Sociology grad turns gaming into pathway for at-risk youth

Christian Fernandez didn’t take a standard path to UC Berkeley. 

A primary-generation, low-income pupil, who restarted his faculty profession after taking time without work, Fernandez arrived at Berkeley carrying experiences that might later form each his tutorial path and his work serving to at-risk youth. As a sociology main, he mentored college students by means of Playing for Change, a Berkeley-affiliated program that makes use of video games and emotional studying instruments to assist younger folks handle stress and construct resilience.

Drawing from his personal life experiences, Fernandez works intently with college students and households as each a researcher and Spanish translator, serving to create belief and reference to the communities he serves.

After graduating this week together with his bachelor’s diploma, Fernandez plans to proceed working with underserved communities earlier than pursuing a grasp’s diploma in social welfare. 

He spoke to Berkeley Social Sciences lately about his journey, the significance of his work with youth and his plans for the long run. The interview is edited for readability.

Tell us about your background and why you selected UC Berkeley.

Christian Fernandez: Hi, I’m Christian Fernandez (He/Him/El), a Latinx, first-generation, re-entry switch pupil from Cabrillo College. I come from a low-income background. 

Since arriving at UC Berkeley, I’ve been concerned in campus applications such because the Educational Opportunity Program, TRIO Student Support Services, NAVCAL (Navigating Cal) and the Experience Berkeley Transfers program. I’m additionally a part of the Starting Point Mentorship Program and work as a analysis assistant and Spanish translator with Playing for Change. 

As for why I selected Berkeley, it was not initially my best choice, primarily as a result of I didn’t assume I’d get in. When I obtained my acceptance, it was an emotional second for me. I spotted I used to be going to be the primary in my household to attend a University of California campus – and never simply any UC, however Berkeley. That shifted my perspective fully. 

I used to be additionally accepted to UCLA, which I used to be pleased with. However, Berkeley in the end stood out not solely due to its alternatives and assets, but additionally due to its monetary help package deal, which made it the extra practical and sustainable alternative for me. 

Since arriving at Berkeley, I’ve embraced each its challenges and alternatives. The University has pushed me each academically and personally, whereas additionally connecting me with communities and experiences that intently align with my background and objectives. Looking again, selecting Berkeley was some of the impactful selections I’ve made.

Why did you main in sociology?
Christian Fernandez: I selected sociology as a result of it felt personally relatable and provided a broader perspective on the world. My curiosity in sociology stems from my adversarial background. Growing up in a various, low-income family has immediately formed the objectives I’ve set for my life. My long-term aim is to grow to be a licensed scientific social employee and work with at-risk youth. Studying sociology helps me put together for that path by offering a basis for understanding social programs and human habits.

I need to assist people, households and communities overcome social, emotional and psychological challenges to enhance their well-being and high quality of life. This work requires a deep dedication to serving to others, in addition to a willingness to study and develop within the area of psychological well being.

Could you elaborate in your expertise with Playing 4 Change and your work with at-risk youth? 

Christian Fernandez: I at the moment work with the Cal’s Risk Resilience Lab, which is a part of Playing for Change (P4C). I started as a analysis assistant in my first yr and have since taken on extra duties, together with serving as a Spanish translator for households in this system. 

Our work focuses on supporting at-risk youth by serving to them construct sensible expertise for managing stress and feelings. We don’t simply train these ideas in lectures; we create alternatives for college kids to actively follow them, together with by means of a recreation we’re creating that enables them to use coping methods in real-life situations. 

In my position, I contribute to each the analysis and the implementation facet. I assist handle and code knowledge from participant interviews and assessments, assist program logistics and help with evaluations for each youth and oldsters. As a translator, I work immediately with Spanish-speaking households to elucidate this system, construct belief and assist guarantee they really feel snug enrolling their youngsters.

One of the largest issues this expertise has taught me is that participating at-risk youth actually comes all the way down to belief, relevance and consistency. Youth are far more receptive after they really feel understood and when the fabric connects to their lived experiences. I’ve additionally seen how necessary it’s to contain households, particularly by speaking of their most well-liked language, as a result of that assist system performs an enormous position in whether or not a pupil stays engaged. 

It’s additionally taught me to be adaptable. Not each technique works for each pupil, so with the ability to alter the way you talk or current materials is vital. Overall, this expertise has proven me that efficient assist isn’t nearly offering assets; it’s about constructing relationships and creating an atmosphere the place college students really feel secure sufficient to truly use these instruments.

What does graduating from UC Berkeley imply to you? 

Christian Fernandez: Graduating from Berkeley means a lot to me. It reveals that I can accomplish something I set my thoughts to. It represents all of the late nights spent making ready for finals and midterms, staying up till 4 a.m. writing essays, attending 8 a.m. courses, and dealing two jobs. 

It means I actually did it. I hope to encourage my cousins and youthful brother to pursue larger schooling by means of my achievements. This isn’t just my accomplishment; it’s my household’s as properly.

What are your plans after commencement? 

Christian Fernandez: After graduating, I plan to take a niche yr to achieve extra hands-on expertise earlier than pursuing a grasp’s in social welfare. I’ll proceed working my on-campus jobs by means of the top of August whereas making use of to internships that strengthen my expertise working with underserved communities. My aim is to construct sensible expertise that can put together me for graduate-level work, notably associated to youth improvement and group assist. 

I plan to use to grasp applications this fall for the next tutorial yr and am particularly eager about returning to UC Berkeley. Overall, I see this hole yr as an intentional step to make sure I enter graduate faculty with each robust tutorial preparation and significant real-world expertise.