Inspiring Stories

Meet the Trainer: Johnny Hernandez

By Pamela Hugi Saturday, January 13, 2024 10 Comments Share This:

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

10 responses to “Meet the Trainer: Johnny Hernandez”

JoanL:

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 6:59pm

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.

Reply to JoanL
Iris Hawkins:

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 2:20pm

I only know Johnny from the Lunch and Learn group, which I have been attending since it was formed. It is good to know more about Johnny as a person.

Reply to Iris Hawkins
Donna L:

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 12:00pm

Johnny is a wonderful trainer. I so enjoy his classes, his attitude and his desire to help. I have learned so much form him. He always makes my day better.

Reply to Donna L
LESLIE S LIGON:

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 7:34am

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!

Reply to LESLIE S LIGON
Rachel Lavender:

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 9:25am

I recently retired from 25 years in an IT support role. How do I become a trainer on Seniorplant?

Reply to Rachel Lavender
1. Virge:
  
  Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10:38am
  
  Check out the info on volunteering here.
  
  Reply to Virge
Joyce Bidwell:

Monday, January 15, 2024 at 9:11am

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

Reply to Joyce Bidwell
1. Senior Planet:
  
  Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 9:00am
  
  Hi there
  Senior Planet doesn’t offer a blogging platform or use guest bloggers; as far as I know neither does AARP. You might try getting an account with substack or blogger.com
  
  Reply to Senior Planet
Cynthia Paver:

Monday, January 15, 2024 at 8:39am

I want to join Johnny Hernández ‘s drum circle but can’t on 16th. When is the next one scheduled?

Reply to Cynthia Paver
1. Virge:
  
  Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 12:15pm
  
  It’s usually the 3rd Tuesday of the month, so February 20 is the scheduled date.
  
  Reply to Virge