The Marshalltown Community School District offers high school students the opportunity to serve as Student School Board Representatives. These student leaders provide valuable perspectives and share updates on events and activities at Marshalltown High School. For the 2024-25 school year, the MCSD school board will hear from five representatives.
Gissel Hernandez, a senior at Marshalltown High School, is one of the five representatives. Learn more about Gissel and her Bobcat story by reading her responses to the following Q&A:
What activities are you a part of at MHS?
National Honor Society and soccer.
What is your favorite subject and why?
My favorite subject is science because it feels like you can continue learning forever. There’s so many different kinds of branches of science so there’s always something new to learn.
What talent would you like to learn some day?
I would love to learn how to snowboard! It looks fun and it’s definitely something I plan on learning.
What has been your favorite school memory so far and why?
My favorite memory at MHS happened during my junior year towards the end of soccer season when we beat the record for most wins in a season in over a decade. I was so excited that we were able to beat such a record with my favorite group of girls!
What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
My proudest accomplishment is getting accepted into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at 17!
What is the best piece of advice you have received so far?
“Do the hard work now so when you’re older you can live a life of relaxation”- My dad, he always manages to give me motivating advice whenever I need it!
What is your biggest dream or goal in life?
My biggest goal in life is to feel fulfilled where ever I decide to settle down. I have multiple academic and financial goals as well but as long I’m happy and fulfilled then I have accomplished my biggest goal in life.
Who is your hero and why?
My biggest hero is my dad, he’s the reason behind who I am today. My dad managed to make a good name for himself even though he came to The United States with nothing except the drive to want more for himself. He’s my biggest motivator in why I do what I do and I will always be grateful for him!
What are your plans for after high school?
I plan on getting my BSN then working in the cardiovascular intensive care unit for 3 years. After that, I plan to apply to Nurse Anesthetist school!
What does it mean to you to embrace the lead?
To me, embracing the lead means to step up and be proactive. It’s about making decisions instead of waiting for others to take charge. Embracing the lead is to fully step into the role of a leader, accept the responsibilities associated with being a leader, and committing to leading the way in a way that benefits everyone around you.