Destiny Hernandez

Destiny Hernandez – Texas
Nomination by Julian Nandin
Photography by Seniors by Vaughanadora
Issue 83 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Destiny, who is Miss Carrizo Springs, is deeply involved in her town. Her responsibilities include participating in community activities, visiting nursing homes, having coffee with elderly residents, and attending local events. As a dedicated student, she consistently earns A and B honor roll status and excels as a student athlete, competing in softball and track, where she has won medals. Destiny is always ready to lend a hand, positively impacting both her school and community. Personally, I find her to be one of the sweetest, kindest, most loving, and passionate individuals I know.

Photography by Seniors by Vaughanadora
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Some inspiring qualities about me not included in my nomination are my strength and independence. Growing up with separated parents, I visited my dad every other weekend and stayed with him for a month and a half each summer, while my mom had full custody. The constant arguments during this time made me stronger. As I grew older, I taught myself to manage my hair, makeup, homework, and dress independently. When I started working, I opened a bank account, bought my own phone, and paid it off myself. I worked hard for what I wanted and handled my back-to-school shopping on my own.

What else would you like to talk about?
Something else I’d like to share is about my family. I have six siblings: three from my mom’s side and three from my dad’s side. I am the third oldest and the only girl. Even though I’m not the oldest, I often feel like I am because I would teach my two older brothers how to cook and help them with their schoolwork, despite being three and five grades below them. Whenever my brothers misbehaved, I’d get after them. They say I sounded just like our parents, ensuring they stayed out of trouble and followed the rules.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
At 10 years old, I was diagnosed with asthma after struggling to breathe during youth basketball practice with my dad. Despite medical challenges, including a heart murmur that restricted my activities, I persevered. The diagnosis initially frightened me, making me halt the sports I loved. However, after a year, I returned to the activities I was passionate about, which filled me with pride. Overcoming these health issues taught me that with belief and perseverance, I can achieve anything. My experience serves as a constant reminder to push through challenges, knowing that progress is often closer than it seems.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found my photographer through friends who were part of her senior photography group last year and through Instagram. When I first met Roxann, I knew we would get along well. Her personality makes me feel comfortable, which I love most about her. In my experience, she has helped me become more confident with myself and my smile. She is easy to talk to about anything and has become like a close friend I can rely on. I never doubt the quality of my pictures with her, knowing they will always turn out great!

What community activities do you enjoy participating in?
I enjoy participating in community activities like attending and assisting with local pageant events. Additionally, I contribute by help donating and giving gifts to children in our community. These activities allow me to engage with others, support local events, and make a positive impact on the lives of children.

Which is your favorite and why?
I enjoy participating in a community event with the Dimmit County Sheriff Department, where we give out bikes and gifts to kids for Christmas. Seeing the excitement on their faces warms my heart. The kids are always so happy and grateful, even for the smallest gifts, which makes the experience fulfilling.

What do you love most about visiting nursing homes?
What I love most about visiting nursing homes is seeing the excitement on the elderly’s faces. When I sit down to talk with them, they are happy to have someone to spend time with, as some rarely get visitors. It’s heartwarming to know that a simple conversation can brighten their day and make a difference.

What is the most interesting thing you've learned from having coffee with the elderly?
The most interesting thing I've learned from having coffee with the elderly is how sensitive and similar they are to children in some ways. You have to be mindful of how you word and say things because they take everything to heart. Just like children, they appreciate kindness and care, so it's important to speak gently and thoughtfully, ensuring they feel valued and respected during conversations. Small gestures can mean a lot to them.

What local events do you enjoy attending?
I enjoy attending local events like community pep rallies, bonfires, and festivals. Each offers a chance to connect with others, making them fun and memorable experiences.

Tell us about a recent local event that is a tradition in your town that you hope never goes away.
A recent local event I hope never goes away is our town's Jamaica festival. It's a beloved tradition where people gather to celebrate, eat, play games, and enjoy rides. Kids eagerly volunteer to help and participate in the games set up for them. The festival creates a fun, vibrant atmosphere that makes for a memorable weekend, showcasing how our community comes together to enjoy and celebrate.

What is your favorite class this year and why?
My favorite class this year is career prep because it teaches me to be neater and more organized with paperwork. I’m learning how to research jobs and future plans properly, which is invaluable for my post-graduation plans. The class also helps me become more responsible for my belongings, which is a crucial skill for both my academic and future professional life.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m most looking forward to graduating high school and moving to San Antonio, Texas, to pursue my dream of attending UTSA. The prospect of starting this new chapter and joining my dream college is incredibly exciting.

What is a favorite accomplishment you've had in track?
My most favorite accomplishment in track was during my junior year when I improved my 100-meter dash time from 14.46 seconds at the start of the season to 13.23 seconds by the end. This significant improvement allowed me to place in the top three for several races and finally beat my competition from the previous season. It was a rewarding experience to see my hard work and dedication finally pay off.

What position do you play in softball and why does it suit you?
I play as an all-around outfielder in softball because my speed and ability to read the ball make me well-suited for the position. My quickness helps me hustle to the ball and make important plays on the field.

What leadership roles have you had in sports?
In my sports leadership roles, I’ve taught underclassmen how to properly stretch, warm up, and prepare before races. I also focus on encouraging others to persevere, stressing that a bad start or a few mistakes don’t define their abilities. Everyone faces setbacks, but it’s important to stay confident and push through. By putting your mind and heart into it, you can overcome challenges and succeed, regardless of any initial difficulties.

What is your strongest leadership quality?
My strongest leadership quality is motivating and empowering those around me to achieve their best.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
If I had nothing to do and all day to do it, you’d find me spending quality time with my family or friends. I enjoy being around loved ones and making the most of our time together.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Something I’m really excited about is the upcoming trunk or treat event with my pageant court girls. We’ll be dressing up as Disney princesses and getting to interact with people in our community. It’s going to be a fun and memorable way to engage with everyone and bring smiles to kids’ faces.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Advice I’d give to someone aiming to reach where I am today is to never be afraid to try new things. Life has many unexpected opportunities that you might miss if you don’t take risks. Don’t let negativity or self-doubt hold you back. Instead, use challenges as motivation to push yourself further. Stay focused on your goals and prove to yourself and others that you can overcome obstacles and succeed.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I see myself graduating college with a master’s in nursing and starting my second year in forensic psychology. My goal is to become a forensic nurse, providing specialized care to victims of violence, abuse, and sexual assault, making a meaningful impact in their lives.

3 Things on your bucket list
My top three bucket list items are exciting and meaningful to me. First, I want to visit Bora Bora because the water looks so pretty and clear, and I've always dreamed of experiencing its beauty in person. Second, I want to go scuba diving. I love the water and have always wondered what it would be like to explore underwater, seeing how things look up close. Finally, I want to visit Symmes Chapel in South Carolina. The view is stunning, and the worship services seem so peaceful and relaxing, making it a perfect spiritual getaway.

Look for Destiny in issue 83 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 83

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