Christian Fernandez did not take a traditional path to UC Berkeley.
A first-generation, low-income student, who restarted his college career after taking time off, Fernandez arrived at Berkeley carrying experiences that would later shape both his academic path and his work helping at-risk youth. As a sociology major, he mentored students through Playing for Change, a Berkeley-affiliated program that uses games and emotional learning tools to help young people manage stress and build resilience.
Drawing from his own life experiences, Fernandez works closely with students and families as both a researcher and Spanish translator, helping create trust and connection with the communities he serves.
After graduating this week with his bachelor’s degree, Fernandez plans to continue working with underserved communities before pursuing a master’s degree in social welfare.
He spoke to Berkeley Social Sciences recently about his journey, the importance of his work with youth and his plans for the future. The interview is edited for clarity.
Tell us about your background and why you chose UC Berkeley.
Christian Fernandez: Hi, I’m Christian Fernandez (He/Him/El), a Latinx, first-generation, re-entry transfer student from Cabrillo College. I come from a low-income background.
Since arriving at UC Berkeley, I have been involved in campus programs such as the Educational Opportunity Program, TRIO Student Support Services, NAVCAL (Navigating Cal) and the Experience Berkeley Transfers program. I am also part of the Starting Point Mentorship Program and work as a research assistant and Spanish translator with Playing for Change.
As for why I chose Berkeley, it was not initially my top choice, mainly because I didn’t think I would get in. When I received my acceptance, it was an emotional moment for me. I realized I was going to be the first in my family to attend a University of California campus – and not just any UC, but Berkeley. That shifted my perspective completely.
I was also accepted to UCLA, which I was proud of. However, Berkeley ultimately stood out not only because of its opportunities and resources, but also because of its financial aid package, which made it the more realistic and sustainable choice for me.
Since arriving at Berkeley, I have embraced both its challenges and opportunities. The University has pushed me both academically and personally, while also connecting me with communities and experiences that closely align with my background and goals. Looking back, choosing Berkeley was one of the most impactful decisions I have made.
Why did you major in sociology?
Christian Fernandez: I chose sociology because it felt personally relatable and offered a broader perspective on the world. My interest in sociology stems from my adverse background. Growing up in a diverse, low-income household has directly shaped the goals I’ve set for my life. My long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with at-risk youth. Studying sociology is helping me prepare for that path by providing a foundation for understanding social systems and human behavior.
I want to help individuals, families and communities overcome social, emotional and psychological challenges to improve their well-being and quality of life. This work requires a deep commitment to helping others, as well as a willingness to learn and grow in the field of mental health.
Could you elaborate on your experience with Playing 4 Change and your work with at-risk youth?
Christian Fernandez: I currently work with the Cal’s Risk Resilience Lab, which is part of Playing for Change (P4C). I began as a research assistant in my first year and have since taken on additional responsibilities, including serving as a Spanish translator for families in the program.
Our work focuses on supporting at-risk youth by helping them build practical skills for managing stress and emotions. We don’t just teach these concepts in lectures; we create opportunities for students to actively practice them, including through a game we’re developing that allows them to apply coping strategies in real-life scenarios.
In my role, I contribute to both the research and the implementation side. I help manage and code data from participant interviews and assessments, support program logistics and assist with evaluations for both youth and parents. As a translator, I work directly with Spanish-speaking families to explain the program, build trust and help ensure they feel comfortable enrolling their children.
One of the biggest things this experience has taught me is that engaging at-risk youth really comes down to trust, relevance and consistency. Youth are much more receptive when they feel understood and when the material connects to their lived experiences. I’ve also seen how important it is to involve families, especially by communicating in their preferred language, because that support system plays a huge role in whether a student stays engaged.
It’s also taught me to be adaptable. Not every strategy works for every student, so being able to adjust how you communicate or present material is key. Overall, this experience has shown me that effective support isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about building relationships and creating an environment where students feel safe enough to actually use those tools.
What does graduating from UC Berkeley mean to you?
Christian Fernandez: Graduating from Berkeley means so much to me. It shows that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. It represents all the late nights spent preparing for finals and midterms, staying up until 4 a.m. writing essays, attending 8 a.m. classes, and working two jobs.
It means I really did it. I hope to inspire my cousins and younger brother to pursue higher education through my achievements. This is not just my accomplishment; it is my family's as well.
What are your plans after graduation?
Christian Fernandez: After graduating, I plan to take a gap year to gain additional hands-on experience before pursuing a master’s in social welfare. I will continue working my on-campus jobs through the end of August while applying to internships that strengthen my experience working with underserved communities. My goal is to build practical skills that will prepare me for graduate-level work, particularly related to youth development and community support.
I plan to apply to master programs this fall for the following academic year and am especially interested in returning to UC Berkeley. Overall, I see this gap year as an intentional step to ensure I enter graduate school with both strong academic preparation and meaningful real-world experience.