Krystle Hernandez, TRIO Programs project advisor

Krystle joined TRIO as the Upward Bound advisor at Salem High School in 2022. Previously working as a mental and behavioral health specialist within schools, for TRIO Programs she will work with low-income/first generation students to improve academically and get accepted and graduate from higher education institutions. “I enjoy working with students helping them improve their academic success as well as their emotional/mental well-being,” Krystle said.

What’s your favorite way to start the day?
My favorite way to start the day is cleaning around my home and spending time with my dogs.

What is the last book you couldn’t put down?

The last book I couldn't put down was “It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover. I read it within 3 days.

What is one small thing that makes your day better?
Being with my niece helps better my day.

What was your first job?
My first job was working as an office receptionist at a dance studio. My favorite thing about it was being able to meet various dancers and get advice from them as I was a dancer as well. Worst thing was how "slow" some days were as some people would not come into the office.

What hobby would you dive into if time and money weren’t an issue?
A hobby I would dive into would probably be a streamer for video games.

What is your most prized possession?
My most prized possession would probably be my car. I enjoy driving, and it helps ease my mind.

Do you have a role model? Who and what have you learned from them?
My role model is my mom. She has helped me learn and understand the importance of mental health and breaking generational traumas.

Do you have a favorite place to spend time off? My favorite place to spend time off is shopping at TJ Maxx.

What is your super power?
My superpower is being empathetic and working to be able to understand whoever I interact with.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My grandma has always told me "there is always more time than life." She has taught me to treasure life and enjoy it. Time never stops.

What's one thing about you few people know?
One thing few people know about me is I was born prematurely at 36 weeks and spent a week and a half at the NICU.

It’s karaoke night. What song will you sing?
I am not the greatest singer, but I would be singing "All I Ask" by Adele.