Privacy policy

About the Creator 

Hello, my name is Jennifer Hernandez, and I am the creator of First To Know. I am a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrant parents from Guatemala and Mexico. My parents came to the United States with the hope of creating more opportunities for our family.

My first memory of learning about college was during an elementary school project. I was asked to collect information about a university, but I did not really know what a university was. One day, I found a flyer for Rio Hondo College on our kitchen table and decided to do my project on that school. When I turned it in, my teacher told me I could go there first and then transfer. At the time, I did not understand what that meant, but I agreed.

I remember looking at my classmates’ projects and seeing a bear with blue letters. I did not know it then, but they were writing about UCLA. Years later, that became part of my own story. I went to community college first and then transferred to the school with the bear and blue letters.

My journey has not always been easy. There were many moments when I felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure if I belonged. Even with those challenges, I am now preparing to graduate. I created First To Know to help close the college knowledge gap and give students clear information if they choose to pursue higher education.

                             

Education

I transferred from Riverside City College to the University of California, Los Angeles, where I am pursuing a degree in Education and Social Transformation.

My educational goal is to earn a master’s degree in educational counseling.

                                       

My Approach to Student Support

I believe first-generation students bring valuable strengths, experiences, and forms of capital with them. They are not lacking motivation or ability. Many simply need access to clear college information and support.

First To Know was created to help students better understand applications, financial aid, after-acceptance steps, and campus life. My goal is to make college information easier to access, less overwhelming, and more relatable.

This website is not meant to replace school counselors. Instead, it serves as an additional resource for students who may need extra guidance, especially when counselor support is limited or difficult to access.