• Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us
The West Point Center for Oral History
  • Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us

Understanding The “Why”: Growing In Honorable Living Through The SLDP-H Program

Xochitl Fernandez

Description

Cadet Xochitl Fernandez grew up in a Hispanic family in Oakley, California, with her four brothers. Her parents, whom she describes as her best friends, were strict and set high expectations for their children. A gifted soccer player, Xochitl was recruited by West Point, and she fell in love with the Academy on a visit. In the spring of her Yearling (sophomore) year, several events conspired to cause additional stress in her life. While home on leave, she felt that she needed to get away on a road-trip with two cousins. When her cousins wanted to go to a bar, under-age Xochitl volunteered to be the designated driver, and altered her ID card to get into the bar. When the bouncer refused to let her in, the implication of what she had done was clear. She immediately contacted her Tactical Officer and turned herself in for an honor violation. After meetings with the Commandant and Superintendent, she was enrolled in the Special Leader Development Program for Honor (SLDP-H) and assigned a mentor. As she goes through the process of honor remediation, she is gaining a better understanding of why the Honor Code is important, and increasing her awareness about the value of trust in various relationships. For Xochitl, SLPD-H has been a developmental process, affording her a better appreciation of what it means to be a West Point Cadet.

Video Details Interview Date:30-Jan-19
Published Date:31-Jan-19
Interviewer:David Siry
Class Year:
  • 2020
Biographical Details Name:Xochitl Fernandez
Institution:USMA
Graduation Year:2020
Additional Resources
The West Point Center for Oral History Logo

About
Contact

How You Can Help

The West Point Center for Oral History is a privately funded organization that relies on the generosity of donors. When you click on the link below, you will be taken to the West Point Association of Graduates website and instructions on how to give to the Center. We appreciate your generosity! Support The Center

Stay Informed

Be the first to know! Sign up now to get updates and email alerts when new interviews are released. Join the West Point Center for Oral History's Pipeline Alert.

"*" indicates required fields

© 2026 · West Point Center for Oral History   |   West Point Department of History   |   U.S. Military Academy   |   U.S. Army