Dani Fernandez

Hometown: Penryn, CA

Major: English

Favorite 100-Level Course: JOUR 130W! I didn't take the class when I was a student here, but I had the opportunity to teach a few sections after grad school, and it was such a wonderful experience for me as a new instructor. I got to learn so much about topics that really mattered to my students, and it's been a real full-circle moment having JOUR 130W on our list as an FYE-Supported Course!

Favorite Place in Chico: I am a long-time supporter of the Butte County Library, and paddleboarding on the river has become one of my favorite summer activities.

Favorite FYE Memory: FYE was the place where I landed when I realized that I couldn't keep teaching at the high school level anymore. After four years of teaching 9th grade and (barely) surviving teaching during COVID, I felt directionless and like I had zero relevant skills, but joining FYE has rebuilt my confidence in myself and given me a new way to work with students that really matters.