages of my undergraduate experience by believing in my abilities and recognizing my potential. They never failed to make me feel worthy and inspired to grow. They have been my role models, older sisters, and older brothers I never had. I will continue to embrace the advice and lessons they have taught me.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

I will continue my education at UCSD in Fall 2020 as a graduate student in the BS/MS program. I plan to apply to Medical School in the near future in hopes of becoming a physician for an underserved community. I will remain active in non-profit public health organizations dedicated to provide interdisciplinary education and accessible resources intended to minimize health disparities in disadvantaged communities.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Undergraduate Researcher, Mellon Lab

• Public Health Coordinator, Flying Samaritans

• Intern, Health Frontiers in Tijuana

• Medical Assistant, Global Medical Training

• Peer Educator, Student Health Advocates

• Coordinator, Color of Healing

• Instructional Assistant, Division of Biological Sciences

• BioScholar & Transfer Success Resident Assistant, The Village

• OLC Facilitator, OASIS

• Participant, Emerging Leaders Program

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Academic Enrichment Programs

  • CAMP

  • McNair Fellowship,

• OASIS

  • 2Excel

  • SummerBridge