International Student Spotlight: Rosalinda Hernandez

Meet Rosalinda Hernandez, an Angelina College student from Guatemala pursuing her goal of becoming a registered nurse. In this International Student Spotlight, Rosalinda shares a little about home, her experience adjusting to life in Texas, the people who have supported her along the way, and the advice she has for other international students.

Q.Tell us your name, where you’re from, and what you’re studying.

A. My name is Rosalinda Hernandez. I’m originally from Guatemala, but I lived in Honduras for about 13 years before coming to the United States. I’m currently studying to become a Registered Nurse.

I feel a special calling toward nursing and helping people when they need it most. I love being able to care for people, make them feel seen and cared for, and hopefully make a difference in their lives.

For me, nursing is more than just a career. It is something I truly feel called to do, and I hope that one day I can use everything I have learned and experienced to serve others.

Q: If you could bring one thing from your home country to share with people here, what would it be?

A: I would definitely bring some traditional candy and desserts from Guatemala. Food is such a big part of our culture, and I think it is one of the best ways to share a little piece of home with someone.

I would bring canillitas de leche, small candies made from milk, sugar, and cinnamon; pepitoria, a crunchy treat made from toasted pumpkin seeds and caramelized sugar or panela; and chilacayote, a type of sweet pumpkin slowly cooked and preserved with sugar and spices.

I think sharing these foods would be a fun way for people here to experience a little bit of Guatemala.

Q: Tell us one fun fact about you!

A: I’m the type of person who gets excited about the little things, like finding a really good coffee shop or seeing a beautiful sunset. And I’m definitely that person who has to stop and take a picture of every pretty sunset!

Q: What inspired you to come to the United States for college?

A: I wanted to continue my education, pursue nursing, and challenge myself to experience something outside of what I had always known. I knew it would mean being far from home and adjusting to a different culture and language, but I also knew it was an opportunity I wanted to take.

It hasn’t always been easy, but looking back, I can see that God has been with me through every step and has opened doors for me when I needed them most. I’m grateful I took that chance because it has brought me to where I am today.

Q: What food from home do you miss the most?

A: There are several foods from home that I miss, but rellenitos, chuchitos, and Guatemalan tamales are definitely at the top of my list.

Rellenitos are made from sweet mashed plantains stuffed with sweetened black beans and fried. Chuchitos are small Guatemalan tamales made with corn masa, usually filled with chicken or pork and wrapped in dried corn husks.

Guatemalan tamales are larger and more moist than the Mexican tamales many people here may be familiar with. They are wrapped in banana leaves and can be filled with meat, olives, capers, and a rich red tomato sauce called recado.

What I miss most isn’t just the food itself. It is the memories and the feeling of home that come with it. Food has a way of bringing you back to your family, your childhood, and the people you love.

Q: What surprised you most about Texas or the people here?

A: One thing that really surprised me about Texas was how much the kindness of the people reminded me of home.

Where I’m from, people will often say, “Hi, how are you?” even if they don’t know you very well. People are generally friendly, willing to get to know you, and ready to help when they can.

When I came to Texas, I was surprised to find that same kind of friendliness. It made adjusting to a new place a little easier because, even though I was far from home, there were people who made me feel welcome.

Q: What American custom seemed strange or funny when you first arrived?

A: One thing I definitely had to learn was how Americans greet people!

In my country, when we see someone we know or a friend, it is very normal to stop, say hi, give them a big hug, and sometimes even kiss each other on the cheek.

When I came to the United States, I quickly learned that Americans don’t always do that—especially if you have just met someone! I had to teach myself, “Maybe don’t hug and kiss someone on the cheek when you’ve known them for two minutes.”

It was definitely a cultural adjustment!

Q: Who made you feel especially welcome when you first arrived?

A: Both of my host families have played such an important role in making me feel welcome.

My first host family—Ms. Lisa, Steven, Nonnie, and their family—made me feel cared for and welcomed when I was still adjusting to being in a new country.

My current host family and so many others have also welcomed and cared for me. I am truly thankful because God has placed such special people in my path.

Being away from home can sometimes feel lonely, but the people He has placed around me have reminded me that I am never really alone. They have become a part of my journey and, in many ways, a little piece of home for me here.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

A: My biggest hope is to become a nurse who truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

If I can make even one person’s day a little better while they are in the hospital—if I can make them feel heard, cared for, safe, or a little less afraid—I believe I will have accomplished something meaningful in my life.

People can be especially vulnerable when they need nursing care. They may be scared, hurting, or going through one of the hardest moments of their lives. If I can be the person who gives them a little comfort or kindness during that moment, that would mean so much to me.

Q: What advice would you give another international student thinking about studying in the United States?

I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s hard.

There will be days when you doubt yourself and think, “What am I even doing here?” There will be days when you want to go back home. While you are here trying to build a future, life back home hasn’t stopped, and sometimes that can make you feel like you are missing out.

But if you take one thing from what I say, let it be this: Don’t give up. Persevere. Fight for it.

Always remember your why—whether that is building a better future for yourself, helping your family, or creating a better future for the family you don’t have yet.

I’ve been in the United States for four years, and there are still days when I want to throw in the towel. But then I remember why I started and what I’m fighting for, and I keep going.

To every international student reading this: You are courageous. You are capable. You can do this. If you can move to another country, adapt to a different culture, learn in another language, and keep going even when things are difficult, there is very little you can’t accomplish.

Keep fighting for the future you came here to build.

Thank you for reading, and God bless!