Catalina Hernandez

I helped a senior write a personal statement for the EIU Gateway Program. She’s naturally reserved, but she opened up to me that day. At one point, her emotions took over and she cried at my desk. Truthfully, her vulnerability startled me. I was unsure how to react, so I sat quietly waiting for her to regain her composure. The next day she returned to the College Room to thank me for “being patient.” She said, “I don’t like it when people hug me or try to fix the situation. Thank you for just being there.” I started to cry! Because of her usual demeanor, I was impressed and honored that she felt a need to come back and thank me for my awkward reaction.