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Valencia overcomes barriers to excel at ULV

Hugo Valencia began studying English when he moved to the United States in the fifth grade. Today Valencia runs cross country, plays tennis and maintains a 3.16 GPA. He is double majoring in International Business and Language and Liberal Studies. / photo by Lauren Wooding
Hugo Valencia began studying English when he moved to the United States in the fifth grade. Today Valencia runs cross country, plays tennis and maintains a 3.16 GPA. He is double majoring in International Business and Language and Liberal Studies. / photo by Lauren Wooding

by Amanda Stutevoss
Staff Writer

You have probably seen him around campus, usually carrying a tennis racket or a guitar with a smile. He is an over-committed young man who seems to excel in everything he does. His name is Hugo Valencia.

Valencia was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, but his life in Mexico was not what he dreamed of. “I remember when I was young all I ever wanted was a career. I saw my family working in the fields and I said to myself, ‘No, that is not for me.'”

With his grandparents and sister, Valencia immigrated into the United States in 1992 where he enrolled in school. At first he struggled because of the language barrier until he met Felicity Moore, a teacher who took Valencia under her wing and helped teach him English.

Valencia was progressing with his English quite well until the time came to advance into junior high. He was put into English speaking classes and this put a halt to his progress.

Moore saw he was struggling and after a long conversation between Moore and Valencia’s biological parents, a choice was made that would forever change his life.

Valencia’s parents decided that the best choice for their son would be to live with Moore so he could further his English learning. Soon after, Moore became his legal guardian. Valencia thinks of this as a blessing. “I am very lucky to have two different lines of support. One from my biological family and one from my foster family.”

Valencia continued to grow academically, and all of his hard work has paid off. Currently a sophomore, Valencia is a double major in International Business and Language and Liberal Studies and is on full academic scholarship. He one day aspires to become a teacher. “I really want to teach one day. I think that it is a very self-rewarding thing,” he said.

Not only does he immerse himself in academics, but is also very involved in sports. He is not a standout skill wise, but Valencia makes more of an impression on those who coach him or have the opportunity to play with him.

In high school, Valencia played golf, but had always wanted to give tennis a try. When he came to La Verne he tried out for the tennis team and his determination earned him a spot on the team.

“Hugo is a hard worker, he puts his mind to something and it gets done,” said Steve Bergovoy, ULV tennis coach.

“I didn’t want to leave college without the experience of being on a team,” said Valencia.

Not only does Valencia’s presence grace the tennis courts, but he is also involved in cross-country. “Last season was not as good as I expected. I was injured and doctors told me to rest. I was very disappointed.”

Valencia has also been involved in drama at ULV as an actor in the 2000 production of “Thomas Paine.” Those in the Theatre Arts Department will never forget the effect that his presence had in the production.

“Hugo gets your attention. He is a very distinct human being. He loves to laugh,” said junior Obren Milanovic.

Valencia has definitely made his mark at ULV. Whether it is giving his time to a team, diving into mounds of homework, or stepping into the spotlight, he has set an example.

“The only way that you can overcome a plateau in your life is to join a program and get involved,” said Valencia. “That will bring you out of your shell.”

Amanda Stutevoss
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Lauren Wooding
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