Aileen Hernandez

My name is Aileen Hernandez, and I am a proud first-generation college student pursuing a
bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience at George Mason
University. I aspire to become a Physician Assistant where I can serve and advocate for families
who may feel overlooked or unheard.

My path to higher education has been shaped by responsibility and perseverance from an early
age. Growing up in a trailer park, I watched my mother, an immigrant from Guatemala, work
tirelessly to rebuild a new life after leaving an unsafe situation. As the oldest of my siblings, I
learned the importance of helping my family and appreciating every opportunity that
came our way.

This past year, I was honored to earn a place on the Dean's List, an accomplishment that reminded me that the
sacrifices my family and I have made are leading me toward something meaningful.

As I have continued my education, my career goals have become even clearer. Studying
psychology and neuroscience has strengthened my desire to understand people and support those
who are navigating difficult seasons of life. While I once envisioned becoming a psychologist, I
have come to realize that becoming a Physician Assistant will allow me to combine my love for
science with my passion for caring for others in a more direct and personal way.

Working in the service industry for the past ten years has also taught me lessons that extend far
beyond the workplace. Everyday I meet people from different walks of life and I have learned
that everyone carries a story that cannot always be seen. Those experiences have taught me to
listen with compassion, communicate with empathy and treat each person with respect, qualities
I hope to carry with me throughout my career in healthcare.

More than anything, I hope to be a role model for my younger siblings and for other first
generation students who may wonder if their dreams are possible.

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