LAEP Helps Criminology Student Explore Passion for Theater

Sometimes, one’s host of passions could not be further apart from the other.  

Criminology and justice studies student Ariadna Hernandez knows this well as she balances two vastly different interests: immigration law and theater.  

Hernandez discovered her passion for theater during the pandemic. Film became a form of escapism during a time of uncertainty, and when she had the opportunity to take acting classes at Mesa College, she excitedly enrolled.  

Hernandez enjoyed her brief experience with theater, but she had to put it on the backburner to focus on her classes for criminology. It wasn’t until she transferred to Cal State San Marcos and learned of the Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP), that Hernandez found herself faced with another opportunity to explore her love for theater while earning her bachelor’s degree.  

LAEP offers students the opportunity to earn money that goes toward their educational costs while gaining education-aligned employment. Hernandez was offered the role of production assistant for a theatrical production of “Pásale Pásale,” which is playing through June 30 in National City. While working on this play, Hernandez is responsible for handling paperwork, keeping track of schedules and ensuring that actors have everything needed for the performance.  

By handling important tasks for the show, Hernandez is gaining leadership skills and collaboration experience, while also working toward paying off her degree.  

“It’s been so amazing being part of this production,” Hernandez said. “Getting to know everyone in this play and just being part of the community has been such a great experience. Not to mention, being surrounded by the beautiful storyline and music is just so inspiring.”  

Hernandez felt drawn to the storyline’s themes centering around the importance of working together to overcome adversity in the Latinx community. She was inspired to pursue immigration law after seeing family members' poor experiences with lawyers during the naturalization process after moving to California from Tijuana. Such disheartening experiences with the system instilled in Hernandez strong values of family, community and social justice.  

“That process really made me realize that we need more lawyers who are able to help directly and get more involved,” said Hernandez. “There’s a lot of issues with lawyers who do not personally know the struggle that people go through, and I want to be the kind that acknowledges the hardships and regularly checks in with clients.”  

The play’s parallels to Hernandez’s real-life experiences make it the perfect medium to represent her two passions. As she continues learning more about the world of theater and the field of criminology separately, Hernandez is hoping to carry both forward with her after her time with LAEP and jointly incorporate them into her plans for the future.  

“Exploring your interests helps you know which ones are worth keeping in your life,” said Hernandez. “You may think, ‘Oh, this has nothing to do with my major, so what’s the point?’ But through this experience, I was able to start building an idea of the future that I want, which I now know involves law school and volunteering for theater on the side. I am very grateful that I got the chance to be part of LAEP, and I will always remember my time working on this production.”  

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314