Aliento Features: Zabdi Hernandez
Tell us about yourself.
Hello I am Zabdi Hernandez. I am a senior at Grand Canyon University. I enjoy road-tripping, playing sports, volunteering, dancing, and learning about different cultures.
I got involved with Aliento because we share some things in common, and they advocate for education and mental health rights.
Why does the work we are doing matter to you?
It matters to me since the laws in America and the state have impacted me. I have been set back in my education since the rules that Arizona has not allowed me to pursue my higher education and the career I want. I have had to make arrangements with my educational dreams to continue my education. Occupational licenses for undocumented people is a policy that I care about since I get impacted by it and since that is why I changed my major before going to college. I wanted to become a midwife, but due to the Arizona law about not being able to give undocumented people their occupational license after taking the courses that they would need to be able to work on their job. It made me look into other careers that I would want to do but also be able to pursue after getting my degree. That is why I went to business since I can get my own LLC and pursue my major, but I would still want to go back to school for nursing and help out in the community, helping out people who need care when they need it.
What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?
On Election Day, when PROP 308 was on the voting ballot, other fellows and I, along with volunteers, could go to the voting centers and talk about PROP 308 and educate other people about situations that undocumented students and people go through. It was a roller coaster event, but I was happy that I was with others to fight for a cause that we care about. Through this fellowship, I saw the younger generation advocate and educate their classmates about the causes that are going on and how they can help out. I learned during the fellowship that sometimes you need to step up as a leader and guide a group of people with some of your background experience and wish for the best. Another skill I learned during the fellowship is not letting fear get the best of you, as for taking challenges or opportunities that you usually are not used to and just going for it. If you believe in yourself, you will excel and do great.
How would you describe this fellowship to someone who is looking to apply?
Aliento fellowship is a group of students who come together to work on advocating for causes that they value but also be able to learn from each other and build a team that wants to make a change in the community and make a difference in their community.
If you have the time and are in high school or your first year in college, join because you can meet different people and connect. Try out something new that you might be scared of but joining would be fun if you can manage your time wisely since you will sometimes spend your weekends in the fellowship
What’s next for you?
I will soon graduate with my bachelor’s degree in the fall, and I hope to have a full-time job working in a marketing firm that aligns with my values. In the meantime, I will work with Girls Night Out as an intern for their social media team during the summer. Still, I did apply for a fellowship in the summer, and in May, I will be finding out if I got in, but in the meantime, I will be working in school and improving my skills. I hope to one day own my own marketing business and be able to travel for work.
