We recently connected with Jenna Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Jenna, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

When I think of a great boss, I don’t envision someone who is simply always kind and lets you get away with things. I think of a person who can effectively lead a team, teach and guide those coming up, and, in a professional and respectful manner, help you understand the rights and wrongs or the dos and don’ts of the job.

I’ve been working for 15 years and have had about four different jobs, but I’ve only had this type of mentor once.

Ms. E was my mentor for about seven years, and I honestly don’t think I’d be the professional I am today without her guidance. Think of a powerhouse—that’s Ms. E. How can someone so small hold so much knowledge, be so resourceful, and, at the same time, be so generous with her help toward others?

The School Counselor I am today emerged from the college knowledge I’ve gained and the hands-on experience I’ve had with children and staff members over the years. But the core—the heart, the soul, the passion, the compassion, and the willingness to now teach others who were once in my shoes—all came from Ms. E. I am forever thankful for her.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a dedicated school counselor and a passionate travel agent who believes in the power of self-love, self-care, and meaningful connections. My journey into these roles is rooted in personal transformation and a deep commitment to helping others. Four years ago, I experienced a low point in my life due to burnout, a toxic relationship, and a lack of self-advocacy. As a counselor, I found myself not living up to the very advice I gave to my students about embracing emotions and advocating for oneself. This pivotal moment pushed me to rebuild my confidence and self-esteem, setting me on a path of rediscovery.

A solo trip to Hawaii was a turning point for me—it was during this time that I began to reclaim my identity and realized the profound impact that travel could have on self-care and personal growth. That trip not only helped me rediscover my love for adventure but also planted the seed for my travel agency, which now focuses on curating self-care experiences, particularly for educators. I specialize in creating stress-free, rejuvenating getaways like all-inclusive group trips to the Caribbean and educator-specific retreats that allow individuals to decompress, connect, and celebrate themselves.

In my school counselor role, I help middle school students navigate the social and emotional challenges of adolescence, teaching them how to build confidence, embrace their emotions, and develop essential life skills. My passion lies in guiding young minds to reach their fullest potential, often through innovative approaches like calming spaces and activities for emotional regulation.

What sets me apart in both industries is my ability to merge mental health, education, travel, and self-love into one cohesive mission. Whether I’m creating a supportive school environment or organizing a once-in-a-lifetime trip, my focus is always on empowerment and connection. I aim to show others that life isn’t about compartmentalizing passions; instead, it’s about aligning them to create a life of purpose.

I’m most proud of my resilience and my ability to use my personal growth to inspire and support others. My work as a counselor and a travel agent isn’t just about services—it’s about creating transformative experiences. For those who follow or work with me, I want them to know that I value authenticity, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves moments of joy, renewal, and self-discovery. Whether through helping students see their worth or giving educators a much-needed break, I’m here to make a meaningful difference.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I feel conflicted when reflecting on my role as a School Counselor. While I deeply love the students and cherish the life lessons they’ve given me, I’m not certain I’d choose the same path if I could do it all over again.

This hesitation isn’t because of the role itself but because of systemic challenges within the education sector. Educators aren’t valued, respected, or compensated as they deserve to be, despite their wide-ranging responsibilities—teacher, mentor, coach, counselor, and so much more. This lack of recognition is a nationwide issue, not just localized to my state.

If I could go back, I’d pursue a degree in a broader field that doesn’t tie me to one profession. While I value my experiences as a School Counselor, feeling confined to a specific role can be limiting. Pursuing a more marketable, flexible path might have opened doors to other ventures without requiring additional degrees.

That said, I wouldn’t trade the relationships I’ve built with my students or the profound ways they’ve shaped my perspective. These challenges have also encouraged me to explore other passions, such as my travel business.

As a Travel Agent, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose this profession over and over again. It allows me to combine my love for exploration with the joy of helping others achieve their travel dreams. Guiding clients in creating unforgettable memories is rewarding, and knowing I played a role in making those dreams a reality gives me an immense sense of fulfillment.

Ultimately, both roles have shaped who I am today, blending challenges, passion, and purpose into a fulfilling, multidimensional career journey.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, several elements are incredibly helpful for succeeding in my fields as a school counselor and a travel agent:

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:
In counseling, empathy allows you to connect with students on a meaningful level, building trust and understanding their needs. In travel, understanding what clients want and need, even when they struggle to articulate it, helps you design unforgettable experiences.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
No two students or trips are the same, so the ability to think on your feet and adjust strategies to unique situations is invaluable. Staying composed under pressure (e.g., unexpected travel changes or student crises) is a critical skill that strengthens your credibility and impact.

Clear Communication:
Success in both roles hinges on clear and effective communication—whether guiding a student through a tough conversation or ensuring clients fully understand travel details and itineraries.

Relationship-Building:
Building genuine, lasting connections with students, families, and clients fosters trust, loyalty, and open dialogue. In travel, developing rapport with vendors and partners ensures smooth experiences for your clients.

Passion and Purpose:
A commitment to helping others grow—whether it’s students building self-confidence or educators finding rejuvenation—fuels your ability to excel. Passion is contagious and inspires those you serve.

Creativity and Vision:
Thinking outside the box is essential to both roles. Whether designing innovative counseling strategies or curating unique travel experiences, creativity distinguishes your work. Having the ability to integrate my passions—mental health, travel, and self-care—into unique offerings reflects this creativity.

Resilience and Self-Care:
Success in both counseling and travel requires maintaining your own emotional well-being. Taking care of yourself ensures you can fully show up for others. By teaching self-care through example, you demonstrate to students and clients the importance of balance and boundaries.

Commitment to Growth:
Regularly reflecting on your practices and seeking feedback ensures you continue to evolve and improve. Staying open to change and challenges equips you to thrive in both fields, no matter how they shift over time.

In summary, thriving in my fields requires emotional connection, adaptability, creativity, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. These qualities amplify technical skills and enhance the impact of my work, making it even more powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thejennajourneys.com/
• Other: TikTok: @SchoolCounselorJenna