March 2015 Junior Alumnus of the Month
CHCI Program: R2L NextGen 2012
Schools: Graduate, University of Florida, 2014; Juris Doctorate candidate, University of Miami, 2018
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Krystal Hernandez has reached many milestones since her participation in CHCI’s R2L NextGen, including being the first CHCI junior alumni out of 140 to graduate from college. In December, Krystal graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of Florida Honors Program after having earned an associate’s degree upon graduation from high school. Krystal will be attending law school in the fall to pursue her life-long dream of becoming an attorney. Her story is one of determination, passion and perseverance.
Krystal is the first of two daughters born to very young parents. Although her father never attended college, both her parents placed a great emphasis on the value of an education. This motivation was essential for Krystal when it came time for her to start college. Her drive resulted in receiving many merit-based scholarships which allowed her to graduate debt-free, at the age of 19.
During her time at the University of Florida, Krystal founded and became the president of the Network of Enlightened Women (NeW) chapter on her campus. Since graduating, Krystal has moved back home and resumed her role as a teacher and mentor for children and youth through her church.
This fall, Krystal will begin law school at the University of Miami on a full-tuition scholarship. Krystal has dreamed of becoming an attorney from an early age, when she saw her parents face difficulties that could have been alleviated by good legal advice. Krystal is especially interested in Business Law and hopes to offer legal services to both small and large business in the future.
Participating in R2L NextGen solidified Krystal’s passion for politics. “CHCI’s R2L NextGen program was a priceless experience. The program offered me unique insider perspectives from Hispanic men and women who work within the political field and that was amazing,” shared Krystal.
The CHCI familia is proud of all that Krystal has accomplished and looks forward to the many more accomplishments in her future.