Jackie Llanos Hernandez (she, her) is the newest member of WPLN News. As the station’s digital news intern, Jackie is actively involved in social media content creation and digital news reporting. Get to know her.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to walk back home from school with my sisters and my mom and at least once a week we had ice cream at a local shop. From there, I got the genius idea of wanting to own an ice cream store, so I could eat all the ice cream I wanted every day of the week.
2. What made you want to intern for WPLN News?
While I can’t say that I grew up listening to NPR with my parents, I did grow up understanding how essential public service journalism is to society, especially in a format, such as radio, that is accessible to people of all backgrounds. A less serious reason is that all the coolest journalists I know work in public radio, and I wanted to join the team.
3. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?
Food is one of the many things I don’t mind splurging on. I’m an adventurous eater and enjoy trying foods from distinct cultures. Even though I have not tried many restaurants in Nashville, I’m looking forward to excellent BBQ and hot (but not too hot) chicken.
Submitted photo This is either a llama or alpaca. The photo was taken at an Airbnb that Jackie stayed at in Asheville, North Carolina. (Submitted photo)
4. Where else have you lived besides Middle Tennessee?
I’m originally from Bogota, Colombia, and I lived there for most of my childhood. The other half of my life has been spent in Virginia, where I also go to school at the University of Richmond. During the pandemic, I was lucky enough to live near Savannah, Georgia. Sometimes I miss the Spanish moss trees and beautiful architecture!
5. Where is your dream vacation?
I really wanted to study abroad in Chile, but, unfortunately, because of COVID-19 that didn’t happen. I still watch YouTube videos about Patagonia every once in a while. I hope one day I can go there to see the glaciers, mountains and penguins in person. I’m not an outdoorsy person at all, but the scenery just transports you to a time before civilization that seems peaceful, or at least that’s what it looks like on the videos.
Bonus 1. What’s a fun fact about you?
For the hip-hop fans out there: I met BROCKHAMPTON after getting my car stuck in a garage in D.C.
Bonus 2. Where do you prefer your coffee and toast?
Coffee: I’m not a big coffee person, but when I have it I take it like D4.
Toast: G2
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