I still remember sitting in the auditorium of the Center for Career & Technology Education – a place where high school juniors and seniors within the El Paso Independant School District (EPISD) spent half the school day exploring different career paths. I chose diesel mechanics. I learned how to work on cars with my father, so it seemed like a straightforward choice. I continued that career path after graduating high school and at El Paso Community College (EPCC).

Right before the summer 2022 semester at EPCC, I decided to change my major to advertising and public relations as I’ve always wanted to be in a creative field. I learned about the industry during my time at a dealership where I would photograph cars and upload pictures to their website. Watching graphic designer Carlos Sanchez and director of marketing Chris MacDonald come up with commercial ideas gave me insight into a whole new world.

I’d share some of my own ideas with Chris and he would be interested in them and spoke highly of me to another high-ranking employee. That was the moment I knew I could become great in the field. Making that life altering decision at 19 was nerve-wracking, but I never regretted it for a second. I left the dealership and continued my college education full time. Taking night classes, enrolling during summers and taking up to six classes at time was all worth it to get my associate’s degree in May 2024.

I transferred to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) not knowing what was ahead. Little did I know what opportunities, life lessons and friendships I would make along the way. Joining The Prospector this spring was a goal I had since the previous semester. When I finally became a part of the team as a photo contributor, I had one main goal; to prove to this organization that I belonged here. Now, as sports editor, the path continues its winding turns.

Thank you to UTEP alumnus and best friend John Finnie for letting me photograph his gigs back when the both of us tried to find out why the camera screen was green sometimes. Thank you to the connections I have made in the music scene with artists from Denver, San Antonio and Memphis, and to the friends I’ve known for years before UTEP. Thank you to the friends I have made at The Prospector who have made this place my motivation to keep moving forward. Thank you to the professors at EPCC for their pure passion and love for helping people grow, especially Jermey Edmonson for believing in my ability to create themes for the EPCC Dance program.

Most importantly, thank you to my mother, who has always believed in me. Thank you for teaching me what a man is supposed to be.

Kristian Hernandez is the sports editor for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected] and social media tags @northeastvideography.