For many SMU seniors, Dec. 20 marks the end of their college career. December graduates are bringing their time on our campus to a close, prepping for one of the biggest days in their academic careers. After years of long nights in the library, early morning boulevards and countless memories, graduation symbolizes the finish line for seniors.
Briseida Hernandez is one of many sporting her cap and gown at the ceremony this Saturday. Hernandez will be receiving her degree in psychology with minors in applied physiology, health management and Spanish. As a first-generation college student, this accomplishment represents an important milestone, not only for her but for her entire family.
Hernandez grew up near her future campus in the Oak Cliff area. Her decision to become a Mustang was ultimately because of the scholarship she was awarded. For her academic success in high school, she was granted the Provost Scholarship. Despite being able to stay close to home, the transition to campus life did not come easily.
“South Dallas is majority, like, minorities. So when I transitioned to SMU, it was still kind of a big culture shock for me,” Hernandez said. “Even though it was like 15 minutes or 20 minutes from my house, it was still a big change.”
For many students, entering a new atmosphere can be daunting. Facing the stereotype that SMU holds head-on, Hernandez was able to adjust by forging her own connections within her sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma.
Hernandez credits the multicultural sorority for helping her find her community.
“It definitely changed my college experience as a whole. Since I was closer to home, on the weekends I’d end up traveling back,” Hernandez said. “I was able to find that community I was looking for. It was that group of girls that were coming from similar backgrounds and stories, most of them were first-generation. I felt like that’s when I belonged a bit more and held my experience as a whole.”
She is grateful for the memories that Sigma Lambda Gamma has brought her, but, like many seniors, eager to see what is next for her future. The weeks leading up to the big day come with excitement, stress and mixed emotions.
Thanksgiving marked a particularly stressful time for her as everything from the semester started to pile up. While she knew what needed to get done, Hernandez, like many of the seniors, just wanted to take a break. Figuring out your whole future on top of academics is no easy feat.
“This whole semester has been stressful. It’s just that pressure of what are your next steps, but then also class work and assignments. So it’s been stressful, but overall I’m excited and counting down the days,” she said.
Upon graduation day, Hernandez’s immediate family will join her for the ceremony. Her parents were unable to attend college themselves and are overwhelmed with pride to see their daughter’s hard work pay off. After the ceremony, they have a big party planned to celebrate Hernandez and her achievements with their entire family and all of their friends.
Beyond that, Hernandez has accepted an offer with Teach for America. The program will allow her to work as a bilingual elementary teacher in Dallas County while still pursuing her master’s degree as well as her teaching certifications. A step towards her ultimate career goal as a high school counselor.
As Hernandez looks towards her bright future, she reflects on the journey she took to get here. SMU and the people she met here have shaped her into the person she is today. Leaving that behind comes with a whirlwind of different emotions.
“I feel a little sad that I won’t be able to see the friends I’ve made basically every day. But I’m also really excited for my new journey and the new chapter I’m gonna be opening up. I think it’s just bittersweet,” Hernandez said.
For her closing thoughts, Hernandez leaves the next generations of Mustangs with these words of wisdom.
“Just don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there. I know coming in from high school to college is kind of intimidating, just don’t be in your dorm 24/7,” Hernandez said.
