Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area surrounded by different Polynesian cultures, Adrienne Hernaez, a senior from California majoring in elementary education said cultural diversity motivated her to pursue an education at BYU–Hawaii, where she was determined to succeed. She said, “Attending BYUH has helped me appreciate the significance of different cultures and build a stronger appreciation for diversity.”
Hernaez said her experience at BYUH made her more independent, especially being away from her family and things she's familiar with. “I have grown to become a self-sufficient learner in anything I do,” she added. Speaking more about her journey at school, Hernaez said, “I had been heavily involved in the theatre program. I have met many encouraging people who motivated me, and it has been an enlightening experience.”
Hernaez also said, “Dancing at the Polynesian Cultural Center, joining clubs for Culture Night and performing in shows where people of color are given more opportunities to be cast, truly proved to me that BYUH is a unique place to be.” Hernaez encouraged BYUH students to study and learn about the Hawaiian culture while in Hawaii. “Learning about the history and culture of Hawaii opened my understanding and built a stronger respect and appreciation for the native people and enhanced my understanding of the significance of this land,” Hernaez shared.
Tenille Nagareda, a sophomore from Hawaii majoring in elementary education, said Hernaez is a hard worker and proved herself when working at the PCC as a dancer. Nagareda shared, “I was awkward and shy at times, but Adrienne was so nice and cheered me up when I was down.” Nagareda added Hernaez is a welcoming and a down-to-earth person. “She is a great listener. She gave me advice without demeaning me in any way, especially about relationships.”
According to Nagareda, Hernaez taught her even if everyone around you is choosing to be rude, you can always choose kindness. “There was a time when I felt like I was alone, and I was hating my life. Adrienne was there to uplift my spirit and make me smile,” expressed Nagareda.
Hernaez said she was proud of the knowledge she had gained at BYUH. “I plan to become an elementary school teacher or a teacher’s aide. I am also going to audition for a master’s program in acting next year," she shared. “My ultimate goal is to become an acting professor and do regional professional theater," she continued.
“Life is hard,” Hernaez said. “But I would like to encourage students to take breaks and not stress too much. Just focus on what you are learning and don’t stress too much about the letter grade.” Nagareda encouraged Hernaez to keep her head high and believe she’ll do amazing things in the future.
“Through your work ethic, kindness, and loving example, you will touch many hearts and accomplish anything,” Nagareda expressed.