Lissette Hernández, graduating in spring 2024, will hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) through the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

While initially starting at the University as a political science major, Hernández explored HDFS on the recommendation of a friend and, upon hearing more about this program, decided to make the change to be an HDFS major. 

Starting her journey through college as an HDFS major allowed Hernández to find her passion for working with the community. Hernández exclaimed, "One of my favorite parts of being an HDFS major is the ability to pick and choose what you learn and explore your area of focus." 

Hernández is a first-generation student who stated, “Obtaining my degree has been a big event for my family and me.”

 

Hernández completed her internship working in Senator Catherine Cortez Masto's office. This experience helped her better understand the many resources offered within Northern Nevada and gain more insight into the community's needs. 

Transitioning from Las Vegas to Reno for college did not come without its challenges, although her time at the University was incredibly transformative. "The road to applying for college was tough. I felt super conflicted with my choice for a while, but once I got to Reno, I knew I had made the right choice,” Hernández said.

Hernández also reflects on the impact of others throughout her college journey. She explains, "Jenna Dewar opened a lot of doors for me and helped me gain confidence in myself. Working with her has helped me build a lot of professional skills, which has given me the ability to step out of my comfort zone."

Jenna Dewar is a senior lecturer of HDFS and assists students with their internships. 

Jenna highlights, “Lissette has continued to show that there is no limit to her ability to create an impact.  Every opportunity that she engages in serves as evidence for how deeply she absorbed the experience prior – she is masterful in her responsiveness in seeking improvement.  She is a force to be reckoned with, and this is only the start of her professional adventure.” 

Looking ahead, Hernández will be working as a Prevention Education Specialist for Join Together Northern Nevada, a local non-profit organization that works to address substance abuse within the community. 

Her advice to future students is to find various strategies to help improve their time management and organizational skills. She mentions that keeping track of her assignments was key to her success during her time at the University.