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Fernando J. Perez Highlight
I don’t think there is a formula for how to be a successful student. For me, success was the privilege of being able to continue to learn.
About Fernando J.
- I was born and raised in San Jose, California.
- I went to a performing arts high school, where I was introduced to art, theater, and digital media.
- Attended a local community college in Cupertino, California, for about five years—while I was there, I was able to explore my various interests.
- I found that my passions were really centered around ethnic studies, film/television, and helping other people embrace their culture and identity.
- Transferred to San Jose State University, where I earned my degree in television, radio, film, and theater (TRFT).
- While there, I had the opportunity to run a radio show and a public access television show that focused on telling diverse stories from the community of San Jose.
- After I was wrongly arrested during a traffic stop, I wrote about my experience for Silicon Valley De-Bug, a community advocacy organization that gave me a platform to fight my case.
- Inspired by their mission, I took my background in video production and radio to help Silicon Valley De-Bug elevate their stories—I am now a full-time video coordinator for the organization.