Basics
Name: Nathalie Hernandez
Age: 20
School Year: Junior year, class of 2014
Hometown: Santa Ana, CA
Major: Political Science/Law and Society, and Sociology
What do you think is your best attribute?
One of my best attributes is honoring commitments. In order to gain respect, loyalty, responsibility, and accountability, one must honor commitments and complete them to that person’s highest capacity. In honoring my commitments and going beyond the required work necessary has led me to succeed personally and professionally. I have been able to work with State Senator Lou Correa, The Moore Law Group, for the City of Santa Ana, and with the Dean of Students at the University of California, Riverside. I can say that my hard work, dedication, and commitment have paid off by having all these wonderful opportunities.
Are you involved in any on campus activities?
I am currently involved in the following organizations: Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc., Collaborative Multicultural Council (CMC), Active Minds, ORBITS, and the Student Conduct Ready Advisor Program.
What made you become President for CMC?
What made me become President for CMC was my love towards the Greek community. As President and leader I want to be able to see all 40 Greek organizations come together for a common cause which will benefit the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This will be my biggest satisfaction as President of CMC. Being a leader is not an easy job but it is definitely rewarding. As President of 20 Greek organizations on campus, I plan to make a positive impact on the Greek community as well as in UCR taking it to another step further where it will receive recognition for its contributions to UCR.
Who is your celebrity crush?
My celebrity crush would be Robert Pattinson.
What is your favorite thing about UCR?
My personal favorite thing about UCR is the staff members. I believe that the people who work for the University do it because they truly care for the students. Our Chancellor, the Dean of Students, advisors, and other staff members do a fantastic job in listening and helping the students when in need. Another thing I like about UCR is that we are full of programs, workshops, clubs, seminars, and guest speakers for every topic that we could possibly think of. The University of California, Riverside provides hundreds of resources in order to make its students be well rounded and succeed.
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What made you want to pursue your majors?
What made me pursue my double major of Political Science/Law and Society and Sociology was seeing all the injustices being made, especially with children who have disabilities. These children are legally supposed to get medical help and assistance along with other benefits. However at times they do not receive their full benefits due to the fact that these families are not well rounded or because social workers, teachers, and or physical therapist do not inform them of the services for which they qualify for. I would like to make sure that all these children are given the proper treatment by doctors, teachers,and physical therapist. I also wanted to pursue a career in this area because I want to be able to provide more for these children since they are often forgotten about. Furthermore, my passion and love towards children made me want to pursue my double major. I feel that these little angels deserve to have the best quality lifestyles that they could possibly have.
What inspires you and motivates you in life?
My biggest motivations in life are my mother and my brother Adan. They both have taught me some of the greatest things in life. My mother has always supported me in all my educational goals and has been there for me when I have doubted myself, she is always encouraging me to become stronger and to never give up on my dreams. My brother Adan has also motivated me to keep going with all my dreams and aspirations. It is because of him that I choose to double major in Political Science/Law and Society and Sociology. He made me realize that we come to this world to fight for what we love and work to be where we want to be. If it was not for my mother and brother, I would not be where I stand now and would not have had all the accomplishments that I have had thus far. Furthermore, my father and the rest of my brothers also motivate me to continue to excel. They are constantly supporting and advising me to continue to expand my horizons. I always know that no matter what situation I encounter or part of the world I am, they are always supporting and believing in me. I want to continue to make them proud, it’s the least I can do for all they have done for me. Love you guys!
What inspires me to continue with my education and goals is my family. My cousin Diana and my aunt Vicky are constantly inspiring me by demonstrating that although times might get tough, everything is possible. Through the word of God it is that we can achieve everything that we set our minds to. Seeing how a big population suffers because they do not have the same opportunities as the rest, makes me want to do something to help them. Although they have had major struggles, my cousin has been able to earn recognition by her high school and the city of Irvine; she graduated with honors, and is currently attending Cal-Poly Pomona majoring as a computer engineer.
What would be your dream home?
My dream home would be here in Cali close to the beach where I was born and raised. I would want to design my home along with my husband and have my brother who is a contractor help construct my home along with my father’s construction company. I would then live there with my children in a home full of peace, love, and harmony.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my education, my career goals, helping others, and my family. I am dedicated and give 100 percent to what I am passionate about. There are no obstacles or challenges that I cannot overcome when it comes to any of these matters. I am always striving for a higher education and not letting myself be conforming to the bare minimum. I am at all times looking for opportunities where I can excel professionally. Having my community help me grow professionally, I thank them by volunteering as much as I can in various places. My family is the best thing I could have in world, they mean everything to me and we are always there to support and help each other when in need.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years from now I see myself working at a government job working with politicians and running for office in an election. I also see myself being married with one or two children and enjoying a wonderful evening with my parents and brothers.
Is there anything you’d like us to know about yourself?
Being a first generation college student and having to be the first one to leave my home for a better future has not been easy. As Dr. Judy D. White says, I want to “be a history maker and a stereotype breaker.” I have encountered many struggles in the process of pursuing a higher education, but have not let them bring me down. I have learned to take and accept challenges as they come and to be persistent in what I want to obtain. In addition, I have learned that when “there is a will, there is a way.” I have made it through some tough situations that not many know of. However, these experiences have only made me stronger and have a clear mind set of what I want in life. I believe that the key to achieving is having persistence.
I want to thank my best friend Daisy Duran for always being there for me when I have needed a friend…a sister. You were and have always stood by my side when I have felt I could no longer continue with my journey. You have been there to advice and not once have you left me alone. We have come a long way and hope our friendship of more than seven years continues to grow. Thank you for everything Daisy and to my sisters of Alpha Pi Sigma, I appreciate all the lifelong relationships we have built and the wonderful experiences we have lived together. Ladies, you have all made my college experience full of opportunities and unforgettable memories.
“Work for a cause, NOT for applause. Live life to express, NOT to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt”