Jenna Hernandez
Slater, Iowa
Class of 2024
Why did you chose Central?
I first came to Central College when I competed in the National History Day competition in 8th grade, which was hosted on campus. I presented about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 and really loved the campus. When I later began my college search, Central was at the top of my list, and I never looked back. I also knew that I could study, participate in athletics, and student government, which are all things I love!
Favorite professor and why?
Just choosing one professor at Central is impossible because there are so many great professors. Dr. Wackely has been a huge mentor both in the classroom and in my process of applying to dental school. I also love Dr. Mena. She is such a great professor and so lively. She has been a great mentor as well and always made the classes interesting.
You’re majoring in biochemistry and biology because?
I decided to major in biochemistry because it closely aligned with many dental school prerequisites and I knew that it would give me a wide variety of class options in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and calculus. Later, after enjoying so many biology classes with Dr. B and Dr. Mena, I decided to add a second major for fun! It allowed me to take fun classes that I would otherwise have gotten to take. I'm excited to continue all my classes for my senior year, and I'm even branching out to take a communications class!
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
Outside of Kuyper athletic complex I can often be found helping out at the central market which is where I have my work study as a student manager. I also am a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which has been one of my favorite activities on campus. I also am serving as the Student Body President for the 2023-2024 school year which is an exciting role to take on. I was elected to this position by the student body after serving as a student senator for three years and the senate parliamentarian for 2 years.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I definitely love a wide variety of music but my two go-to artists are Ian Munsick and Teddy Swims. They both are always releasing new songs and doing covers of older songs that I already loved. The tennis team is known for always playing great tunes at practice so our team hype song is definitely Dixieland Delight, we play before every match!!
How has attending Central and playing a sport impacted your life?
Playing tennis at Central has been one of my favorite things about going to Central. I have made so many great friends and memories that I will cherish forever! Additionally, it has prepared me for life after college to work with others, serve my team, and be 1% better each day. I have been able to serve as team captain for the past and upcoming year and I know that this role has allowed me to strengthen our team culture and make a better place each day.
Favorite Disney Chanel Original Movie?
I have to be honest, I dont think that I have ever seen a Disney Channel original movie. It is so embarrassing but I definitely had to look them up! I was a huge bookworm growing up and spent most of my free time outside or reading a book. My all-time favorite is the Narnia Books by C.S. Lewis. They are all great stories with significant meanings!
What song would you sing for an audition on The Voice or American Idol?
I am a huge patriot and Toby Keith fan so I would most definitely choose Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue. It’s such a classic American song and I think it would be a great song to audition with!
What chore did you hate the most as a kid?
I absolutely despised vacuuming and or sweeping the stairs in our house as a kid. I would always get so frustrated when the cords would fly all over the place or get in my face.
“This season I hope that….”
This season, I hope that the Dutch tennis team can come out with a winning record and qualify for the conference tournament in the spring. We had a great spring season and have a big upset win over Nebraska Wesleyan. I am sure that we can do that again and be contenders for the conference title. We have a strong returning lineup with a great incoming freshman class that should set us up for success all season long!
Favorite TV Show
I can’t say that I have watched many TV shows but one of my favorites is The Chosen. It is such a fun series to watch and portrays such a beautiful representation of the gospels. I would highly recommend this to anyone!
What’s it like to play for Coach Ferrell
Playing for Coach Ferrell is always something that is keeping you on your toes. We love to work hard but still have lots of fun which makes our team so great.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of the Central women’s tennis team?
My favorite part about the Women’s Tennis Team at Central is the great friendships that I have made. It is great to have people around so we can work hard together both on the court and in the classroom. Having teammates that can push you to be your best as an athlete and person is essential to our success. I think we had a great team culture last year and I am excited to continue that again this fall.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope to have a family and to be a practicing dentist in my local community. I want to be able to travel to many new places and spend time with my family and help those in need.
Favorite food from Central Market
My favorite food at the Central Market is probably roasted Brussels sprouts. It is definitely a unique choice but it is one of my favorite things to have because they make it pretty often and it goes well with everything!
Bucket list
There are so many things that I want to do in my life but a few items on my bucket list would be to attend Dental school, snorkel in as many coral reefs as possible, travel to Israel to visit the Holy Land, and visit the Mayan temples in Mexico.
