Allen Fernandez ’15
English with HDFS minor
When Allen Fernandez ’15 told his family he wanted to attend Messiah College, they were supportive. But skeptical. Was it the right place for their son? Would they be able to afford it?
“I had to fill out the financial aid forms myself,” he said. “I thought if God wants me to go to this school, let’s think creatively on ways we can get this to happen.”
Other family members were skeptical for reasons that had nothing to do with money. His cousins showed concern about his attending a religious institution, thinking it would limit his choices for a major.
“They thought I was going to be a pastor or something,” said Fernandez. “That quickly went away when I discussed what I was learning. They said, ‘We respect you in being so certain in what you believe, in being transparent.’
He says many of his relatives made sacrifices, so he could be the first one in his family to graduate with a college degree. “My older brother, Chris, was one of the members of my family to sacrifice the most—financially, with his time, in every facet,” said Fernandez. “He’s very proud of me for taking advantage of an opportunity and seeing where it takes me.”
Coming from a close-knit family, he says he was surprised at the disparity of wealth he saw in the city when he spent a semester at the Philadelphia campus. As he worked with Helping Hands tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, he saw first-hand the importance of being salt and light in a poverty-stricken setting.
“You get a really good look at what it’s like for students at a school with limited resources,” he said. “One district is flourishing and then you walk a few blocks down the road, and they have nothing. You’ve got to be someone who will sit with these students.”
During his time at Messiah, Fernandez worked with the Student Activities Board booking concerts. He also provided hospitality to prospective students in the admissions office, giving tours and promoting the College at festivals in the summer. He says he hopes to have a career in higher education while still organizing concerts.
“I love working with people ages 19-22 at such a big moment in their lives,” he said.
As Fernandez walked across the stage during Commencement to receive his degree, a voice in the crowd called out, “Allen! Allen! Look over here.” It was his brother Chris, with a camera, capturing one of those big moments.