Ana Maria Hernandez

2014 Graduate

“I always felt welcomed at The Next Step. Everyone was very kind and genuinely cared about each student and their journey.”

In a few sentences, please share goals and/or highlights you have completed or are working on.

I’m proud to have earned both an associate’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in statistics. Starting and pushing through my education was no small feat, and I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of Next Step, which helped me understand and navigate the American education system.

Is there a class, teacher, or staff member that you remember fondly who made a difference or contributed to your life after TNS? If so, please share.

There was a time when I didn’t know how to move forward with my education and even considered returning to my home country, convinced that getting an education here wasn’t possible for me. Vita Soto not only showed me that it was possible, but also connected me with a scholarship program and introduced me to grants that Next Step offered toward higher education — both of which helped me tremendously in getting started and seeing a path forward. From there, Vita helped me enroll in school, first at the community college and then at the university, and also helped me sign up for the dual enrollment program while I was still working toward my GED at Next Step. Vita has truly been a light in my life, and I am forever grateful to her and to Next Step for guiding me and helping me take those next steps.

Are there goals that you are working toward right now? If yes, please share them.

I am currently working in clinical research in the quality assurance area, which has been a rewarding experience and has helped me grow professionally. My next goal is to transition into data analytics by earning a data science certification, strengthening my skills in data visualization and analysis, and building out my data projects portfolio. I’m excited about this path, as it would allow me to combine my passion for data with my experience in clinical research to eventually help interpret and communicate meaningful findings from research studies.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at TNS? If so, please share.

I always felt welcomed at The Next Step. Everyone was very kind and genuinely cared about each student and their journey. Some of my favorite memories were the moments we got to spend together outside of the classroom, whether it was ice skating, visiting an amusement park, career field day, or graduation night. Those experiences were special because they brought us closer and created a sense of belonging and community. It was truly wonderful to share those moments with other students and to see everyone moving forward toward their own goals and dreams.

What advice would you give to current TNS students?

Take advantage of the opportunities this country and this community have to offer. Pursue certifications, keep pushing toward higher education, and know that the hard work will pay off. Most importantly, don’t give up — keep moving forward toward your dreams, your goals, and the things that make you happy. It won’t always be easy, but it is absolutely worth it.