Mission accomplished for a Mexican student from San José who graduated from high school on Wednesday and was accepted into Harvard University.
Alfredo Hernández Junior recognized his parents during the graduation speech at Kipp San Jose Collegiate School.
“I talked about the process, the path that many parents in this country take, the sacrifices and obstacles that immigrant parents face,” Alfredo explained.
Sacrifices that were worth it with the acceptance of the young Mexican to one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
“We are very proud that all his fruits and work in high school gave him that position at such a prestigious university,” said Hortencia Rosales, Alfredo’s mother..
“About 4 years ago he had an evolution where he changed completely differently, it was something we did not expect,” said Alfredo Hernández, Alfredo’s father.
The young Hispanic man is the first in his family to attend university.
“Alfredo deserves all this and much more. Harvard is not ready for him,” said Leonardo Chelin, dean of culture at Kipp San Jose Collegiate High School.
The teenager is also leaving his mark in San José, at 17 years old, in April and after a year of fighting he managed to get the Council to approve an ordinance that prohibits parking mobile homes within 150 feet of an educational campus. This after reporting the problem to Telemundo 48 in 2023.
“We find change, we create change, and we move forward,” Alfredo said.
Alfredo assured that his civic vocation will continue.
“I entered politics during the pandemic, specifically immigration,” said Alfredo
The recent graduate emphasized that he will study Political Science at Harvard because he aspires to one day represent and fight for the Latino community in East San José, so he has a message for other young people like him.
“Moving forward is necessary to be very successful,” Alfredo emphasized.
