2026 PSD Visual and Performing Arts: Jasmine Hernandez
Coming from a creative family, Jasmine Hernandez wasn’t surprised she took up studio art in college but it wasn’t her first pick. In fact, she says, she was unsure of exactly what to do or where to go, but knew her family expected her to be the first among them to go to college. Without guidance, however, it was a challenge, until she found Cypress College.
Jasmine got involved in clubs to find campus community a creative outlet. She joined Art Visionaries Club, which re-sparked her passion for art, and became its president. In addition to the creative outlet art provided for her, she enjoyed fostering creativity in others through the club members.
When times were tough for Jasmine, community stepped up. Her instructors in the Art Department kept her going during a difficult period for her, and their support and dedication inspired her to want to teach art at the college level, too.
Jasmine will go on to earn her BFA at Cal State LA, and hopes to achieve her master’s degree to teach art in higher education. She now definitely knows what she wants to do and, now, how she wants to do it and who she wants to help find that spark along the way.
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests?
What is your story? I’m from South LA. My family moved to Norwalk when I was about five years old and I did most of my growing up in that city. I come from a family of creative people so it’s no surprise to anyone my interests developed accordingly. Being a first generation college student of color, it was always expected of me to go to college. I had a lot of motivation for seeking higher education, but I found very quickly I had no real guidance on how to make that happen. It was intimidating, and I spent a lot of time after high school fumbling around trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing until I ended up at Cypress College.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I used to think I was only ever truly passionate about my art and the catharsis it brought me; but my time at Cypress College has seen that part of me grow to include sharing what that feeling is like with others. I’ve discovered a newfound potential for me, perhaps one day, I might be able to foster creativity in others and help them assign value to their artistic abilities.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
Initially, I had actually chosen Cypress College mostly for convenience. It seemed like a place where I could find some stability and it wasn’t too far from home while still managing to be something different for me. I look back at that time often and I can’t help but find myself laughing about it because I had no idea just how drastically this place would change my life.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College?
How has your path unfolded? I spent a lot of time involved in club life. I wasn’t initially a Studio Art major upon arriving at Cypress College so I got involved as a way to find a community on campus and have a creative outlet. Joining Art Visionaries Club reignited my passion for art, I changed my major shortly afterwards. Today as its President, I’ve seen a small group of passionate artists grow into a massive team of capable, curious, and creative thinkers.
Each project they tackle has them learning new skills and becoming even more ambitious with each success. I’m very proud to say I was a part of that during my time here. I’m glad my journey at Cypress College will start and end within AVC.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
About a year ago I hit a very low point in my life; I had found myself out of work, out of money, and feeling like I had missed my opportunity because of it. I had felt like a complete failure who had wasted so much time and I was certain I wasn’t going to be able to keep my journey going. Without any hesitation the faculty of the Cypress College Art Department saved me from hitting rock bottom, several of them went above and beyond to help me find a way to stay afloat. They never once hesitated to help where they could and always encouraged me to keep pushing through. I had so much unwavering support from my department’s faculty and it got me through arguably one of the most emotional experiences of my life. It is because of them I am able to be here today.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
The entire department is very passionate about what they do and who they do it for, that alone was a huge motivator. Specifically though, I owe a lot to Donivan Howard, Janet Owen-Driggs, and Ed Giardina. Each one of them was instrumental in my success at Cypress College and all together they’ve unwittingly not only helped develop my skills as an artist but have also inspired me to want to pursue a career in art-related education. Their genuine passion for their student body is immeasurable. Each one was always willing to go out of their way to make sure I had what I needed to be successful and I’ve continued to watch them do the same for others every single day without fail. They are all facets of the kind of educator I want to be one day. I don’t think they will ever really know just how much they changed my life for the better. I’m certain ‘thank you’ doesn’t even begin to sum up the sentiment.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
I’ve always appreciated that Cypress College as an institution has a dedication to allowing students to challenge themselves in a way that is achievable from almost any stage in your life. I’ve seen so many different people from so many different backgrounds during my time here. I find the diversity amongst them to be a testament to the impressive integrity of Cypress College’s care and support for their students.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
I’ll be transferring to Cal-State LA to complete my BFA. I enjoyed my time studying outside LA County but I had always hoped I would be one of those people who was able to finish school and be able to give back to my community in some way. Planting roots back home as an LA native and eventually graduating from a local university is my first step in that direction.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
Long term I’d like to continue my education past my BFA. My aspiration for teaching means I’ll require a master’s degree at some point so I see continuing on as less of an arbitrary goal and more of an eventual necessity. I’ll admit the prospect is terrifying, but my time at Cypress College has shown me I am capable of much more than I want to assume I can be, so I’m inclined to remain optimistic.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the person I’ve become. In just a few years I’ve learned and grown so much at Cypress College. A small part of me will definitely miss it but a bigger part of me is interested in taking what I’ve gained here into the next chapter of my story.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
The best advice I could give would be to tell students not to be afraid of your own success. We miss out on so much in our lives and often make decisions against what feeds our spirit because we fear what will happen if things don’t work out the way we intend them to. The truth is the only time this is accurate is if we never start or we give up too soon. If you’re here? Congratulations you’ve already started, now all you have to do is believe in yourself long enough to see your ambitions become a reality.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
Firstly, all of the wonderful people I’ve met at Cypress College, you’re a community unlike any other and I’ll be leaving with quite a few lifelong friends because of it. Next would be my family, for all the sacrifices they’ve made that have allowed me the opportunity for a higher education. Lastly, I will always have to thank all my friends and faculty that make up the Cypress College Art Department, they’re a team of people above the rest and my respect for them is immense.