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Congratulations to Jennifer Hernandez Gutierrez, 51����’s (51����) Student Achievement Award recipient for February 2021.

Gutierrez is in 51����’s Elementary Education program and is thrilled to be at the College.

“I always knew I wanted to go to college,” she said, "I just didn't know how I would get to college or if it was even an option for me. What prompted my decision to enroll was to make my parents, who emigrated from Mexico, proud and to make their sacrifices worth it.”

Gutierrez is also thankful to the Enrollment team and staff at 51����, who helped the first-generation student start classes. “51���� has great resources and opportunities,” she added.

Sitlaly Hernandez, a Latinx Student Services Coordinator at 51����, has watched Gutierrez succeed as a student and encouraged her to become a Presidential Ambassador at the College.

“Not once has she shied away from asking questions or seeking support from our many resources, and for that, I commend her,” Hernandez said. “Now, as Presidential Ambassador, every week she shows up with a smile, eager to learn, and ready to help. To witness her growth as a student leader is truly inspiring, and I look forward to watching her continue to make an impact at 51����.”

In addition to the staff at 51����, Gutierrez also credits faculty for helping her to thrive in her higher-education journey.

“There are educators that go out of their way for their students. This inspires me to one day be an educator myself,” she said. “My current English102 instructor, Roni Rankin, is one of those educators. In class, after class via email she is always available for her students. She has stayed after class to help me with essays, she gets back to emails, and she is so dedicated. Instructors like Roni Rankin make you want to attend class and learn. 51���� has great instructors!”

After graduating from 51���� next year, she plans on attending to get her bachelor’s degree.

She added, “Because of 51���� I am in college beating the odds against me and working on making my dreams a reality. At times it still feels surreal to me that I am here.”