United States at age 14 from a tiny town in the state of Zacatecas , Mexico knowing almost no English , and graduated three years later from Fresno High School as a valedictorian headed to college .

Cervantes made the most of his shot at the American dream and now helps students with their own dreams . In January he was hired as a Spanish instructor at Fresno City College . Over the summer , he taught a dual enrollment Spanish class at Bullard High School that enabled students to also earn college credit from Fresno City College .

Looking back , Cervantes is amazed at how his life has turned out so far . The plan when Cervantes joined an older brother already living in Fresno was that he would learn English , graduate from high school and get a job .

“ But I loved school , I loved learning ,” Cervantes said .

The first teacher to make an impression on him was Rita Dias , who taught English language development . Cervantes made an impression on Dias as well .

“ Germán ’ s brilliant mind and loving heart have left an indelible mark on me ,” Dias said . “ Every day , from bell to bell , Germán was ready and eager to learn . He grasped new material very quickly , and it was a joy for me to see the seeds I sowed daily sprout in his speaking and writing the next day . I hope he finds an abundance of fertile soil in his career as an educator .”

Despite not knowing English , Cervantes got all A ’ s that first year , as a sophomore , with the help of translators in his biology and algebra classes .

His counselor at Fresno High , Gina Sandoval , told him that he could be a valedictorian if he continued to work hard .

“ I didn ’ t even know what a valedictorian was . After about the third time she mentioned it , I said , ‘ What is a valedictorian ?’”

In his junior year , Sandoval began talking to Cervantes about going to college .

“ Not even in my wildest dream did I think I was going to college ,” Cervantes said . “ It was [ Sandoval ] who put me on the right path , directed me .”

He planned to attend UC Merced . But he and his brother decided that it made more sense financially to attend Fresno State . Cervantes also wanted to stay close to family .

He graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor ’ s degree in Spanish language and literature and master ’ s degree in Spanish literature . While at Fresno State he was a Spanish tutor in the Learning Center and taught beginning

Spanish at University High School .

In 2022 , he was recognized as the Graduate Student of Distinction from the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures at Fresno State . He plans to pursue his doctorate in Mexican and Latin American literature with the goal of teaching at a four-year university .

Cervantes said teaching Spanish at Fresno City College , “ is very fulfilling .”

“ What I enjoy the most about teaching is teaching the language to those students who want to make a connection with their roots ,” Cervantes said . “ I feel like I ’ m that bridge for those students .”

Jeannine Der Manouel , who now teaches at the district ’ s eLearn Academy , was one of Cervantes ’ teachers at Fresno High . She recalls his respect for teachers and others and his “ incredible work ethic .”

“ I vividly remember how driven he was to achieve his academic goals . He had a presence about him that exuded confidence ,” Der Manouel said . “ Hearing about Germán ’ s success is not a surprise ; it was expected . He was the type of student who is so unique and special , and without a doubt , memorable .”

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