The person I chose for my hero is Ronald Fernandez who is a professor at CCSU. He is the Director for the Center for Caribbean & Latin American Studies as well as the Coordinator of the International Studies curriculum. He also writes a monthly column for The Hartford Courant. He has written a number of books about the history and culture of Puerto Rico. I chose him as my hero because he has devoted himself to helping the Latino community in CT. He is very involved in community organizing on a business level. He wants people in the area to become more aware of the resources and businesses that are Latino owned. When I asked him how he felt about his photo appearing on the side of a CT Transit bus he replied, "If it in any way can help make people more aware of the Latino community I want my photo on the bus."
Mariposa (screen name)
19 years old
I will be a junior this fall at Occidental College in Los Angeles CA.I wanted to do this project because it incorporates all the things that I love doing... working with photography, community activism, and children.
In the future, I would like to combine these three things into my career. I feel honored that I got to participate in ALYC as an intern because I learned so many new things every day, especially from the girls.
I felt a strong connection with the community of Hartford as well because it is a small growing city and it has potential to be great.
Ronald Fernandez
Other photos by Mariposa
Tommy
