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YES Prep Alumna: Our teachers challenged us academically and pushed us to be the best we could be

April 06, 2011 by Tenesha Villanueva

Patricia Hernandez was YES Prep's first valedictorian and a member of the first graduating class in 2001.  She attended Stanford University where she majored in English with a minor in Classical Studies and graduated in 2005.  She had this to share about her time at YES Prep and her experience in college.   

What is your favorite YES Prep memory?

The class of ’01 had camping trips spearheaded by Mr. Desrosiers every summer before the school year started.  Each trip helped the bond between my class grow stronger. I remember going down the Guadaulpe River in tubes, completing ropes courses, and sleeping under the stars.

 Name the teacher/staff member who had the greatest impact on you and why. 

Mrs. Pagani Hines encouraged my love of reading and taught me to be an analytical reader. I honed those skills in college and became a better writer.  She also taught me to question the world around me and to push myself to grow as a person.

 How do you feel YES Prep best ensured you were college-ready?

I had amazing teachers at YES Prep who cared and ensured that my classmates and I were college ready. They challenged us academically and pushed us to be the best we could be. When I sat in a college English class, I was prepared for the workload, discussions, and could share my thoughts easily. 

 Knowing what you know now, what one piece of advice would you give to current YES Prep students?

I would highly encourage seniors to focus on their college GPA, the higher the better. It’s also vital to plan their future career as early as possible and chart out the route to get there. Seek as many opportunities as are available in college.

 What was your most difficult experience/time in college?

The first week, being away from home and out of my comfort zone, was tough. I thought that I would not be able to handle being so far away from my family and friends, but it helped that other freshmen in my door were experiencing the same difficulties. I made new friends and got over being homesick.

 How did you become involved in your college campus?

I tutored students at elementary schools in the area. I also became involved in Habla la Noche, a student group that taught English to the janitorial staff.  

 What do you consider to be your most enjoyable experience since graduation? 

Teaching has been the most challenging aspect of my life so far, and, looking back, I enjoyed even the moments that were difficult. Teaching challenged me like nothing that I’ve done before and my students taught me just as much as I taught them.

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