In a sea of people, it can be hard to make yourself distinguishable. North Penn senior Nick Hernandez, however, decided to make it a goal of his to promote inclusion and positivity wherever he goes. This effort has proven successful, as Nick has impacted a myriad of lives around him for the better.

How was your transition from middle school to high school?

“It was difficult, because I wasn’t used to being very sociable. A key part of high school is being in a group and having those people you feel comfortable talking to. Due to the fact that I didn’t have that, I found myself spending a lot of lunch periods alone, trying to waste time so I could go back to class and get through the rest of the day.”

What are some of your favorite and least favorite classes that you currently take?

“I think my favorite class has been manufacturing, which I’m currently taking. I’m able to take something that’s not really defined, like a plank of wood, and make it something of value. It makes me feel like I have a certain level of control on something. My least favorite class has been geometry, because it’s a lot of plugging the same formulas in. There’s nothing new or different that you’re doing. It all felt too similar, and I didn’t feel like I could express myself at all. I felt like just another student in the class rather than my own person – a feeling that I don’t like.”

Do you have a specific interest or path that you’re planning on pursuing throughout high school and beyond?

“I’m trying to become a psychiatrist. I’ve dealt with depression and negative thoughts in my life when I was really young, and I didn’t have anybody to support me. Because of this, I know how it feels to be alone, and I don’t want anyone else to feel like they’re alone. I want to be able to give people a helping hand where I didn’t get that.”

Who’s been the most influential person in your life thus far?

“My brother, Gale. We’ve always been around each other, and I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a super inclusive person, and I know a lot of other people would have excluded their siblings. My brother always made a point to let me know there was something I could be a part of. Due to that, I always strive to not leave anyone behind in anything that I’m doing.”

What has been your favorite North Penn memory?

“It was in sociology class, when I found out that Dr. Hall had emailed my dad giving me a lot of praise and saying a lot of nice things I’m not used to hearing from teachers. It was extremely unexpected, but I really liked it. It wasn’t just because I was getting praise, I liked it because it made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile, and I wasn’t just following rules.”

What advice do you have for fellow North Penn students regarding making it through high school?

“Stay focused on the things you enjoy doing. You don’t know how fast you’ll lose those things, and it’s good to cherish them while you have them. They’re important and they make you who you are. Also, try to explore new things, don’t just stick to one path.”