Margarita Hernandez: The Language of Resilience

The first time Margarita Hernandez walked into a college classroom, she already knew she was behind. She had planned to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, but a placement test put her directly into general education classes. Within weeks, she was sitting in Statistics, English 1A, and Health Science, trying to keep up in a language she had not yet mastered.

Statistics was particularly daunting. “As soon as my classes started, I noticed that Statistics was very difficult, so I dropped the class during the second week,” she said. What remained was harder in a different way. English 1A required a level of reading and writing she did not yet have, and even speaking in class felt like a risk.

Instead of stepping away, she leaned in. After speaking with her English professor, Hernandez began spending several days a week in the Moreno Valley College Learning Center. The work was steady and, at times, uncomfortable. “Both classes were very challenging for me because my English skills were not strong enough,” she said. “I was not ready for general education classes.”

Outside the classroom, a small decision opened an unexpected door. Looking for extra credit, Hernandez began attending meetings for the Sport and Fitness Club. What started as a requirement quickly became a community. She moved from participant to member, and eventually to president.

“Being the president of the club was an amazing experience,” she said. “I never thought I would be able to accomplish so many things.” The same student who once hesitated to speak in class was now recruiting members, coordinating with student government, and helping shape campus activities.

Her academic path soon followed that shift. The following semester, Hernandez enrolled in ESL courses. Under the guidance of faculty like Joyce Kim, Ph.D., she developed quickly. Soon, classmates were asking her for help, and she was nominated to serve as a Supplemental Instructional Leader.

“Helping other students improve their English skills felt so rewarding that I changed my major from business to English for transfer,” she said.

That decision marked a shift in purpose. Supporting other students navigating language barriers gave her a sense of direction. After graduating from Moreno Valley College in 2021, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and pursued graduate studies in Spanish. “Speaking Spanish is a central part of my culture and who I am, and I didn’t want to drift away from it,” she said.

Today, Hernandez has returned to MVC as a Supplemental Instructional Leader and embedded tutor. She works with students whose experiences often mirror her own, showing them that bilingualism is a source of power. Her approach is grounded in honesty; she does not present success as a straight path.

“My journey as a student hasn’t been perfect, and I have faced setbacks,” she said. Passing her first English class with an A remains her proudest moment; not just for the grade, but for the hard work it represented.

When asked what she would tell current students, her advice is direct: Seek support, get involved, and remember a phrase that carries both personal and cultural weight: “Si se Puede.”

Whether you are strengthening your English skills or navigating your path in higher education, Moreno Valley College is here to support your growth. Visit mvc.edu/today to take your next step toward a brighter future.