Momentum
THE PULSE AND PRIDE OF THE BULLDOGS
The Power of Perseverance
When Chabelli Hernandez graduated from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in 2023 with an associate degree in Liberal Arts, she became the first woman in her family to earn a college degree. For Hernandez—who also goes by the name Latina Bohemian, a creative identity she uses for her art and writing—the milestone represented more than academic achievement. It marked the beginning of a new chapter shaped by resilience, self-discovery, and the support of a college community that believed in her potential.
Hernandez’s journey to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø was not linear. She enrolled in 2012, but life soon led her in other directions. Over the years, she worked in retail, earned a home health aide certificate, and served as a caregiver for her grandmother, who lived to be nearly 93. Along the way, Hernandez struggled with self-doubt and uncertainty about her future. When she returned to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in 2020, however, she was determined to finish what she started—and found the encouragement she needed to move forward.
“51³Ô¹ÏÍø became the stepping stone for me—it was the foundation for everything I’ve been able to achieve,” Hernandez said. “I found a community here that saw potential in me when I couldn’t always see it in myself. After years of trials and tribulations, I found my spark again.”
That foundation helped Hernandez discover a passion for creative writing. A poetry class at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø ignited her interest, and she was soon published in Tell Magazine. With each piece, she gained confidence in her voice as a writer and storyteller. Her poetry has since appeared in several publications across Greater Boston, exploring themes of heritage, resilience and identity.
Her time at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø opened doors to media and community engagement. Through a professional development program with El Mundo Boston, Hernandez created a podcast on entrepreneurship, interviewing leaders and creatives about their journeys. She credits 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with providing both the academic skills and confidence to pursue opportunities.
Now a junior at UMass Amherst majoring in business with a concentration in writing, Hernandez maintains a GPA above 3.0. At 31, she proudly embraces her role as a non-traditional student.
“Your dreams don’t have to expire,” Hernandez said. “No matter your age or circumstances, there’s always a way forward—and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø can be that first step.”