Moriah Hernandez

Pronouns: 

She/her/ella

Tile and Department:

Area Coordinator
Residential Education and Campus Housing (REACH)

How did you end up going into your current role or field and what do you enjoy most about the work you do?

My interest in student affairs began when I was just out of undergrad and working with first-gen college students. This gave me the opportunity to meet other professionals in student affairs and help first-gen students navigate their institutions. I decided to complete a master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. My time in grad school led me to working with housing, residential life, and living-learning communities, and I've been working in residential life-related positions since. My favorite part of the work I do has always been developing relationships with students. This often encompasses the student leaders I supervise, but also being able to help students grow.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sonoma State community?

One of the things I appreciate the most about being at SSU is that it’s so easy to go anywhere on campus and make a connection with others. I've been able to build relationships across departments, and know that I have the support of my colleagues. It also helps that I have a great team that I can have fun with, in and out of the office.

What do you find most fulfilling about working in higher education?

So much growth occurs when a student enters higher education. I love seeing students become more confident in themselves, learning about their values, and reflecting on their decision-making. I love being able to witness it and sometimes am lucky enough to be a part of their growth.

In what ways does your work make an impact on students, the campus or the broader campus community?

I think I have had the greatest impact on students through the student conduct process. Often students come in really anxious about the process, or worried that they will be judged. I try to diffuse this anxiety by explaining the process and helping them understand that just because someone makes a bad decision, that doesn't mean that they are a bad person. Students deserve to be treated with respect, even during challenging moments.