By: Anna Bybee
Vanessa Hernandez has struck the LMU campus with a strong presence. Not only has she made her mark through RHA, but also she has joined the Delta Gamma Sorority and continues to shine her light as a positive influence to all.
Name: Vanessa Hernandez
Year: Freshman
Major: Business Management/Theatre ArtsÂ
Hometown: Stockton, CaliforniaÂ
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What are you involved with on campus?
I am the Vice President of Del Rey North’s Resident Hall Association Council, and next year I will serve as Associate Vice President for the Executive Board of RHA. I am also currently a new member of Delta Gamma and a part of the Christian for Life community on campus.
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Who inspires you or who is your role-model?
I come from a big family, so most of the people I look up to the most are my parents and older siblings. I see all of there accomplishments and I just want to work hard and make them proud. I also like Ellen Degeneres, she’s cool.Â
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How was your father’s astronaut presentation the other week?
I was really proud of the how the event turned out. Del Rey North RHA has worked really hard this whole year to bring him to LMU and share his journey of becoming a NASA Astronaut. To be honest, I was really nervous about the event because I wanted my dad to be impressed with all the work we put into it. Everyone who attended really enjoyed the presentation, so it was a big success! Â
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How does he inspire your future?
My dad has never once told me that I couldn’t do something, even if it didn’t sound practical. He has always been so supportive of what I want to do with my life as long I as get an education. I admire the way he has persevered all of his life to achieve his dreams, so I know that I can do the same.
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How has being an astronaut’s daughter affected your life so far?
My dad was selected by NASA when I was seven, and I remember him coming home to tell us he was finally an astronaut. I was only seven, so I didn’t think it was a big deal. But, as I got older and realized how rare it was to become an astronaut and how much my dad had to go through to get there. It took him 11 years to become an astronaut, crazy right? Most people would probably give up on the 5th or 6th application. He’s affected my life so much because he dedicates his time to go to schools and share his story to inspire young children. I think that’s that most amazing thing is how he always wants to give back. He makes me want to be a better person and do something with my life that will inspire others as well.Â
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What are a few things to describe yourself?
I would describe myself as a hardworking, outgoing, loving, netflix-watching, elephant-loving girl!Â
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We cannot wait to see what this campus celebrity does with the rest of her four years here! Never stop Vanessa!
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