Inspiring Stories

Meet the Trainer: Johnny Hernandez

Johnny Hernandez has been a Senior Planet trainer since 2019. We caught up with him to talk tech and what it’s like to reunite with his high school band decades later. 

What do you teach at Senior Planet? 

Just about everything! I’m doing hybrid: in-person at local senior centers and virtual. I’ve been lucky enough to help pilot some of our new offerings (like our TikTok demo) and have had the opportunity to work with discussion groups like the Lunch and Learn discussion group and the WACI (Windows, Android, Computers Internet) Group on Mondays. And I’m just ecstatic that I’m able to offer the drum circle once a month on the virtual calendar again this year. It’s usually on the third Tuesday of the month.

Want to join Johnny’s virtual drum circle on Zoom on January 16? Info is here! 

 

What are some of your favorite parts of the job? 

I love learning new things and being able to share that knowledge with others. But most of all, I love the rewarding feeling I get when a participant learns something new – even after just one hour of training – that helps them with their daily responsibilities.  

I’m able to relate a lot to what my students have involved in their lives seeing as I’m already a grandparent, I’m going to be 50 this year! 

“We can all age with attitude, at any age, because we’re constantly learning new things (technology or otherwise) that can make life easier.” 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I do a lot of writing, and some photography. Drumming is the biggest passion I have.  

Since my late teens I’ve worked with semi-professional bands and groups. Even to this day, I’m playing with some guys that I’ve known since high school. Our group is called The Shady Blades. In high school we were, of course, underage, but were getting booked to play at bars and parties. Now, we’re back together again! Not really doing the bar scene anymore though, we’re too old to play till 3am. But it’s the same group of guys as I knew back then, performing the same style of music we loved back then at public and private events.

What does Aging with Attitude mean to you? 

To me, it means rising above the stereotypes that a lot of older adults have to deal with. But we can all age with attitude, at any age, because we’re constantly learning new things (technology or otherwise) that can make life easier. 

YOUR TURN

Do you have a favorite trainer? Let us know in the comments!

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.

COMMENTS

22 responses to “Meet the Trainer: Johnny Hernandez

      1. Thanks for all the great free classes you offer .It is really helpful for a non tech like me. I have trouble catching up on the classes offered. Do you offer any of the classes on line at a later time. Like can pick them up during the later evening hours or a day later or whatever? If so it would be immensely helpful.
        Like tuning into two or three Johnny Hernandez computer courses at a time
        could be really useful.

      2. Hi Timothy,

        Thanks for saying so. We are proud of how much people are learning in the classes. And you just affirmed the work we do. So thank you again.

        As far as taking classes in the evening, unfortunately that option doesn’t exist. However, there is a way to get a recording of a few sessions. Agents on the Senior Planet Hotline can help you figure out how to do that. The number to the hotline is 888-713-3495. We look forward to helping you.

      3. Hello Julie. We are really happy you are getting positive use out of the Senior Planet resources. Unfortunately, there is not be a center opening in the Fort Wayne region in the near future. However, there are ways to begin getting access to in-person sessions at a local facility, such as a senior center or a recreational center. If there is a local organization that you think would be a good fit to partner with Senior Planet, you can tell them about our free licensing program: https://oats.org/licensing/ .

  1. I only recently discovered Senior Planet. Have been an AARP member since 1815 and it was only while doing some online research for a friend that I finally paid attention and discovered all that was available.
    I took the Google Maps class with Johnny Hernandez a few days ago and he was great. Am actually planning to take that one again because I did not take notes and everything did not sink in. Going forward, when I see that he is the trainer, I know I’ll be more likely to take that class.

  2. Here’s Johnny!! All joking aside, Johnny, I very much appreciate your participation on Lunch and Learn, helping us all out (and Dave in particular) getting by. I had asked earlier if your band is local… I would imagine it is or I would be out there in the crowd somewhere. Good luck and I’m sure you may have a YouTube out there somewhere promoting your sound/band. I’ll search and see what I can find. Thank again for all your help and participation.

  3. Johnny Hernandez is one of the best presenters on Sr. Planet. I have so enjoyed the classes he has led. Thank you for doing an outstanding job Johnny! When I see that he is leading a class, it makes me more inclined to try it out!

  4. Hello SP,
    I’ve been a volunteer for AARP for several years and currently I’m enjoying the camaraderie of Senior Planet. It’s a fun place to hang out.
    Question…Does SP or AARP offer a Blog platform for guest bloggers? I’m currently putting together a monthly series and wish to post it on SP or other format with AARP. I’m an active senior and work exclusively with seniors helping them find financial peace of mind.
    Any advise or referral would be greatly welcomed.
    Joyce Bidwell

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