Aliento Features: Hector J. Hernandez Garcia
I still remember the first time I heard about Aliento. I was a high school senior, getting ready for graduation and applying to multiple in-state colleges. That was when I discovered a devastating reality: I had lived in the U.S. for over six years, yet I was still not considered an Arizona resident due to my immigration status. Because of this, I was ineligible for in-state tuition, and suddenly, my hopes of furthering my education felt like they were slipping away.
In that moment of uncertainty and frustration, I learned about Proposition 308 and the work Aliento had done throughout the entire campaign to make in-state tuition accessible to Dreamers. On top of that, Aliento had compiled a list of scholarships specifically for Dreamer students, something that felt like a lifeline when I was drowning in hopelessness. I will always be grateful for that moment because it brought a light of hope when I felt lost in the dark. At a time when I felt like I wasn’t worth anything in this country and was destined to be another statistic of students who never made it to college, Aliento reminded me that my dreams were still possible.
Looking back now, I had no idea how much this decision would shape my personal and professional growth. The fellowship wasn’t just about learning the ins and outs of advocacy; it was about stepping into leadership, challenging myself, and being part of something bigger than myself.
From the moment I joined Aliento, I knew I had stepped into a movement that was making a real impact. The fellowship immersed me in work that I never imagined being part of, meeting with legislators, organizing voter engagement efforts, and creating spaces for healing and empowerment. Education Day at the Arizona State Capitol was a defining moment for me. Walking through those halls, advocating for policies that directly impacted our community, and engaging with decision-makers reinforced why this work matters.
One of the most significant moments for me was contributing to the research and creation of one-pagers for Education Day. Diving deep into the backgrounds, voting records, and policies of Arizona legislators made me realize just how important it is to be informed. Having that knowledge meant we could advocate strategically and effectively. Seeing my work being used by other students to confidently speak to legislators was incredibly fulfilling.
Another key highlight was being part of the Aliento Votes Campaign. Registering first-time voters, breaking down complex policies, and ensuring our community had a voice in the political process made me feel like I was truly making a difference. Growing up undocumented, I always felt like politics happened around me but never for me. Being part of this work shifted that perspective; I wasn’t just a spectator, I was a changemaker. My voice was finally heard.
Leadership is something I’ve always strived for, but this fellowship pushed me in ways I never expected. One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences was planning and leading events. I took on responsibilities that pushed me out of my comfort zone, including public speaking, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everything ran smoothly.
There were definitely moments of doubt. I made mistakes, learned from them, and kept going. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about adapting, growing, and always striving to do better. Whether it was organizing fellowship meetings, engaging with the community, or navigating challenges with my cohort, I came out of this experience more confident and capable than ever before
If you’re considering applying for the Aliento Fellowship, do it. This experience will challenge you, push you, and shape you into a stronger leader. It’s more than just a resume booster; it’s a transformative experience that will connect you with a community of changemakers. My advice? Show up with an open heart and a willingness to learn. You don’t have to be an expert in policy or advocacy, just be ready to grow and make an impact.
This fellowship isn’t just about learning from others; it’s about discovering your own power to create change. You’ll meet incredible people, have unforgettable experiences, and leave knowing that your work has made a real difference.
As this fellowship chapter comes to a close, my journey with advocacy and storytelling is far from over. I plan to continue using my skills in film and photography to amplify voices that need to be heard. Whether through documentary filmmaking, journalism, or community work, I want to continue telling stories that drive change.
I also have big academic and career goals ahead. I’m set on pursuing a master’s degree in business administration while continuing my work in digital film production. I want to create content that not only entertains but also informs and inspires action.
Aliento has been a crucial part of my journey, and I know that the lessons, connections, and experiences I’ve gained here will stay with me wherever I go. The work doesn’t end here, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
This fellowship has been a transformative experience, and I’m grateful for every challenge, every lesson, and every person I’ve met along the way. To the next cohort of Aliento Fellows, get ready for a journey that will change you. Your voice matters, your work matters, and together, we can continue to make a difference.
