Brenda Hernadez

• Position: Principles of technology teacher
• Bachelors/Degrees & from where: Bachelor’s in biology, University of Texas Austin and Bachelor’s in science
• Years at Caney Creek: 1 
• Years Teaching: 12

How would other people describe you?

I think other people describe me as organized, that’s the first thing that comes to mind. Someone that’s very direct, honest, or at least those are the terms.

Was there a career you wanted to pursue OR pursued before teaching.

When I first got into college, I was actually pre-med and biology, but in my second year I decided to change course and become a teacher.

Tell us about how you got into teaching. 

I realized that I was not going to go into medicine, I was too queasy to go into medicine so I decided to take a class at UT, it was called UTeach and it was really nice. I got basically the intro course and all the teachers that were there were so in love with the profession and I fell in love with it as well. That’s when i decided to go ahead and pull on, pursue my teaching degree

What do you do outside of school for fun? Why? 

Things that I like to do, I like to explore different places like botanical gardens. I like exploring downtown Houston, this weekend i actually, it’s one thing i haven’t done before. It’s the austin’s cape and so we’re going to start at the museum of natural science and i’m going to the opera with my husband and concerts, i love concerts.

When people get to know you, what are they most surprised to learn about you? 

Well sometimes people get the impression that im really easy going and then after meeting me, they’re like. “Oh, you are pretty kind of a little bit stubborn” and so i think that’s something that will surprise people that i have very strong will.

Tell us the story about what you are most proud of yourself for.

I am the oldest of five children and one of the things that I am the most proud of is that my next two siblings are really far from my age. Then the second to last child, he is ten years younger than me and my last sibling is fourteen years younger than I am. Even though my parents are great, they consider me like a third parent. Even though I don’t have children of my own, I was able to guide my siblings to graduate from high school and the youngest is still working on her nursing degree.

Who is someone you are thankful for and why?

Well there’s lots of people that come to mind, but right now the person that is my inspiring grandmother, on my mom’s side she passed away in 2020, she had thyroid cancer and she did treatment for more than a year and she was just really strong and just a good example.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career similar to yours?

To really be in it, you know, like 100%. Teaching is not an easy profession, but if you do it for the right reasons then every day is going to and just try to make an impact even if it’s only one kid.

Being the only principles of technology teacher in school, how does that feel?

I have taught physics before so I’m familiar with the content but I mean at times once again, it could be a lot of pressure and alot freedom as well because I get to do what I want with my students. It’s been really fun overall, I learn a lot from everything because it’s the first time.

What do you hope to be remembered for? 

Kindness i mean, like just someone that was there for people, and sometimes kindness means being honest with students and then maybe they’re not always going to feel 100% happy, but i do it for the right reason 

What’s on your bucket list? 

Just more traveling, I recently got married, and hopefully next year we’ll get to go to Machu picchu.

Favorites

• Food: Flautas
• Song: “When You Were Young” by The Killers
• TV Show: “Breaking Bad”