Antonio H. Correa, 20, of Glasgow, speaks to members of the Glasgow Rotary Club about his debut release of a poetry collection called “13” on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Lera B. Mitchell Clubhouse in Glasgow.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
BY BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — In a presentation Thursday to Glasgow Rotarians, a local college student and author presented details about his first book, which was published earlier this month.
Antonio H. Correa, 20, detailed his life’s journey as an immigrant to the United States from Mexico. Perhaps by coincidence, a woman approached him while still there and predicted something would happen to him when he was age 13. And it did.
“It was a lifechanging experience,” he said.
Hernandez’s family made their way from Mexico and eventually to Kentucky. That happened in 2015 when he was just 13.
His debut collection of poetry – called “13” – navigates his mind and attempts to show his life through a lens of mind, heart and soul. They were inspired by personal writings created as an outlet to covey emotions, he said.
The title of the book stems from a pivotal point in his life and his favorite number since he was born June 13. Among the themes throughout the book are family, drugs, sex, anxiety, relationships, and sexuality.
“Actually, the last poem in the book refers to the first poem that I wrote when I first came to the states,” Hernandez said.
The local Boys and Girls Club is far from familiar ground for the incoming college senior who studies political science and international studies. He discovered the club soon after moving to the area and said the experience there has been “joyous.” While he is no longer a club member, he does continue to serve there as a Spanish teacher and volunteer.
Hernandez was recognized as the state Youth of the Year a few years ago and most recently scored an internship in Washington as a political campaign intern.
With plans to graduate next year from Centre College, the possibilities continue to grow for Hernandez. He plans to continue writing and inspiring others to create meaningful work – even if they are just a kid from a small town.
“It’s been such a rewarding experience,” he said. “I started writing about 2 ½ years ago. This dream came true thanks to the support of so many people – my family, my professors, my community – just believing in me in order to put forth a part of me and have it available for people to read.”
A paperback option of the book is available online through Amazon.
