Amelia Hernandez, a junior at Texas Tech University majoring in Social Work with a minor in Apparel Design and Manufacturing, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Scholarship. The scholarship, awarded by the law firm Bogin, Munns & Munns, recognizes Hernandez's academic dedication and her personal commitment to raising awareness about a disorder that affects her own family. Hernandez grew up as the oldest sibling in a family that adopted three children diagnosed with FASD, giving her firsthand insight into the daily challenges and resilience involved.
The importance of this story lies in its spotlight on the critical need for greater understanding and trained advocacy for individuals and families affected by FASD. Hernandez's experience reveals a significant gap in how the disorder is perceived within systems meant to support families. In her scholarship essay, she described how behaviors stemming from FASD are frequently misinterpreted by educators, caregivers, and social workers. This misunderstanding can lead to unnecessary interventions or misplaced blame, compounding difficulties for affected families. "Situations like this are often misread because too few people truly understand the disorder or its complex presentation," Hernandez explained. Her goal is to bridge this knowledge gap by becoming a social worker who specializes in understanding FASD's various presentations.
The implications of Hernandez's recognition and her career path are substantial for the social work field and for public health advocacy. By channeling her lived experience into professional training, she aims to advocate for better resources, training, and compassion within social services. This is particularly vital for rural and underserved populations, which Hernandez plans to focus on after earning her master's degree. Her work could lead to more appropriate support systems, reducing stigma and improving outcomes for countless families. The firm Bogin, Munns & Munns, which has championed such causes since 1979, states that supporting students like Hernandez extends their mission of promoting fairness and compassion beyond the legal system. More information about the firm's community involvement can be found at https://www.boginmunns.com.
At Texas Tech, Hernandez is already translating empathy into action. She serves as a student representative for the Department of Social Work and Anthropology and leads outreach programs through the Volunteer Service Team at the Wesley Foundation, organizing community service in Lubbock. Her academic and extracurricular efforts demonstrate how personal experience can fuel systemic change. For families navigating FASD, advocates like Hernandez represent a crucial link to better understanding and support. Her journey underscores that awareness and specialized knowledge among professionals can make a life-changing difference, potentially reshaping how social services engage with neurodiverse conditions and reducing the isolation many families feel.
