MOUNT OLIVE – The story of University of Mount Olive (UMO) accounting major Josh Hernandez is one of resilience, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities he has been given. A 2022 Southern Wayne High School graduate, Hernandez is on track to graduate from UMO in the spring of 2026.
Reflecting on his initial interest in accounting, Hernandez shared, “I took an accounting course in high school because I had an elective to fill. I ended up failing the course, but I liked the material. I researched colleges and programs, took a leap of faith, and chose to major in accounting at UMO.”
Hernandez has found a supportive and enriching environment at UMO. “The people I have met have made coming here worth it,” he said. One of his notable experiences has been his volunteer work with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) on campus. “Working in the VITA program has been arguably one of the highlights of my time at UMO. The hands-on experience helped me get my first internship during the summer after my freshman year. It also helped me land an internship that I recently completed at Markem, Mitchell, and Stroud this past spring. The best part of the VITA program for me is the people I work with and the friendships I have made. The taco runs will also always be close to my heart,” he laughed.
Hernandez was one of four students Markem, Mitchell, and Stroud selected for a prestigious three-month internship. “The partners and staff at the firm were very kind and took the time to teach us the nuances of working for a small firm,” he said. Additionally, last summer, Hernandez interned as an online bookkeeper for a tax firm in Texas, where he handled payroll, franchise, and sales tax preparation, among other projects.
Hernandez draws inspiration from his father, who immigrated to the United States in the late 80s. “He had no money and did not know any English,” Hernandez recounted. “He traveled around, picking up work here and there. He ended up in North Carolina and liked it enough to stay. He soon brought my mother, and the rest is history. The fact that my father persevered in a country with no family or friends and no grasp of the language is nothing short of a miracle. I can only hope to be as steadfast as my father while moving forward with my life.”
Hernandez's motivation to achieve financial stability stems from his family's experiences. “Growing up, I experienced the challenges of limited resources. My family worked tirelessly to provide for us with the means they had. Their dedication and sacrifices have deeply influenced my perspective on life and work. My motivation is not merely about the money. Rather, it is about what the money represents - the ability to provide, ensure stability, and achieve the opportunities that my parents dreamed of when they came here. Their resilience and dedication inspire me daily, and I strive to honor their efforts by working hard to achieve financial success.”
This summer, Hernandez will participate in the Pathways to Success mentorship program with BDO, an international network of public accounting, tax, consulting, and business advisory firms. It is the fifth-largest accounting network in the world. “The program pairs hopeful and rising accounting students with experienced mentors to help build them up and help smooth their path,” Hernandez explained.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information about the University of Mount Olive and its accounting program, visit www.umo.edu.
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