We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Aidé Hernández. Check out our conversation below.
Aidé, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days are a combination of waking up super early at 6 am to teach on campus or being able to sleep in a few hours, and working from home on class prep and research projects! This is what my days often look like as a new faculty member!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aidé, newly minted Dr. Hernández! I defended my dissertation in April 2025, walked the stage in May 2025, and became part of the 1% of Latinas with a doctorate! I was able to enjoy a few months off for summer break before starting my new full-time position as a Sociology tenure-track professor at a teaching school in Chicago. When I’m outside of the classroom, I’m creating content on @Gradconmigo, an online community where I have shared my journey obtaining my PhD, and now where I am sharing my journey as a professor! A full circle moment. Through my platform, I share my experiences as a first-gen Latina in academia to disseminate information on graduate school for those who aspire to advance their education and careers.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
A few of my undergrad mentors saw my potential before I did! As a first-gen student, I was so lost in my first years of college. I knew what I had to do- go to class, do well on assignments, and so forth. But outside of that, I did not know what it meant to build long-lasting relationships with peers and mentors who were going to guide and support me beyond the classroom. If it weren’t for my advisors and other mentors, I would not have declared a double major or applied to graduate school. They sat down with me, shared information on how to apply to graduate school, and saw the potential I had. I would have never imagined pursuing a PhD without them.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The first year of my PhD program was not only academically challenging but also socially and emotionally. This new journey was very demanding, and I had to juggle school, my family responsibilities, and my personal life. The pandemic hit my first year of my program and that forced me to slow down. I developed better strategies to manage all these demands, and was able to better understand what I needed to prioritize. This time also allowed me to invest in myself and reflect on who I wanted to become. Although the first two years of my program were difficult, and there were SO many times that I wanted to give up, I didn’t, thanks to my friends, family, and mentors. It takes a whole community to make it through journeys like this.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Community! Comunidad is everything. I did not accomplish all I have alone. It has been because of the love, care and support of my friends, family, mentors and loved ones. I deeply value and advocate for my community.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Worrying about things out of my control. I know many people may share similar thoughts, but it is true! We have to give ourselves grace and acknowledge that sometimes we cannot do it all. As long as we are committed to the work with love, care and patience, that is more than enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradconmigo/?hl=en
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@gradconmigo?lang=en
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