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KALAMAZOO, MI— For accountancy student Victor Andres Hernandez Lagos, Western Michigan University is a home away from home. Originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the junior at the Haworth College of Business has made the most out of the resources available to him, creating a strong sense of community in his life.

Attending university for the first time is an intimidating experience, let alone attending university in a different country. With the support and inspiration from his family, Hernandez is pursuing his education at 51������ Haworth, where he felt welcomed right from the start.

“By far, Student Professional Readiness Series (SPuRS) Director, Danielle Field, has been the biggest help for my sense of belonging at 51������ Haworth. She has been a great supporter both academically and professionally. It has made my transition into college easier by knowing I have a great connection that is willing to help me.”

Beyond his involvement in SPuRS, Hernandez is a part of many other registered student organizations on campus. He is an executive board member of the Hispanic Business Organization (HBO), the National Association of Black Accountants and a student tutor at . Speaking about HBO, Hernandez says, “Our purpose is to promote professional development while fostering a sense of community and inclusiveness to the Hispanic and Latinx students at 51������ Haworth.”

From the relationships and connections that Hernandez has made during his time at 51������ Haworth, many opportunities have opened up for him on campus.

“The biggest way that the college helps to support my professional goals is the SPuRS program. One memorable event I attended was “Bring Your A-Game to Work.” I completed a five-hour interactive workshop on the 7 A-behaviors of work ethic (attitude, ambition, attendance, accountability, appreciation, appearance and acceptance). I was later invited to a strengths-based workshop where I took the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment and networked with a donor to the college.”

Hernandez is gaining professional experience through two on campus jobs. He works as an evaluation assistant at 51������’s Evaluation Lab where he contributes to program evaluation projects that meet the needs of client organizations and designs, tests and improves data collection tools such as surveys and interview protocols. He then analyzes quantitative and qualitative evaluation data and creates reports, infographics and presentations highlighting key findings for clients in their decision-making process.

Hernandez also works as a multimedia assistant at the student center. In this position, he provides technical support related to multimedia equipment and software applications, manages data and inventory, and supervises the facilities maintenance and organization. 

Looking forward, Hernandez plans to study abroad in Burgos, Spain next fall. After graduation, he hopes to further his education through 51������ Haworth’s MSA program and obtain his CPA license.

“Accountancy is exciting because of the strong job prospects it provides in many different industries all around the world. It is also a field that is always in demand, providing me a sense of security as I make my way through my professional journey.”

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