April 10, 2024
Carrie Hernandez '08
It’s hard for me to put into words what Cal Lutheran means to me. It truly is my second home. When I first toured the campus with my parents before starting my first year of college, I was amazed by how beautiful the campus was. Being a first generation college student, I was excited but scared for what was ahead. CLU made me feel at peace and I knew that I could accomplish big things if I took this path. Now more than 15 years after I first stepped foot on campus, I still feel that same peace when I am there. I met my husband on this campus, my parents watched both my brother and I walk across the stage and earn college degrees, I earned my masters, became staff, watched my kids grow and flourish at the CLU Preschool, I am about to watch my husband become an alum and also about to start my journey in the Ed.D. program. I have made so many amazing friendships and met my lifelong mentors. I still have to pinch myself when I walk around campus and realize that I get to work for a place that I care so deeply for. To say that Cal Lutheran is special to me does not feel like enough, this place has changed and shaped my life in so many amazing ways. Forever grateful to be a Regal!