Allyson Hernandez is no stranger to firsts. As a high school student, the thought of college made her nervous. She was the first to complete a college degree in her family.  

She considered majoring in business or finance, like her family’s business, but quickly realized she was not passionate about it. “If you have to try, it’s not for you,” her mom said.  

What did come effortlessly was her love and passion for design. She discovered her love to create when she was young—constantly playing with blocks, building structures and imagining designs. Then, in high school, she pursued artistic classes and endeavors that helped her build an art portfolio.  

Her older sister suggested Anderson University because of the Christian environment and great graphic design program it would expose her to. Although she was touring and thinking about attending schools in Boston and Florida, she did not feel as though God was calling her to those places.  

The deciding factor for Allyson was the Diversity, Community, and Inclusion Scholarship Competition. Although the financial aid was helpful and necessary, Allyson, like many students, said she chose Anderson University because of the people.  

Now, Allyson is a junior graphic design major, a mentor in the Diversity, Community, and Inclusion (DCI) program, and the president of the Connect Club. Her involvement in these organizations on campus has enriched her experience at Anderson. 

The DCI program provided an environment where Allyson was no longer scared of feeling alone. The mentorship program within DCI gave her the support and confidence she needed. “The DCI program is about looking out for each other, really, because while someone was looking out for me, I was looking out for them. It’s a cycle that I love of having a mentee but also being one at the same time,” she says.  

Allyson is very passionate about community; she loves helping people feel seen, understood, and valued. “I love talking about the Connect Club,” she says, as her face lights up. 

She took an interest in Connect Club during her freshman year because of its emphasis on diversity and its collaboration with the DCI program. She became treasurer her freshman year and vice president her sophomore year. Now, as a junior, she serves as president.  

Another first for Allyson: she is the first Hispanic female president of the club. It’s something she’s proud of.  

In these officer positions, she exudes kindness, inclusivity, and sincerity. “Everyone has my number, and I am like, ‘Text me if you need anything!’” She means it. Club members and others can express their interests they want the club to pursue or discuss, such as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month or a desire to discuss deep issues in relation to diversity and inclusion.  

She wants everything the Connect Club does to be for its members. She emphasizes the dual nature of the club as she explains that there is a time for fun and a time for reflection and thought. Their efforts focus on representation and belonging, so although watching a movie like Encanto or Crazy Rich Asians may seem simple fun on the surface, there is always a deeper significance. “You are your history, your culture, and representing that is such a big thing for me.” 

Connect Club has also hosted events like the panel with Dr. Alveda King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s niece, which was a collaboration with DCI, and the Open Mic Night, hosted by both Connect and the Writer’s Block club. Allyson says the Open Mic Night was one of her favorite events she’s ever done, because she was able to see the artistry and passion of many diverse students.  

One of the most interesting and enriching classes she has had at Anderson is her course on Design for Social Value, which includes discussing complex issues such as poverty, privilege, and racism.  

“I want to be an activist and go into social design,” Allyson says. The recent trip their class took to the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama was a very impactful experience and spurred her to action. “I have a voice, and I use it,” she says. “That’s what I love, because I used to think, ‘Maybe I’ll just stay in the back,’ but after what I’ve experienced and heard others experience, I’m going to fight for them.” 

Every aspect of her experience has reassured Allyson that Anderson is the place for her. Although it is not always easy to be a first-generation college student, her family and her friends are her biggest supporters.  

“I’m doing this for a reason, not just to get a diploma, but to have a good impact, to have a legacy,” she says. Her passion for pouring back into the Anderson community, her warm smile and kind disposition ensure that she will do just that. Who knows what other “firsts” she may inspire.