Editor’s note: The Daily’s editorial department acknowledges that this article is premised on a conflict of interest. This article is a special feature for Commencement 2026 that does not represent the Daily’s standard journalistic practices.
Israel Hernandez, the Daily’s executive graphics editor, has devoted much of his yearlong tenure to promoting his section, using his passion for art and appreciation for the Daily to spread the message from the Medford/Somerville campus to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.
Hernandez, a studio art major at the SMFA and self-described “interdisciplinary artist,” was a latecomer to the Daily, joining in the spring of his junior year. He credits his friend and predecessor, Jaylin Cho, alumni liaison and graduating senior, for convincing him to get involved.
“I joined [the Daily] pretty late [...] and I wasn’t really in the know about a lot of communities here,” he said. “I was intrigued — I like making graphics, I like drawing, I’m an SMFA student, so it’s a part of what makes me, me.”
As a native of Phoenix, Ariz., Hernandez said his transition to Tufts was initially challenging. Since then, Hernandez has stepped out of his comfort zone and found his footing both academically and socially.
“My first year was pretty tough. … I never really left home ever in my entire life,” he said. “I was struggling to make friends and whatnot, but I decided to stick it out and keep going at it, and I’ve got to say, I’m going to miss being [at] Tufts.”
After joining the graphics section, he became increasingly involved not only in creating graphics but also in building a community within the Daily. He particularly enjoys organizing section bonding events and participating in publication-wide traditions such as the Hunt.
Hernandez noted that the graphics section’s small size led him to bolster recruitment efforts.
“I want the graphics section to thrive … before I have to graduate. On top of the [General Interest Meetings] that we did, I would also go to SMFA classes and tell them about the graphics section at the Daily. I was able to get a couple of students to join,” he said. “It was a nice way to get the word out there, because I feel like a lot of SMFA students don’t actually know about the graphics section.”
Outside of the Daily, Hernandez can be found working on various personal projects, including his charcoal animation entitled “The Meow-Cracker,” an animated short-film of his cat, Luna.
“It’s about a day in the life of my cat, Luna, and how her antics resembled a dance or a ballet from the Nutcracker,” he said. “You can actually see it on YouTube right now.”
After graduation, Hernandez says he plans to stay in Boston for another year to continue building his art portfolio. He hopes to eventually work in animation or for a game studio.
“I’m excited to be graduating but I’m also kind of sad because I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” he said.
As he prepares to graduate, Hernandez’s final piece of advice for Tufts students is to step out of their comfort zones and to take advantage of every opportunity — just like he did with the Daily.
“Cherish your time and don’t be afraid to do anything that you think is scary,” he said. “Seize those opportunities.”
