The Master of Human Rights (MHR) program at the University of Minnesota brings together students from different backgrounds who share a commitment to justice, advocacy, and public service.
For two students in the program, Mila Hellfyre Hernandez and Peter Klicker, that diversity of experience has become the foundation of a particularly meaningful mentor-mentee relationship.
The most obvious difference between them is their age gap: Hellfyre Hernandez, the mentor, is in her 20s, and Klicker, the mentee, is in his 60s. They’ve also had very different life experiences.
Hellfyre Hernandez grew up in Puerto Rico, and has been at the forefront of many human-rights projects focused on the trans community and those living with HIV/AIDS. She is a second-year MHR student and will graduate in May.
Klicker was born into a military family and served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years. He then spent two decades working in real estate before making a deliberate career shift into social services. That transition ultimately led him to pursue a graduate degree in human rights, and he began his studies last fall.
The MHR program is jointly supported by the Humphrey School and the College of Liberal Arts.
Immediate connection
It’s been 15 years since Klicker was last in a college classroom, and things have changed a bit since then. That’s why the coordinator of the Human Rights Program, Amelia Shindelar, introduced him to Hellfyre Hernandez.
“I asked Mila to mentor Peter to help him build community and adjust to graduate school,” Shindelar said, as part of a student-to-student mentorship program that helps ease the transition into graduate school for new MHR students.
“Mila is a gregarious, kind and passionate person who is also very giving of her time despite the substantial commitments that she already has,” said Shindelar. “Graduate school is hard for everyone and extra difficult for students who hold marginalized identities, so I knew it would be important for Pete to have support. I’m delighted that this pairing has turned into such a successful relationship.”
Though Klicker occasionally jokes about his age, he is quick to note that he does not feel retired—or disconnected from his peers. He keeps up with popular culture and music and actively engages with younger students in and outside the classroom.
“I don’t feel like I’ve aged out of this,” Klicker said. “I’m here to learn and to be part of the community.”
Despite the age difference, both say they felt an immediate connection.
“When we first met, it felt like we had known each other for years,” Klicker said. “We’re both outspoken, we have similar personalities, and we don’t shy away from asking questions or challenging ideas.”
As with most Generation Zers, Hellfyre Hernandez grew up immersed in technology and is comfortable using a variety of digital research tools. She has helped Klicker learn those skills; he’s had to catch up quickly.
“The first few days of class, everyone had a laptop and I had a pen and a notebook,” Klicker said. “Technology has changed so much. I’m coming from an academic background that is entirely different. I studied English and psychology in college. I had no idea what’s going on. Research is entirely different.”
Klicker added that the value of Hellfyre Hernandez’s mentorship goes well beyond teaching him new research methods.
“One thing I’ve learned from Mila is that anything is possible. I want to be just like her when I grow up,” he said with a smile. “She is very put together academically and career-wise. A lot of it is her lived experience. The stuff that she’s doing feels relevant.”
Shared identity
Their bond was further strengthened by their shared identity. Both Hellfyre Hernandez and Klicker are transgender, creating an additional layer of trust and understanding in their relationship. While their transitions occurred at different points in their lives, both say navigating through society as trans individuals is a challenging experience.
“When I came to the Humphrey School, I didn’t know anyone who was involved in HIV, trans, and LGBTQ issues,” said Hellfyre Hernandez. “When Pete came along, we found commonality. … Every time we interact we talk about our experiences. And talk about school, too.”
Although the political climate nationally toward the trans community is negative, both say they feel accepted and supported at the Humphrey School.
“Everybody from the dean on down has been welcoming and encouraging,” Klicker said. “People don’t make a big deal about trans people here. They wrap us up in their arms just like every other student.”
“I double that sentiment,” added Hellfyre Hernandez, noting that School leaders, faculty, and student organizations are all supportive of LGBTQ students. “There’s a lot of space for hope and growth. As students we take care of each other and watch out for each other. Not having to explain anything brings a lot of comfort.”
Goals after graduation
Hellfyre Hernandez is just a few weeks away from completing her master’s degree. She’ll graduate in May, and has been giving a lot of thought to her next steps. Based on her experience working with a number of local, national and international advocacy organizations, she’s hoping to grow the human rights consulting firm she recently founded.
“I used to think of myself on a smaller stage, but now I’m seeing myself able to go national” or perhaps work internationally. “That was the original purpose of why I came to the Humphrey School.”
Klicker has another year to go to finish his MHR, but he may keep going; he’s thinking about pursuing a PhD.
“I’m an educator at heart. I want the knowledge and ability to do some teaching, and I want to make my writing more impactful,” he said. “If ideas are presented the right way, more people will be interested [and I can] get their attention by telling people’s stories.”
One thing that’s not in question – he plans to switch roles next year and become a mentor for an incoming student. “I’ve already applied to do that.”
