Jeremiah Hernandez

​California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Michael A. and Debe Lucki Scholar

All of my experiences converged into a desire to be a positive example not only to my daughter, but also to my family and my community."

The message to Jeremiah Hernandez from his working-class family was that attending college is an important goal. However, life’s realities — earning a living, getting married and divorced, overcoming health challenges, and being a single father — kept Jeremiah from reaching that goal for many years. Wanting to be a positive example to his daughter, Jeremiah went back to school.

At Allan Hancock College, Jeremiah raised his GPA and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa 2017 All-California Community College Academic First Team. He also volunteered at his daughter’s school and with many local community organizations, building equity and inclusion in the local Santa Maria community.

Today, Jeremiah is earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology and ethnic studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. After graduation, he plans to complete the single-subject credential in social science and teach high school. Eventually, Jeremiah plans to complete a doctoral program with the aim of teaching high school and college courses and helping others.