51³Ô¹ÏÍø

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THE PULSE AND PRIDE OF THE BULLDOGS

The Power of Perseverance

Chabelli Hernandez Finds Her Voice at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Chabelli HernandezWhen 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.”