September Alumni Spotlight: Ever Hernandez (Northwood High School)
In Honduras, Ever stopped attending school after completing 6th grade, and began working with his father on farms. “In Honduras, not many people support education or share information about the benefits of it. Nobody was there to tell me it was important. At some point I felt like it was a waste of time. Because of the economy, a lot of people, even with higher degrees, don’t get a job right away as they do here.”wanted a different life and to explore new things.
After registering for school, they considered placing me in middle school because I had only completed sixth grade in Honduras. I was already 17. They ultimately placed me at Northwood High School, but it was tough. When I returned home each day from school, I would check my homework, what was due, what I needed to study for before the next school day so I could stay on top of my assignments and to also improve my English as soon as possible as well.
In 2018, he courageously immigrated to the United States with his mom. “The economy was down, inflation was high, and there was not a lot of help to support lower class people. I had assignments, but I didn’t have the skills to understand what I was supposed to do and sometimes I hadn’t even understood the teacher. I was shy, so it was hard for me to ask for help and I didn’t always know who to turn to.” Eventually, Ever’s strong relationship with his Spanish-speaking counselor helped him navigate these academic challenges.
The lack of English knowledge made Ever’s transition all the more difficult. “I didn’t even know how to say thank you. I remember the first year I didn’t talk to anybody. I would go from class to class, then hop on the school bus to go back home. It was scary, and honestly I was sad that first year.”
Liberty’s Promise gave Ever a safe space to develop practical skills and community. “It was where I could practice my English and grow confidence. This motivated me to become more involved in my community and in other clubs in school. During my Senior year, one of my friends from Liberty’s Promise, a native English speaker, told me as I came across him in the hallway once, ‘Wow, you have good English! How did you improve it?’ That was really cool because during my first year I didn’t have friends who I could say ‘hi’ to in the hallways. But then as I got better at English I was able to make new friends and people greeted me.
Every semester Liberty’s Promise elected a leadership board, and I was president for two different Civics and Citizenship programs; the first in the Spanish group, and then in the English group which was really cool.”
Liberty’s Promise also gave Ever the resources to explore his post high school options. “I had no clue what I wanted to get out of high school or do after it, so Liberty’s Promise taught me what my different opportunities for college were, how to get scholarships, and helped me earn service learning hours to graduate. We also worked on resume and cover letter writing, and we got to hear from guest speakers. The program officers, Ms. Laura and Mr. Sean, were always asking me how my classes were going to hold me accountable to do my homework and attend my classes. Liberty’s Promise helped me in so many ways that I honestly think I would have probably quit school and started working without a high school diploma if I hadn’t received their help.”
With tools necessary for success, Ever was able to visualize a future for himself in this new country. “I have a lot of opportunities here and now I can fight for a better future. I graduated with my associates degree in the Spring of 2025 in Exercise Science from Montgomery College and then I started at the Universities at Shady Grove to complete my Bachelor’s degree.” Currently, I just started my senior year in College and in the Spring of 2027, I will be graduating from Salisbury University with my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. As I work on my finishing up my program, I am also working part-time as an online fitness coach and sometimes in person too.
Ever provided some insightful advice for current Liberty’s Promise participants. “If you’re in a difficult situation, just ask for help. Don’t be shy about asking questions, there are a lot of opportunities here that you can benefit from. If you’re not a native speaker and you feel shy, be yourself and be proud of your progress and you will see how it’ll help you in the future.”
Ever’s experience proves that programs like Liberty’s Promise have lasting impacts on its participants. Young immigrants have insurmountable potential to succeed but often lack the opportunities to realize their potential. We are forever thankful for the time you spent, Ever, with Liberty’s Promise, and are brimming with excitement to know where your self-advocacy and determination will take you.
Consider donating today to support students like Ever in their path to success. It is important to fill these gaps in education to provide young leaders with the skills necessary for success.
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