Student Success Stories
francisco solano
francisco solano![]()
francisco solano
Francisco started his journey at SUHSD in 2010 as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student. In 2013, Francisco took a step forward by transitioning into the G.E.D. program. The road to completing his GED was rocky, as Francisco was in the United States alone, working on improving his English, working full-time in agriculture, and as if more was needed, he experienced an extreme personal crisis. Nevertheless, Fransisco persisted, focusing on school, continuing to work, and staying steadfast in his plans to go to college.
After receiving his GED, Francisco enrolled at Hartnell College. There, he graduated with not one, but three associate degrees. His dedication to education didn’t end there! Francisco continued his education journey at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
His academic achievements despite the odds stacked against him are awe-inspiring, but his unwavering commitment to his community is what truly sets Francisco apart. Francisco continued to stay well-connected to others, volunteering at Breakthrough Men’s Community – a group that he once attended to help him cope with feelings of distress and isolation. In addition, Francisco has been part of several programs and events that promote equity and inclusivity for Hispanic undocumented students – he has even returned to Salinas Adult School several times to speak to and inspire students who are in the same chairs he once occupied.
Francisco’s incredible journey has reached new heights, as he has been accepted into doctoral programs at both UCLA and UC Davis, where he has decided to study cancer research.
As a self-directed individual who has risen above challenging circumstances to continue to grow and pursue his education, Francisco Solano is the living embodiment of adult education and a true champion of SUHSD.
After receiving his GED, Francisco enrolled at Hartnell College. There, he graduated with not one, but three associate degrees. His dedication to education didn’t end there! Francisco continued his education journey at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
His academic achievements despite the odds stacked against him are awe-inspiring, but his unwavering commitment to his community is what truly sets Francisco apart. Francisco continued to stay well-connected to others, volunteering at Breakthrough Men’s Community – a group that he once attended to help him cope with feelings of distress and isolation. In addition, Francisco has been part of several programs and events that promote equity and inclusivity for Hispanic undocumented students – he has even returned to Salinas Adult School several times to speak to and inspire students who are in the same chairs he once occupied.
Francisco’s incredible journey has reached new heights, as he has been accepted into doctoral programs at both UCLA and UC Davis, where he has decided to study cancer research.
As a self-directed individual who has risen above challenging circumstances to continue to grow and pursue his education, Francisco Solano is the living embodiment of adult education and a true champion of SUHSD.
