Natalie Hernandez might be the most visible junior at Granite Hills High School.
She is involved in ASB, track and field, high-level classes, and multiple clubs and internships, earning the respect of many of her peers and teachers.
“Natalie came from a very small school before Granite; she was very introverted, but she really wanted to make new friends and embrace in our Grizzly culture, and ever since her freshman year she’s really embodied being a true Grizzly by getting involved in as many things as she can, by connecting with her classmates, teachers, and community members,” ASB director Ms. Shelby Lozano said. “She goes above and beyond to be a true Grizzly. Her humor, her smile, her laugh, and her personality shine through her every day. She’s always willing to help others, and overall, she has an amazing personality that reminds me a lot of myself. She’s a kid who has big plans after high school to not only make herself proud but many others as well.”
Hernandez is a busy student, but she also leads an interesting personal life.
Some of Hernandez’s hobbies include studying supernatural activities, frequently updating her letterbox account, painting and drawing, watching movies, and learning new things about history.
Hernandez is very passionate about history and hopes that passion will lead her to UCLA, where she plans to major in History.
” I’m passionate about going to UCLA because it’s in the heart of LA, it’s not too far from downtown, and I have family over there,” Hernandez said.
This may hurt some feelings, but her favorite teacher at Granite Hills is Mr. Esteban Lopez.
“Mr. Lopez is my favorite teacher because he’s just a chill guy, very relatable, and very easy to talk to,” Hernandez said.
Mr. Lopez had nothing but praise for Hernandez.
“Natalie is a good student, she’s so creative, she’s involved in class, always participates, motivates others to do better, and is just overall a positive student,” he said.
With the support of Lopez and all her other teachers, Hernandez’s goal is to receive straight As this year.
Hernandez’s inspiration is her older brother, Jesus Hernandez, because he is a history teacher at Matilda Torres High School in Madera, and he is “Super rich,” she said.
Every day, Hernandez hangs out with her best friends Ruby Contreras and Anessa Villagomez. Hernandez spends her weekends playing Roblox and other games with her friends, as well as chatting with them on Discord.
“My best friends are important to me because they are both people who are with me through thick and thin,” Hernandez said. “They uplift me while keeping me humble.”
In 5-10 years, Hernandez sees herself graduating from college, finding an apartment or home to live in Los Angeles, and becoming a history teacher.
Hernandez’s favorite quote is “We are who we choose to be,” by Spiderman.
“This is my favorite quote because it reminds people that their choices define who they are, not their past circumstances,” Hernandez said.
