meet our crew: jose hernandez

April is National Volunteer Month and we want to take this moment to salute to all of our volunteers who continue to make The Center as vibrant as it is! Your dedication makes a huge impact to the success of The Center and we thank you for being your wonderful self.

To further commemorate this occasion, let’s get to know a little bit more about one of our awesome volunteers, Jose Hernandez! ​

How long have you been a volunteer with The Center?
Going on 3 months. 

What motivated you to volunteer at The Center? 
I’ve always volunteered in some form or another. But recently I’ve been struggling with depression and usually the best remedy is to do good and integrate yourself to people.

Why is volunteering important to you?
Always considered it to be a selfish thing. Taking the time and the energy to authentically help someone, to put a smile on their face, it’s gratifying. 

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What’s your favourite thing about volunteering?
Mostly the people. You get to meet people. Whether you’re just meeting or touching base after a long time it’s always about the people. The energies you exchange, the stories you hear, the connections you make - they’re awesome.

Aside from volunteering, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Mostly trying to make a better person of myself. I listen podcasts; often queer-centric podcasts, work out, zen out doing yard work, or vegging out watching geek stuff.

Tell us your most favourite thing about Bakersfield?
Winter, food downtown, the random taco stands you find driving around some residential areas, the summer dusk; sometimes the light catches the smog in such a way that makes it like really colorful, and the music.

What’s your favourite event/shop/restaurant in Bakersfield?
Tejón Outlets, menudo cook off, and The Mark.

What place(s) do you enjoy visiting outside of Bakersfield? 
Bravo Farms, Tachi Palace Casino, Tulare because you can get really good Portuguese food and pastries there.

What’s on your playlist? 
Same things I’ve been listening to my whole life. Billie Holliday, Joni Mitchell, Dave Mathews, Scissor Sisters, and the soundtrack to Buffy’s “Once More With Feeling” episode, I sometimes listen to newish stuff. I just discovered Lizzo.

What shows are you currently streaming on Netflix?
I usually swing from optimistic utopian future to pessimistic post apocalyptic future. So a lot. My favorites that recommend to people, Sense8, Altered Carbon, Call the Midwife, The Crown, and Casa de Flores. I’m a sucker for novellas.

What is your favourite movie of all time and why? 
Interview with A Vampire. It speaks to me - an allegory of HIV, growth through pain, and a cautionary tale of hubris. 
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Who’s your favourite super hero?
I’m a geek so I have several. Superman, Booster Gold, Batman, Wonder Woman, Zatana and the list could go on, but if I had to choose one it would be Batman. Although altruism and optimism are great, the most useful and real life application of morals come from him. ​

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about the author

R. Velasco is a Canadian writer new to Bakersfield. She is actively seeking ways to raise community consciousness about LGBTQ issues and topics, one blog post at a time. She is also part of The Center’s Women Support Group.