We all have our passions and it’s different for each of us. My passion is to become a meteorologist. I’ve wanted this since I was nine years old. It all started when I was on vacation with my family. We drove all the way from Connecticut to Florida. We experienced a lot of weather changes during our trip and watching how the weather can changes in minutes is very interesting.
I figured meteorology would be a great passion for me since there aren’t a lot of careers that aren’t hands on. Since I was born without arms and legs, I can’t do anything physical. Also, I’m very good with computers. I have an amazing power wheelchair that has the capability to connect to any type of device with Bluetooth.
To achieve my dream of becoming a meteorologist, I must complete college. It requires both math and science classes. You need a bachelor’s degree and a certification from the American Meteorology Society.
There are three meteorologists who inspire me. Two of them are local meteorologists in Connecticut, Gil Simmons and Sam Kantrow. The other one is an international meteorologist, Jim Cantore. These men are my inspiration. I love how they forecast the weather. They make it seem so much more interesting and fun. Especially, Jim Cantore. He makes me laugh every time he reacts to thunder snow. When I was younger, I used to watch the Weather Channel every single day just to see him do the weather forecast. I thought to myself, “That’s to be me one day.”
About Zoe Hernandez: Zoe lives in Meriden, Connecticut. A Quantum® brand ambassador, Zoe attends Abilities Expos and speaks with people about her disability. She is currently enrolled in college and hopes to work in a community one day with people who are just like her. Click here to learn more about Zoe.