Jasmin Hernandez is getting the chance to continue her DECA journey in college, something she didn’t know she would have the opportunity to do after graduating high school.
She was an active member of Casey County High School’s DECA program right before she graduated in May, even earning the role of president as a senior.
When she found that the University of Kentucky was starting a DECA program, she jumped at the opportunity to apply for a position as the VP of Hospitality.
Hernandez wanted to apply for the position due to the opportunities it provides.
“I have always enjoyed being in DECA, and to continue this journey in college was instantly a club I knew I wanted to continue to pursue,” she said.
Hernandez’s role as VP of Hospitality is making all members feel welcomed.
“DECA is a place where new connections and memories can be made,” she said, “so to help continue that mission, as VP of hospitality, I will host member events, connect with alumni and strive to always maintain an inclusive environment.”
Hernandez was truly overjoyed when she found out that she had been elected to fulfill this role.
“Getting the chance to continue being in a club that impacted me so positively and, furthermore, getting the chance to serve as an officer in a club that is being started for the first time at UK … it was just amazing,” she said.
Hernandez was voted into this position in September, only having her first official meeting as VP of Hospitality earlier this month.
Even though she’s new to the position, Hernandez already has a favorite part: helping to build a sense of community.
“Having a community, especially on such a big college campus, truly helps people feel seen and cared for,” she said. “Seeing as my role gets to aid (in doing) just that truly excites me! I mean, not only will I help build a community, but I also get to foster connections.”
That was exactly what she enjoyed about being in DECA in high school.
Hernandez’s time as CCHS’s DECA president last year heavily influenced her decision to apply, noting the “incredible” time she had in the club.
“I got to see many students succeed in competitions, made many friends, and I learned a lot,” she said. “DECA made such a positive impact on me, so when the opportunity to continue my journey in college came along, it was truly a no-brainer!”
In short, being in DECA has immensely changed Hernandez’s life, something she’s excited to continue building on. She was recruited into the CCHS DECA chapter by her younger sister, Ana Gonzalez, as a junior. She credits Gonzalez with helping to lead her down the path she is currently on.
“Had it not been for her, I would have never had the chance to participate in such an incredible club,” she said. “DECA has truly given me the best memories, like the Christmas gift exchange, or our silly moments at state competitions, and the Starbucks runs during regions. DECA truly gave me memories that I will forever cherish.
“It taught me critical thinking skills, gave me confidence in my public speaking, helped me grow in my teamwork skills, and, of course, taught me so much about the business world. DECA has truly changed me as a person because it gave me many things to be grateful for and taught me skills that I will always carry far beyond my DECA years.”
