The life-changing academic and personal fitness story of Lorinda Hernandez, now a freelance translator able to travel wherever and whenever, started close (in Houston) and went far (to Spain) after enrolling at Lone Star College at age 53.
Her health and fitness success began in 2013 with LSC-CyFair Professor Ronnie Nespeca’s online three-week mini-mester physical education class. Taken while earning her Associate of Applied Science degree through LSC’s ASL Interpreting Training Program, his class was the catalyst that took her from a sedentary life to walking 5ks, 10ks and her first half marathon, La Porte By the Bay (part of the Toughest Bridge Series.)
Now 10 years later, that mini-mester class has led her to embark on a 900+-mile coast-to-coast walk between April and June – a Camino de Santiago from Almería in Spain, where she completed her academic goal in 2018 with a master’s in Intercultural Communication, Interpretation and Translation in Public Services at the Universidad de Alcala.
“Don't put off another year or another semester what you can start with a mini-mester - and begin crossing off classes taken,” said Hernandez, who enjoys removing language barriers by helping individuals communicate, particularly in a voluntary capacity as she travels. “Tomorrow is not promised. Start today. Start now. Make that appointment with a student advisor and get moving! You will not regret it.”
Registration is under way at LSC-CyFair with three- or four-week May mini-mester classes starting May 15 and offered in online and face-to-face or hybrid options. Among the courses available are English, chemistry, government, history, math and speech, to name a few.
Registration is also open for summer classes starting June 5 or July 13 for those who want to get ahead or to complete core classes while transitioning to a university. For registration information, go to LoneStar.edu/regcyfair.
The LSC-CyFair Continuing Education (CE) Department also offers Career and Technical Education fast-track certificate programs for those interested in beginning a rewarding career in Business and Professional Services, Health Sciences, Manufacturing and other fields in just one semester. For information, email a CE advisor at LSCCFCE@LoneStar.edu or call 281.290.3460.
Whatever the goal, it is achievable at LSC-CyFair. Save the date April 11 for the college’s Open House to get information on degree and workforce programs, help with admissions and financial aid, and insight on Student Life. For information, go to LoneStar.edu/OpenHouse.