Sarah Hernandez is a strong believer that God uses every experience as an opportunity to grow, learn, and lead you where you’re meant to be. Her life has been marked by the unexpected, and she has learned to persevere through challenges, helping others see the hope that is possible through Christ. As the student placement coordinator in Azusa Pacific University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Hernandez creates a positive impact on students aiming to make a difference as educators.
Originally from Pico Rivera, Calif., Hernandez always wanted to become a teacher. She laughed, recollecting how as a child she assigned homework to her stuffed animals. After moving to a new city, Hernandez attended a public high school for the first time, having gone to private Christian schools prior. “That was when I knew I wanted to work in a faith based school,” she said.
Hernandez went to Orange Coast College, then transferred to Vanguard University, earning a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts along with her teaching credential. Her journey after graduating was not what she had envisioned, however, it was enriching nonetheless. After a one-year internship in children’s ministry at her church, Hernandez spent five years working for a nonprofit after school organization. “Nothing I learned in college felt like a waste, because I applied everything I was taught about making meaningful connections.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Hernandez wanted to explore different career options related to education in order to continue pursuing her calling. While she always thought her vocation was to be in the classroom, God led her to discovering fulfillment in guiding those on the path to becoming teachers. Hernandez heard about APU from a former supervisor who worked in the School of Education. She landed a part time role managing a grant, and in 2022, she became the student placement coordinator.
Hernandez’s position includes partnering with school districts surrounding multiple APU campuses to connect students with classrooms for their clinical practice requirement in order to earn teaching credentials. “I love what I do because I can resonate with how students feel throughout their process,” she said. While the pathway to becoming a teacher can feel challenging through such a rigorous process, Hernandez aims to share encouragement and hope. “Every obstacle they go through is one I overcame before, and I enjoy getting to assure them that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
The community at APU provides Hernandez with a deep sense of joy, as she lives out her calling in an environment that fosters spiritual growth. She greatly admires the diverse culture that APU has, and strives to uplift each student’s individual story and background. “My passion has always been centered around community. Getting to equip teachers to go into their classrooms to build togetherness creates change that I’m proud to be a part of,” she said. In addition to the students she feels blessed to work with, Hernandez appreciates her colleagues, who cultivate a supportive team.
In just one conversation with Hernandez, it is evident how authentic she is. When asked what she’d like readers to know about her story, she opened up about the mental health struggles she went through while in college. Hernandez faced many trials during her credential program, so she seeks to guide students by showing them that they are capable of pursuing their goals. She aims to connect students with the proper resources to get help when they’re undergoing challenges, especially by utilizing APU CARES. “Hardships are not ideal, but they’re okay. God has a plan for every hurdle, and He has a purpose for your life. ”