Today we’d like to introduce you to Hermelinda Abigail Fernandez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated high school in 2014. I was the first in my family to go to college. Being a first-generation college student was very tough. There were a lot of late nights and early mornings. I worked 3 jobs, applied to every scholarship, and studied really hard, and I did it. I graduated college in 2018 and started working as a Graduate Nurse during the pandemic. Working night shift in the medical field during this time was difficult to say the least. I got brunt out and felt trapped. I had worked so hard, and nursing school was no joke, but I didn’t feel the same about nursing or my life. I saw that a Dallas school was hiring a nurse. I knew I wanted to try something different, so I applied. Upon my conversation with the school principal, she noticed how much I enjoyed working with kids and my experience with helping my community and educating others. At this time, aside from being a graduate nurse, I was volunteering at a local library as an ESL and citizenship instructor. I had also been a babysitter, teacher assistant and always came back to CFBISD to volunteer. The principal suggested a teaching position. I had never thought about becoming a teacher, but at this moment, this is what felt right. I took an alternative certification course and accepted the position as 1st-grade teacher and middle school soccer and volleyball coach. I also continue my education a graduated with a master’s in healthcare administration, and became a professor at Arizona College of Nursing in Dallas.
During my time as a teacher, my elementary school students have partnered with many organizations, which have helped my students be mindful of the importance service, hard work, and giving back. My students have partnered with 99.5 The Wolf radio station to write Valentine Day letters for assisted living residents, participated in Home Depot Kids Workshop, aided in a Dallas Community Garden and have published two books.
At Arizona College of Nursing in Dallas, I teach Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology. I love sharing my experience and enjoy working with students of different backgrounds and learning styles.
Currently, I am pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Higher Education Leadership with a concentration in the Health Care Professions.
I plan on continuing to give back to my community and help students develop their skills, reaching fullest potential, create an environment full of opportunities and personal grown.
I have fallen in love with education. I am thankful to all of my teachers, professors, employers, and mentors for their guidance and support. I am truly proud to have become an educator. I am grateful for all of the opportunity to be teaching our leaders and also our future nurses.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy. My parents didn’t necessarily agree for me to go to college, so when I decided to leave, I knew that I was going to be financially responsible for my education and living expenses on top of navigating college.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I work for a title 1 elementary school and a nursing college. I am a 1st-grade dual language teacher, volleyball and soccer school coach, and a college professor. I love to serve others and I give my 100% in everything I do. I feel like my experience has given me perspective and the ability to empathize with all of my students of different learning skills and backgrounds.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I believe with the Covid-19 pandemic, it helped me rethink my future to make a positive change in my life. Beyond the disease itself and the many challenges it created, I have found my love and purpose in life, and that is to serve others to the best of my ability.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hermey.abigail?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermelinda-fernandez-mha-05735493
