She worked third shift, drove an hour each way and raised a daughter – and just graduated from Ferris State with honors

Noel Hernandez clocked out of the Trinity Health Grand Rapids emergency department after third shift, then drove an hour to Ferris State University — repeatedly for two years while raising a young daughter.

This month, she graduated with an associate degree in Dental Hygiene, proudly wearing cords celebrating her honors achievements.

"My village — my parents, my brothers, they had my back through it all," Hernandez said. "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have honestly made it."

A Grand Rapids native, Hernandez spent five years as a certified nursing assistant in Trinity Health's emergency department before enrolling at Ferris State. She wanted better work-life balance and something more for her family — particularly her daughter, Jordan.

She earned that and more. Hernandez crossed the stage wearing five honor cords recognizing multicultural services, her Hispanic heritage as a Mexican and Black student, cum laude academic honors, membership in the Student American Dental Association, and first-generation graduate status.

Now she's redirecting her career toward her community. Hernandez is transitioning to Cherry Health, a Grand Rapids organization that provides little-to-no-cost dental and medical services and never turns a patient away.

"They serve the underserved community — those that don't have the resources to get health care," she said. "Not coming from the greatest background ... being able to give back to that community really means a lot to me."

Ferris State faculty kept close watch throughout. Instructors texted her, called her into their offices for mental health check-ins, and stayed aware of what she was managing outside the classroom. Financial aid grants helped cover costs along the way.

"They're very supportive, very understanding," Hernandez said. "I'm grateful for the whole entire Ferris staff."

She's not finished with the university. When Ferris State launches its Dental Therapy master's program — the first in Michigan — Hernandez plans to enroll.

The program, currently in development and targeted for a 2027 launch, will expand access to dental care by training licensed providers to perform routine services including exams, cleanings, and fillings under a dentist's supervision.

For Hernandez, it's the next step in a journey she has no intention of slowing down.

"Only God" can stop her, she said. "Right now, I feel like He just told me to follow His path and keep going."