Meet Melina Hernandez, vice president of the Latino and American Student Organization and the Vice President of Recognition for Centennial Hall Council at American University!
Fast facts:
Name: Melina Hernandez
Year: Class of 2017
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Major: Political Science
Minor: History
Her Campus American: Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
Melina Hernandez: I am from Brooklyn, New York, but my parents are from Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. I am first generation Mexican-American and I am the first in my family to graduate high school and attend a four-year college. I have a younger brother who is turning 17 very soon. He is a sophomore at my old high school.
HCAU: You are involved in many student organizations! Can you talk about the clubs you belong to and your roles within them?
MH: I am currently involved in two student led organizations. I am Vice President of the Latino and American Student Organization (LASO), where I have tried to bring more of the Latino culture to AU by hosting a few events a semester. I am also part of the Resident Hall Association, where I am Vice President of Recognition for Centennial Hall Council. As VP of Recognition, I am in charge of submitting “of the month” or OTM’s to a website in which recognizes from anyone on campus for their good deeds. I am also a member of Phi Alpha Delta, AU’s pre-law fraternity. Joining so many organizations has really helped define my college experience!
HCAU: What influenced your decision to join LASO and RHA?
MH: I decided to join LASO my freshman year because I did not know anyone at AU. Joining the club made me realize I was not the only Latina on campus. As for RHA, I initially started off as a floor ambassador to my hall council. Soon the hall council needed a VP of Recognition and I ran for the position. I was fortunate enough to win the position and I have been involved ever since.
HCAU: How do you juggle being so involved?
MH: I am very happy with my decision of joining both executive boards. Yes, there are times where I am conflicted between free time, meetings, sleep, classes or whenever I have travel back home, but I seem to keep up. I have a planner where I write down my homework, papers, meetings, and try to plan week by week. I communicate with my two teams of what can and cannot do for a given week. Giving back to the community is the best feeling, which is why I happily juggle all of my activities.
HCAU: Do you have a favorite club memory?
MH: I love to plan events with my executive boards. One event can take weeks of planning. Although stressful, we always manage to have a great event.
HCAU: Do you have any advice for students who want to become more involved on campus?
MH: I recommend attending the club general body meetings. We always love to see new and familiar faces. You can also friend the executive board on any social media or send a simple email of interest. Networking is key!
HCAU: What are your future career plans?
MH: I am an aspiring lawyer and leader. This past semester, I began looking into law school. I was also initiated to Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law fraternity at American University, so hopefully the organization can help me with my future endeavors. It’s a great way to “test the waters” before I go to law school.
HCAU: Thanks, Melina! One fun question: what is your favorite place in DC?
MH: My favorite spot in DC would be at the George Washington Memorial (I know it sounds cliché). I love to go sit on the Mall while the sun sets, facing the Lincoln Memorial. It is so peaceful and just a wonderful reminder that I have the opportunity and privilege to live and go to school in the nation’s capital.
Photos courtesy of Melina Hernandez