Among the recent 142 graduating correctional officers stood Myrna Hernandez, clad in her crisp new uniform. Hernandez was stepping into a new chapter of her life as she prepared to begin her role at California State Prison, Solano.
Her three sons were in the crowd behind her, their smiles wide and filled with pride. This reassurance was all she needed.
“Today is graduation day, and I did it,” said Hernandez. “I have three boys, and they are super proud of me.”
Watch the video (story continues below):
Hernandez takes leap from non-custody to custody
Hernandez is no stranger to CDCR. For nearly two and a half years, she worked as an employee relations officer, building and maintaining cooperative relationships in the department.
In her CDCR job, she got to know correctional officers and realized it was a career worth considering. Their encouragement gave her the confidence to take the leap and apply to become an officer herself.
“I was looking at my retirement options, and the COs would talk about what a good job it was,” said Hernandez. “The job is very demanding, but ultimately, it’s a good job.”
The academy was physically and mentally rigorous, so the journey wasn’t easy. At times, she experienced doubt and exhaustion.
“There were moments when my boys pushed me through,” said Hernandez.
But through it all, she reminded herself she started this journey to build her future.
Standing among her fellow graduates, she said excitement and nerves were swirling. While challenges lay ahead, she said she knew she wouldn’t face them alone thanks to the support of her CDCR family and her sons.
When Hernandez stepped off the stage, badge in hand, she was much more than a graduate—she was a trailblazer, proving with resilience and heart, transformation is always possible.
“I am now a correctional officer, and the 13 weeks were worth it,” she said.
Story by Todd Javernick, information officer
Video by Chris Medina, TV Communications Center, Director (specialist)
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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