Alumni

Interview with Normandale Alumnus Oscar Ayala Hernandes

What brought you to Normandale?

“I’m a Bloomington native and have lived here my whole life, so Normandale was a natural fit, especially since I also work in Bloomington and knew the commute would be manageable. I was drawn to the Hospitality program because I knew it would support my career goals. When I toured the campus, I immediately felt at home. The faculty were incredibly welcoming, and transitioning into college life felt surprisingly smooth. As the first person in my family to attend college, I was nervous, but my professors gave me so much confidence. Their support helped me not only finish my degree at Normandale but also continue toward earning my bachelor’s and eventually my master’s degree.”

What did your career look like after leaving Normandale?

“About a month before my graduation ceremony in May, I was promoted to Front Office Manager at the hotel where I work. At that point, I had been with the property for eight years, including one year in a supervisory role before the promotion. This past year has brought some of the biggest challenges of my career, but also some of the most rewarding moments. I helped my property raise its branded audit score from 70% to 88%, which was a huge accomplishment for our team. Through all the ups and downs, I was honored to be named Employee of the Year this year for CSM Corporation, the first person at my property to ever receive that recognition. It meant so much, not just for me, but for everyone who supported me along the way.”

How did your experience at Normandale shape who you are today?

“Professor B (Hospitality Instructor Brandon Supernault) played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. As the Director of the Hospitality program, he truly embodies what it means to make an impact on students. He helped transform me from a very anxious student into someone who believes in their ability to achieve big goals, both professionally and personally. Because of his influence, I now have the confidence to lead meetings, speak in public, and step into leadership roles with purpose. All it takes is one person believing in you to help you discover your own strengths, and for me, that person was Professor B.”

What advice would you give students who have just started out at Normandale?

“Get to know your professors. They genuinely want to see you succeed. Be open and communicative about anything you think they should know. Coursework can feel overwhelming at times, but getting involved makes a huge difference. I joined Phi Theta Kappa and loved being part of something that contributed to the college community. Normandale is incredibly diverse, and one of the best parts of being here is connecting with students from so many different backgrounds who share similar goals. Take advantage of that. It makes your experience richer and more meaningful.”