People of Central: Carolina Hernandez

Story by: Katherine Brown

Carolina Hernandez is the first Hispanic and international student to serve as the student body president and hopes not to be the last.

She said having her international perspective come up during meetings is very important to her as many international students go unnoticed. Because of her, there has been an increase in international students being part of SGA. Hernandez hopes to keep that trend up after her time as president.

Being the president of the Student Government Association is not an easy role, but Hernandez has maintained this difficult and time-consuming position. While also maintaining being a full-time student and being part of other organizations outside of SGA.

Hernandez said her average day is full of meetings, with about 80 percent of her day being in meetings and 20 percent in class. She has weekly meetings with university administration including the president, vice president of student affairs, and her advisor. Hernandez is also part of eight committees, each with its meeting either weekly or biweekly.

“I have to make sure everyone is doing their job and everything is running smoothly,” she said. “They want me everywhere at all times but it’s worth it.”

In order to maintain her busy schedule, Hernandez said she tries to be present wherever she is and not multitask. She has learned how to be mindful of where she puts her time while also remembering to prioritize what is important.

Hernandez is proud of all that SGA has been able to accomplish last semester and so far during this semester. Last week SGA hosted the first scholarship fair where almost 200 students attended. With its huge success, the university will make this an annual event. Hernandez was proud to see the hard work put into SGA will impact future students attending this event even after she has graduated.

During the most recent SGA meeting, Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit came to speak. Hernandez said it was a great opportunity for him to speak to the student body.

“Many don’t see the value of the SGA, so having events like Duggan speaking is good since it is such a unique opportunity,” Hernandez said.

SGA is busy preparing for the second annual TEDx event set to take place in late April. This event is intended for students, faculty, and staff to speak on their experience relating to the event topic of “Into the Unknown.” This event is open to anyone and Hernandez encourages everyone to apply. Those interested must submit a five-minute video. Applications are due by March 7.