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Bergen Community College alumna Nicole Alexandra Hernandez, ‘26, received the Bergen Community College Foundation’s Commencement 2026 send-off scholarship during the Commencement 2026 ceremony.
Hernandez, of Bergenfield, appreciated the generous scholarship, as affordability and opportunity were integral to her enrollment at Bergen. “Receiving the send-off scholarship meant a lot to me, and it was a really emotional moment receiving the scholarship at graduation,” said Hernandez. “I have honestly struggled a bit in my academic journey, and being on that stage further emphasized the huge impact that Bergen has had on my life.”
Prior to attending Bergen, Hernandez attended art school, but eventually left due to the financial strain of high tuition. “Bergen gave me the freedom to explore what I really wanted to do with my life without the extreme financial pressure of thousands of dollars in student loans,” said Hernandez. “I also felt that I needed a more well-rounded education as I was still unsure as to what my future looked like.”
Earning an associate’s degree in the liberal arts allowed Hernandez to explore diverse academic interests and opportunities that would guide her to the best possible career path. She participated in the 34th annual Beacon Conference for two-year college students, which was hosted virtually by the State University of New York’s Westchester Community College. With support from her mentor and philosophy professor Kevin Olbrys, she presented “Meaningfulness and Morality in Insular Epistemic Communities” under the philosophy and religion category.
“Professor Olbrys was extremely encouraging and I felt his coursework challenged me in a very rewarding and enjoyable way,” she said.
Hernandez also connected with Mecheline Farhart, an associate political science professor, who recommended that she join the Mock Trial Club. She enjoyed being a part of the club as it piqued her interest in law and criminal justice.
She was not only grateful for the club, but also Farhart’s support. “Her empathy was exactly what I needed during one of my lowest points and was extremely instrumental to my success,” said Hernandez.
Between her professors and her peers, Hernandez knew she could seek guidance from either group. Through the immense support from her Bergen community, Hernandez became a case consultant at the Morgan and Morgan law firm. In her role, Hernandez guides potential clients through a free consultation to determine whether to pursue a legal case through Morgan and Morgan.
“People often call because they are having the worst day of their lives, and it’s extremely fulfilling to help by offering empathy and a safe space to vent,” Hernandez said about her role as a case consultant.
Hernandez shared advice to prospective and current Bergen students. “If you feel lost, Bergen Community College is the perfect place to find your way,” she said. “The resources, staff, and students are some of the most uplifting people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting and will only encourage your success.”
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
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