As a student at Rio Hondo College, Ruth Hernandez has dedicated her time to her studies and to helping people on or around the campus.

Hernandez has been a student at Rio Hondo since Fall of 2014 but during her first year she was not as involved in school as she would have wished, she explained “I was afraid, I was shy, but my friend introduced me to AS [Associated Students at Rio Hondo College] and I applied.”

Hernandez explained how joining AS changed her experience at Rio Hondo, “it was something scary for me but I’m glad I did because it opened a lot of doors for me.” Hernandez has met new people, she is more connected and involved in school, and she is better informed.

Hernandez’s dedication to her studies and helping her peers is shown on a regular basis. “I catch the bus to school and I’m here on campus either studying, in class, or helping organizations like student government from 7am until sometimes 9:30pm” she explained.

While she served for the Student Government, Hernandez was a part of the Culture Diversity task force. With the task force, Hernandez helped create events, and organize events for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Latino Heritage Month.

Although she is no longer a part of Student Government, Hernandez explained that she still likes to help them and other organizations that require assistance.

Hernandez is currently working alongside advisor Shaina Phillips, and fellow student Orelia Alcorta to bring a new program to school called “Project Sister Family Services,” which is going to work to bring about sexual abuse advocacy to campus. Hernandez will be working as a Sexual Assault Counselor and Victim Advocate with the program.

Hernandez plans on transferring to a four-year university in the fall of 2017 and her major is Sociology. With her degree, Hernandez plans on either getting involved with non-profit organization’s, college counseling, or as she said, “anything that involves helping people.”

Hernandez’s next hope is to transfer to a school in Northern California. University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Berkeley are all on her list of possibilities. She wishes to continue her involvement at her school of choice and to continue helping people.