Every high school student deserves the tools and opportunities to pursue their individual interests in hopes of success and potential career opportunities. The world of art provides many avenues for career exploration—regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, or ability. For Sabrina Hernandez, the classes, programs, and support of her school have opened doors to awards, internships, and a bright future in the arts that once seemed impossible to imagine.
As a child, Sabrina’s mother noticed that Sabrina was unresponsive when addressed, and her mother’s concern increased as Sabrina entered school.
“In elementary school, my mother knew something was wrong. The doctors would say I was just ignoring her and that nothing was wrong,” Sabrina said. “My mom requested to see a specialist and that’s when I was diagnosed with bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss. My teachers began to see a big difference after I started to wear my hearing aids.”
In middle school, Sabrina began her journey with video production and recalls one of the first films she made with her friend about one of her passions—old cars. Many students begin learning about video production by working behind the scenes. But, for Sabrina, she was ready to go in front of the camera immediately.
“I was like ‘Put me in front of that camera’ when I was in middle school. The whole video my friend and I were talking about old cars, and it was a fun experience,” Sabrina said.
In her first year as part of Norte Vista High School’s NVTV program, Sabrina worked behind the camera, gaining experience in sound and editing. This year, as a senior, Sabrina has been in front of the camera more often as a host. With her consistent screen time, Sabrina has become noticed by her fellow Norte Vista students.
“I’ll be walking around campus, and someone will point and say, ‘You're the girl from NVTV!’” Sabrina shared with amusement.
For Sabrina, art has always been a natural path. Sabrina’s drawing abilities have grown since her first art class during her freshman year where she learned the basics of drawing and sketching. In support of her artistic abilities, Sabrina’s teachers began commissioning her for artwork to hang on their classroom walls. Over the years, Sabrina has documented her progress from her beginning sketches to her current, personal art style, and posts them to social media.
Sabrina credits her mentor, Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Itinerant staff member, Theresa Copple, for always supporting her in the classroom. She encourages Sabrina to wear her hearing aids and provides accommodations such as remote microphone technology.
Outside of school, Sabrina is also a budding photographer, oftentimes snapping pictures of sunsets and editing them on her phone. Aware of Sabrina’s passion for digital imaging, Theresa recommended her to photograph a wedding. From then on, Sabrina has been asked by others to take pictures for real estate, family portraits, and quinceañeras.
Artistic Efforts Gain National Attention
This year, Sabrina is being honored for her dedication to art from traditional media to digital media. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children. For more than a decade, CEC has recognized children and youth with exceptionalities, who have demonstrated their determination and achievements in multiple ways. Presented each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, the “Yes I Can! Awards” recognize 12 outstanding students with exceptionalities in six categories: Academics, Arts, School & Community Activities, Self-Advocacy, Technology, and Transition.
In March, Sabrina will be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky, after being named a recipient of “The Yes I Can! Arts Award.” Specifically, her selection was based on a demonstrated achievement that far exceeds expectation and/or has led to a positive impact on the social/emotional development or well-being in a particular category of the arts.
“Collaboration efforts with California CEC, National CEC, Alvord Unified School District, Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), and the family make this unique event such a success. Sabrina has never flown on an airplane before, let alone fly all the way to Kentucky. She will be leaving on her birthday and arriving two days early where her mom and her are planning to see Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Horse Park, and sites in Louisville. The “Yes I Can!” awards not only provide recognition, but also life experiences that would not have otherwise been possible,” said Theresa Copple.
“Sabrina is dynamic! Her perseverance, self-confidence and resilience have grown so much. She has been a role model for other students who have hearing loss,” said Theresa Copple. “Through this award process, Sabrina has had to write essays, learn the skill of collaboration by writing emails, and returning phone calls as well as meet deadlines. When she needs help, she asks. She has handled each new ‘hoop’ with grace and determination. I am so very proud of her!”
Supporting Sabrina's Artistic Future
With all her success, Sabrina credits her school for her accomplishments while at Norte Vista High School.
“They’ve helped with convincing me to go to college, keeping me on track for graduation, and helping me with my mental health,” Sabrina said.
In discussing her mental health, Sabrina recounted the support from her case carrier Andre Fuselier, a teacher at Norte Vista High School, whose compassionate approach provided her with a safe and quiet place. With the help of her teachers, Sabrina was also given the opportunity to intern with RiversideTV, the broadcast arm of the City of Riverside. In her internship, she operated the camera during live broadcasts of local high school and college football games.
“Don’t give up! One day you’ll look back and be amazed you didn’t,” Sabrina said. “I didn’t give up on myself because of the hearing loss. Instead, I overcame my fear of wearing hearing aids because it’s normal. I’m thankful!”
Sabrina aspires to pursue a career in film and photography in the future. She imagines combining her passion for travel, animals, and photography as a career. Sabrina’s advice to other artists comes from something her mother constantly tells her: “It may seem like it's hard, but it's never impossible.”