local storiesMarch 17, 2025

Conversations with Eder Perdomo Hernandez

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eder Perdomo Hernandez

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story is one of resilience, ambition, and breaking cycles. As the child of immigrant parents, I grew up watching them work tirelessly to provide for me, which instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for opportunity. My environment shaped me in complex ways—my brothers were involved in gang life, and witnessing their struggles pushed me to take a different path. Their experiences, combined with my own observations of mental health issues in underserved communities, sparked my interest in psychology and nursing. I knew I wanted to help people, not just physically but mentally as well.

I started as a pre-nursing major at Cal State LA but later switched to psychology, realizing how vital mental health is in healthcare. My journey in the medical field began as a CNA, where I gained firsthand experience caring for patients and seeing the inner workings of the healthcare system. From working in customer service to assisting in orthopedics, every experience has reinforced my passion for nursing. My ultimate goal is to become a psychiatric nurse, get certified in phlebotomy, and eventually open my own nursing school or nurse practitioner practice, creating more opportunities for future healthcare workers.

At the same time, I’ve built a strong presence on social media, sharing my journey to inspire others, especially those who are navigating nontraditional paths in education and career. Reaching 10,000 followers on TikTok has been a major milestone, allowing me to create content that highlights the realities of being a first-generation student, a healthcare worker, and someone rewriting their own story. One of my biggest projects has been managing a social media campaign that deconstructs Latina stereotypes, tying into my passion for representation and advocacy.

Through it all, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about where you come from—it’s about where you choose to go and the impact you leave behind. My journey is still unfolding, but every challenge and triumph has shaped me into the person I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up as the child of immigrant parents, I saw firsthand the sacrifices they made to provide me with a better life. At the same time, I was surrounded by a different reality—my brothers were involved in gang life, and I witnessed the struggles that came with it. Seeing them go down that path made me question everything: Was this the only future available for people like us? Could I break away from the cycle? Their experiences gave me a deep awareness of the importance of mental health, especially in communities where it’s often ignored or stigmatized.

Navigating college as a first-generation student came with its own set of obstacles. I started as a pre-nursing major at Cal State LA, but the pressure of balancing school, work, and personal challenges was overwhelming. I had moments where I questioned if I was on the right path. Eventually, I switched to psychology, realizing that mental health plays a critical role in healthcare and that I wanted to help people beyond just their physical well-being. Working as a CNA while juggling school was exhausting, but it also reinforced my passion for nursing. There were days when I barely had time to eat, let alone rest, but I kept pushing forward, knowing that every step was bringing me closer to my goals.

Social media became an unexpected but powerful tool in my journey. At first, I just wanted to document my experiences, but as I gained more followers, I realized that my story resonated with others—especially those who, like me, were trying to break barriers and redefine success. Reaching 10,000 followers on TikTok was a huge milestone, but even that came with challenges. The pressure to constantly create content while balancing school and work was real. I also faced criticism and doubt from people who didn’t understand my vision, but I refused to let that stop me.

Through it all, I’ve learned that struggles don’t define you—how you respond to them does. Every challenge, from breaking away from the influences around me to pushing through the demands of school and work, has made me stronger. My journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: I’m not just working toward a career—I’m building a future where I can uplift others and create real change in both healthcare and social media.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always been drawn to healthcare, but my journey has been anything but traditional. I started as a CNA, gaining firsthand experience caring for patients and working in high-pressure medical environments. That experience reinforced my passion for nursing, but I also realized that mental health is just as important as physical health—especially in underserved communities. That’s why I decided to major in psychology while still working toward my long-term goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse. I want to bridge the gap between mental and physical healthcare, providing holistic care to those who need it most.

What sets me apart is my adaptability and drive. I’ve worked in various healthcare settings, including orthopedics and customer service in a hospital environment, which has helped me develop strong leadership skills and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. I don’t just want to be a nurse—I want to make a lasting impact. My ultimate goal is to open my own nursing school or nurse practitioner practice, creating opportunities for future healthcare workers and ensuring that mental health is a priority in patient care.

Beyond healthcare, I’ve built a strong presence on social media, where I share my journey as a first-generation student navigating the medical field. With 10,000 followers on TikTok, I use my platform to inspire and educate others, proving that there’s no single path to success. One of my biggest accomplishments has been managing a social media campaign that challenges Latina stereotypes, tying into my passion for representation and advocacy.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to break barriers and show others that they can do the same. I’ve faced challenges—from growing up in an environment where gang life was present to balancing work, school, and social media—but I never let those obstacles define me. Instead, they’ve fueled my ambition. Whether in healthcare or online, my goal is to uplift others and create meaningful change in every space I enter.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a go-getter. I never waited for opportunities to come to me—I went after them. Being raised by immigrant parents, I saw firsthand what hard work and perseverance looked like. My parents made sure I had everything I needed, but they also taught me that nothing in life is handed to you. That mentality shaped me from a young age. While other kids were content with just getting by, I was always thinking ahead, looking for ways to improve and push myself further.

I was naturally curious and ambitious. If I wanted something, I found a way to make it happen. Whether it was excelling in school, taking on leadership roles, or figuring out how to navigate new challenges, I never backed down from a challenge. I was also independent—while I valued guidance, I wasn’t afraid to carve my own path, even if it meant going against expectations. That’s part of what led me to pursue healthcare and psychology. I knew I wanted a career where I could make a real difference, and I wasn’t going to wait for someone to hand me an opportunity—I was going to create my own.

At the same time, I was always observant. Growing up with brothers who were involved in gang life, I saw how different choices could lead to completely different outcomes. That only fueled my determination to break the cycle and prove that I could achieve something greater. I wasn’t going to let my circumstances define me—I was going to define my own future.

That mindset carried over into everything I do today. Whether it’s balancing school and work, building my presence on social media, or pushing toward my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse and eventually opening my own nursing school, I’ve never been someone who waits for the right time. I go after what I want, and I make it happen.

Pricing:

Earning Through TikTok: 100 to $2,000 per video
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pay Rates: W-2 Employee: $25 per hour
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pay Rates: 1099 Contractor: $35 per hour

Contact Info:

Image Credits
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