Ahtziri Hernandez ’20, Education

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! How did you decide to become an education major? My goal since high school was to become an elementary school teacher so when the education major was created during my second year, I had to join the program.

Tell us a little about your time at UCR and some of the activities that you participated in. I was in the Honors Program all four years at UCR which led to multiple opportunities and fun activities with my peers. I was also part of CSF, the Catholic Student Fellowship, and for a time Not So Sharp, an acapella group on campus. I enjoyed taking dancing lessons at the SRC when I had extra time. I also volunteered as an Education Ambassador my last two years at UCR to advocate for the major and minor.

How do you feel your experience at GSOE prepared you for your next step? The faculty and staff within the GSOE have been very helpful and down to earth when it comes to preparing students for their next steps. Our advisors are always looking out for us and letting us know of informational sessions. Faculty are welcoming and share research and networking opportunities, constantly. Because of all of this, I have acquired more public speaking skills, I know of more resources I can use, and I feel like regardless of what I choose to do next, I have a community that supports me.

What is your favorite thing about UCR? I love that UCR empowers its students and is not afraid to create critical thinkers and strong future leaders.

What advice do you have for entering undergraduates? Ask all the questions. They are never dumb or unnecessary. When I came in I didn’t know what a “major” was, but by asking different people you eventually find your way. You only need to take the first step and ask!

You’re graduating! What’s next? I have been accepted to GSOE’s Master of Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program so I will be back in classes this summer! After this, I hope to be working in the Inland Empire as an elementary school teacher.