Cinthya Hernandez '18

So many teachers at Flintridge Sacred Heart inspired me to become the person I am today but I am especially thankful to Ms. Finley for introducing me to computer science.

Please describe an experience, class or teacher on the Hill that sparked a passion or interest that continues to this day.

So many teachers at Flintridge Sacred Heart inspired me to become the person I am today but I am especially thankful to Ms. Finley for introducing me to computer science and inspiring me to apply to Girls Who Code. Having the experience of taking AP Computer Science and being a part of the Tech Team was instrumental in deciding to pursue engineering in college. Being in Mr. Bernstein's class for both my junior and sophomore years also inspired me to look more critically at the world and the literature that surrounds us.

With Veritas, the Latin word for truth, at the center of a Flintridge Sacred Heart education, what value has that brought to your life?

Veritas to me has always meant allowing everyone to speak their truth. Because of this, I remain steadfast in my effort to make marginalized voices amplified. As the only female Electrical Engineering student my year I have seen firsthand the impact being in an all-girls environment has and I recognize that women and people of color remain unheard in many spaces. Because of this, I hope to continue searching for and creating safe spaces for the people whose truth is not being heard.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The octagon is my favorite spot on campus because I loved looking out at the view.

What is your current career?

Electrical Engineering Student

What's your proudest accomplishment so far?

My proudest accomplishment has not been completely accomplished yet, but I am currently helping create a reverse vending machine that will allow DC residents to recycle plastics and glass into a machine that will deliver the monetary value of their recyclables to their DC Metro Card. I am working as the lead electrical engineering student through my University's Engineers without Borders organization. I hope that once this machine has been completed it can help DC residents be more eco-friendly by recycling and using public transportation more frequently. I also hope that this allows the large homeless population in DC to have more access to transportation and in doing so allows them to find more opportunities and safe spaces. 

What advice do you have for someone applying to Flintridge Sacred Heart?

I advise incoming students to take advantage of the opportunities that the school has to offer and to try the classes and electives outside of your comfort zone; it may become your career!

Anything else you want to share about yourself?

Flintridge Sacred Heart helped me find the courage to be a leader, when I created Latinas United in Action alongside Sofia Guttierez '18. I was so inspired by the fierce and strong women that were my fellow peers. The guidance from faculty like Dr. Navarro and Ms. Montoya helped me find the courage to work with Sofia in leading LUA. I am so happy to hear that her legacy continues on the Hill. I use the lessons taught to me by Sofia and all of the Latinx students at Flintridge Sacred Heart to lead as president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers chapter at my university. I hope to continue being a mentor to Latinx in my community and to help women in engineering find community and support.

FLINTRIDGE SACRED HEART

440 St. Katherine Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
626-685-8300

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Flintridge Sacred Heart, a Catholic, Dominican, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding high school, educates young women for a life of faith, integrity, and truth.

Flintridge Sacred Heart admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, and athletic and other school-administered programs.