You know that part in job interviews where candidates say, “I’m a people person” to the interviewer when asked what strengths they bring to the job? Well, that’s actually Emily Hernandez Alzamora – a real people person.
It’s why she ran in and won the Salt Lake Community College Student Association race for president. It’s why she’s still excited about SLCC’s June 26 commencement ceremony, even though it’s online (and she still has a year left at the college). And it’s also why the 19-year-old has had a little tougher time with quarantine and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emily’s parents and little sister have been “calm as cucumbers” while staying at home together throughout the spring in Murray. “Then you have me – I bother everyone, and I try to hug my sister as much possible. I love her so much,” she says. “I try to be as loud as possible. The list goes on.” When she studies, she “travels” to different places throughout the house and yard. “I love being outdoors and seeing people. This way, I can focus on studying but I can also see couples going for walks, little kids riding on their bikes with their parents or siblings or pet owners walking their dogs. It’s all about the little things that make me happy.”
After earning her associate’s degree in business next spring, Emily plans to attend the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business and then to continue her education in law school. Her dream job is to be an attorney with a business law firm, working on human resources legal matters. Emily is plowing through pandemic challenges toward her goal. “Don’t let a situation set you back and prevent you from achieving your dreams, whatever they may be,” she says. “I personally believe that education is the key to personal growth. I have learned from my parents, teachers, mentors, advisors, even my assignments, that if I want to better my life, I need an education. I could lose my home, job, material belongings, but no one can take away my education, and that is more valuable to me than anything.”
Emily believes the pandemic has strengthened the SLCC community, with students tutoring, helping and checking in on one another. “I am here for everyone,” she says. “I want to help and serve the students and let them know I am here for them. I want them to feel that they can always reach out to me for any of their needs, whether it’s education, personal life or just someone to talk to.”
To all of the SLCC grads who missed out on a live commencement ceremony this year, Emily wants to remind them they are all invited back to walk with the Class of 2021 and that they should participate in the June 26 online ceremony next month. “Being able to be a part of your commencement is an experience that should not be denied,” she says. “It will be important and memorable because of how long and hard you worked to earn your degree. It is a special day, and even though we will not be celebrating together, we want to recognize everyone and celebrate wherever we are.”
Graduates can find more information and RSVP for SLCC’s virtual commencement ceremony by clicking here – the deadline to RSVP is June 1.
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