Alumni Spotlight

Today we celebrate alumna Melissa Hernandez who holds an A.A. in Art (2008) and a Professional Certificate in Teaching (2020) through the Educator Preparation Institute. She earned a BFA in Studio Art (Magna Cum Laude) from Florida Atlantic University in 2011. At FAU, she focused on drawing, printmaking, and painting while developing her distinctive artistic style which explores complex narratives using symbols, allegories, and colors. A self-described indirect functional, Artist-Philosopher and Visual Writer, she constructs a fictitious world to advocate secular virtues and emphasizes a utilitarian purpose to provide comfort, convenience, and “a state of happiness and satisfaction” to humanity. She shares her work freely with the public on personally curated websites such as melissartworks.com and time2bloom.art. About her time at BC, she says: "Broward College is a top-notch educational institution with wonderful teachers. The College has allowed me to pursue my passions and obtain a quality education at an affordable price! In 2008, Jan Johnson, my former drawing teacher, recognized my talent and empowered me to enter the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at FAU to advance my creative skills. Without hesitation, after graduating from FAU, I knew that I wanted to return to BC to further my education in teaching, and moreover leadership. With great insight into education reform and 21st century teaching and learning, Jeannette Verboom, a professor in the Education department at BC, inspired and enabled me to strengthen my research and writing skills. Finally, through receiving a graduate certificate (in 2020), I was introduced to The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and I am proud to be a member of the Broward-College North Campus Chapter. From the start to becoming a life-long learner, the entire process has given me a deeper sense of self-awareness and the capability to continue to manifest my artistic vision into reality."