“They call Breakthrough an opportunity generator, and in my case, I took advantage of every opportunity.”
– Kaitlyn Hernandez, Scholar Alumna, Barbara Goleman Senior High School, Class of 2025
Northwestern University – Class of 2029
Celebrating National First Gen Day
Each year, on National First Gen Day, Breakthrough Miami honors the Scholars, families, and alumni who are charting new pathways of educational excellence, opportunity, and impact. Today, we celebrate Kaitlyn Hernandez, Breakthrough Miami Scholar Alumna and proud first-generation Cuban American, now a freshman at Northwestern University.
Kaitlyn joined Breakthrough Miami at nine years old, nervous during her very first interview and unsure of what to expect. That day, she was greeted with warmth and encouragement, a kindness she remembers vividly. When she began her Scholar journey, Kaitlyn was quiet, hesitant to speak up or take space. But Breakthrough’s supportive culture changed that. From morning chants to mentorship to the bonds of sisterhood, she slowly began stepping into herself:
“I wanted to be the girl who didn’t live inside her head and just spoke. Breakthrough brought me that confidence.”
Through her Scholar journey, Kaitlyn discovered her voice, her passion, her confidence, and her purpose.
“They call Breakthrough an opportunity generator, and in my case, I took advantage of every opportunity.”
In an environment that cultivates curiosity, learning, and rigor, Kaitlyn also found support and mentorship from Teaching Fellows, Site Directors, and peers. Kaitlyn attributes her growth to the support, high expectations, and mentorship of Breakthrough’s program staff and Teaching Fellows.
One Teaching Fellow in particular, Ms. Sara, played a profound role.
“While, I had many teaching fellows throughout my time at breakthrough there was one in particular that left a grand impact on me – Ms.Sara. Ms.Sara was my seventh grade math teacher, she was one of the first people I felt I could truly be myself around. She saw me for who I was and because of that, she drove me to be better and to realize my full potential. She constantly gave me more challenging problems and proved to me that I was able to do hard things. Ms.Sara left me with more than the ability to solve equations, she gave me the confidence to put myself out there and recognize I am able to achieve more than I imagined. Her acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and funny remarks transformed my life in ways she could’ve never imagined. At Breakthrough the teaching fellows become more than instructors and Sara in particular became someone I recognize as not only a mentor, but a friend.”
Navigating college applications, financial aid, and scholarship forms, Peter experienced the weight of his family’s expectations resting on his shoulders. His parents, Haitian immigrants who had not completed college, were unfamiliar with the process, and Peter stepped up to guide them through it.
“Breakthrough showed us how to access the resources. They didn’t give us a fish; they taught us to fish – to build the habits, mindset, and skills, get the scholarships, move to higher economic status, and get us and our families to a better life.”
As Kaitlyn’s confidence grew, so did her curiosity and ambition. She became involved with Miami Waterkeeper as a Junior Ambassador and later served as Advocacy Chair, discovering a passion for environmental protection. Through BreakthroughU, she earned a scholarship to participate in the University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program, where she studied architecture.
During her senior year, Kaitlyn participated in BreakthroughU’s College Access Mentoring Program (CAMP), where she received invaluable guidance and essay support from her mentor, Tammy.
“By the end of the college application process, I think Tammy knew more about me than some of my closest friends. She believed in me every step of the way.”
And the results? Extraordinary.
Kaitlyn earned both the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship and the Gates Scholarship, awarding her a full ride to Northwestern University.
“In the past year, I’ve been able to accomplish what every first-generation student dreams of. When you’re first generation you know you have no choice but to succeed. The stakes are high.””
Now, Kaitlyn is thriving in her first year at Northwestern, where she studies Environmental Engineering with plans to design sustainable buildings and infrastructure that support environmental protection and community well-being.
“Not bad for a Cuban girl from Hialeah, eh?” she says with a smile.
Kaitlyn’s achievements represent the heart of Breakthrough Miami, empowering our Scholars to unlock their potential, pursue their dreams, and become leaders who elevate their families and communities.
“Breakthrough has given me more than an education, it gave me community, a sense of purpose and a belief in myself that I will carry for the rest of my life.”
Kaitlyn’s journey is a testament to the power of the Breakthrough Miami experience in empowering first-generation students to pursue their dreams and create new cycles of opportunity. From her first steps as a Scholar to earning full scholarships and stepping onto Northwestern’s campus, Kaitlyn embodies the spirit of resilience, ambition, and possibility. Today, we honor Kaitlyn and the more than 500 First Gen Breakthrough Scholars. ♦
First generation families represent the dreams and opportunities that define the cycle of promise in our community. We invite you to join us for Give Miami Day in a movement to give back. A gift of any size not only makes a difference but creates the momentum to inspire others to join you in advancing Miami’s Opportunity Generator.
