Yonatan Hernández, a dedicated veteran, reflects on the transformative journey that led him to serve in the military. Born and raised in Mexico City, he migrated to Houston, Texas, at the age of 12, facing the daunting challenge of adapting to a new country and language. "I spoke no English at all when I first arrived," Hernández recalls, highlighting the sheer determination it took to thrive in a foreign environment. "I had to learn quickly, and it was tough, but I wanted more for myself."

His academic journey began tumultuously. Motivated by his intelligence, Hernández advanced rapidly through grades, yet he later recognized the importance of fully absorbing the language and culture surrounding him. "In retrospect, I realize that staying in second grade to learn English would have been more beneficial," he admits. Inspired by his family—his sister graduated from Harvard and NYU, while his brother succeeded in finance—Hernández felt compelled to carve his own unique path. "I always wanted to do something that wasn’t just following in their footsteps. I wanted to make my own mark," he asserts.

The legacy of his great-grandfather, a Mexican general, instilled in him a desire to serve in the military. "I was actually born on the same day as he was, September 15," Hernández shares, reflecting on his deep-rooted connection to his family’s military history. This bond led him to join the ROTC during high school. "I realized very early that if I didn't choose to go into the military, I probably wouldn't have a very successful career," he explains.

Hernández's military career began in earnest. Despite early setbacks—such as age restrictions that barred him from the Naval Academy—he thrived, quickly achieving the rank of E6. "I made the rank very early in my career, faster than most of my peers," he smiles, reminiscing about his rapid ascent. Yet, after years of competitive pressure, he felt a yearning for change. A tragic family event in 2016, when he lost his father in a car accident, profoundly deepened his resolve to understand and combat issues of discrimination and injustice. "What hurt me the most was how the police treated my dad, like he was just another undocumented immigrant. It reaffirmed my awareness of discrimination," he reflects solemnly.

Seeking solace, Hernández moved to Japan, where he found joy and personal growth. "In Japan, I really learned to look internally, to love myself again," he shares, emphasizing the transformative experience. However, upon returning to the U.S. in 2021, he faced new challenges, including a medical condition that interrupted his military service. "I ended up with more damage from the surgery than I had before. Navigating through all these adversities has brought me to where I am now," he explains.

Achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer was a significant milestone in Hernández’s career, but it was the initiation process that truly validated his efforts. "It was the validation of everything that I had been working on for myself," he notes. This journey was more about personal fulfillment and growth than titles or recognition.

Hernández discovers new purpose in supporting fellow veterans. He co-hosts the MIL2VET Veteran Podcast, which aims to help military service members and veterans transition to civilian life. "We share inspiring stories, firsthand experiences, and essential resources to help veterans navigate this journey," he explains. Alongside Navy Veteran Chris Elder, the podcast fosters a community where listeners can explore insights and share their experiences. "It's a way for us to give back and support one another," he adds.

His involvement with the Veterans Service Center has been particularly impactful. "I feel like I'm at home," he says, reflecting on his commitment to the center. His efforts to advocate for suicide prevention and support other veterans have taken on special significance, especially given the support he received from the center and from dedicated faculty like Professor Nicole Vargas. "If I am able to stop one or two from taking that step, that's all that matters," he emphasizes.

Despite owning two houses in Japan, Hernández cherishes the flexibility of living in an RV. This lifestyle keeps him connected to his community while allowing him to continue his important work. His VA work-study duties invigorate him, especially when he translates interviews from English to Spanish, helping to share veterans’ stories and inspire others. Recently, he learned that Katya Echazarreta began her career on the same campus as him. "I realized then that this was then the place I needed to be," he says, expressing his dream of one day sharing the same space with the remarkable woman who inspired him to reach for his goals.

Today, Hernández is actively pursuing his studies while sharing his experiences as a VA work-study student, here at City’s Veterans Service Center (VSC), hoping to inspire those who may feel lost in their paths. "I want to show others that no matter the obstacles, you can carve your own path and leave a legacy," he states firmly. His narrative stands as a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the profound impact one person can have on another's journey.