As a first-generation college student hailing from a small town in Northern California, Jessup sophomore Hector Hernandez found himself blending seamlessly into the Jessup community. The former soccer player from Yuba Community College, first learned about Jessup when his school scrimmaged the Warrior soccer team. A few months later, an ad for Jessup’s Warrior Day appeared on his Instagram feed so he decided to spend a day as a prospective student at the Rocklin campus. “As soon as I stepped foot on campus, a sense of peace came over me. After I attended chapel and some workshops, I knew that Jessup was where I wanted to be.”

Hector describes making the transition to Jessup as a transfer student an easy one even though he is the first member of his family to attend college. “I felt like a pioneer, because I was so unfamiliar with the process of applying to a four-year university and none of my friends went to college. I was navigating uncharted territory,” he said. “Jessup’s financial aid counselors made everything so easy for me and also told me about various scholarship opportunities so I could apply to those as well.”

While at Jessup, Hector has been impressed with the way faculty engages with students. From providing additional resources to help students grasp course material to offering suggestions for tutors, Hector appreciates his learning environment. “I remember getting back to my dorm and asking other students if they were experiencing the same thing, and sure enough, they were. I’ve even had faculty bring coffee to class for their students!”

The Business Management major is passionate about training and empowering others to resolve conflict and learn to work effectively within an organization. “I just want to make myself available to others to help them reach their goals and improve their business relation-ships,” the gentle-spirited 20-year-old said. “I think that working through conflict helps people become more real.”

Eager to plug-in to the Jessup community, Hector became a member of the Campus Ministries Welcome Team as well as Jessup’s Orientation and Engagement committee where he had the chance to host Jessup’s first-ever virtual Preview Day. The event was held in response to COVID-19’s requirement to shelter in place and allowed prospective students to learn more about academics, spiritual growth and campus activities.

Hector also found time to join Jessup’s Preaching Club led by Jim Jessup. He believes that one of the greatest privileges of believers is to be used by God. He is thrilled to have the privilege to grow and learn in his ability to preach God’s Word. Hector put it this way, “I’ve had the opportunity to preach at some of Jessup’s partner churches and it has been humbling to not only have the support of my family in the audience but also to have people come up to me after the service to tell me they are encouraged by the younger generation.”

“Honestly, I am thriving here at Jessup and I am loving it,” Hector said. “I think that sharing Christ as the foundation of my relationships has made this year the best I have experienced thus far.”

Hector is already looking forward to next year when he will be putting on a new hat, serving as a resident assistant on campus at Tiffin Hall.