2026 PSD Language Arts: John Juan Carlos Foster Garcia
“You have to come back next semester; we will be waiting for you.”
When ESL instructor Jill Bauer said these words to John Juan Carlos Foster Garcia, after he mentioned needing to drop the class because the International Student fees made it financially difficult, that made him feel like he belonged, and that the time he’d take away from school to meet the residency requirement would be bearable.
His trek to Cypress had already taken many steps. Born in Lima, Peru, Juan’s early years were a bit of a struggle after his father left his family. The strain on finances was hard, and so were the physical limitations for Juan, who suffered spinal spasms and difficulty walking. Doctors in Peru gave him little hope for walking in his future, so Juan made the decision to move to the United States, to pursue health care and a better life. He got the care he needed — two successful, 8-hour surgeries — and found an opportunity to work and live in the country he calls the greatest in the world.
“At Cypress College, I learned how to speak, read, and write in English through its incredible ESL program. In addition, my experience in general education courses has prepared me to face university challenges in the best way.”
John heads to Cal State Fullerton next, to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s following that. He wants to transition from an Instructional Assistant in K-12 schools to a bilingual Instructional Assistant, and aims to teach Spanish in higher education. He’s traveled so far to reach these goals, he’s sure to cover then next steps.
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I was born in Lima, the capital of Peru, a place where hardship and barriers to success can be a normal part of life for many people. When I was 7 years old, my father left home, which not only worsened our family’s financial situation but also shattered many dreams. My mother, my siblings, and I went through very difficult times; however, my mother always found a way to make us laugh and feel loved. I remember that as a child, my dream was always to come to the United States and study so I could provide better opportunities for my family. At that time, reality made my dream seem impossible. However, fate had something else prepared for me, to come here, to the United States. For many years I suffered from spinal problems. While living in my country I experienced severe spasms and difficulty walking for almost eight years. Doctors in Peru gave me very little chance of ever walking again, so I made the decision to come to the best country in the world, the United States, to treat my condition. After two surgeries that lasted eight hours each and eight screws placed in my spine, not only was I able to walk again, but the following year I won second place in a 10K race in Anaheim.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
During my recovery after those two surgeries, while lying in a hospital bed, I thought: I survived, I have to give meaning to this new opportunity. Right there, in that hospital bed, I decided to pursue higher education and earn a professional degree in the best country in the world. I believed I had only one opportunity, and I was not going to waste it. This is what truly drives me: believing that everything is possible if I dare to dream, and that the opportunity I have might be my last, therefore, nothing will stop me from achieving what I have always dreamed of.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I chose Cypress College because my wife had studied here. She told me it was an extraordinary college and that I would love it. That convinced me, and now I can say that I truly love Cypress College. Cypress College gave me the hope and life opportunity I needed.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
At Cypress College, I learned how to speak, read, and write in English through its incredible ESL program. In addition, my experience in general education courses has prepared me to face university challenges in the best way. Cypress College has also given me the opportunity to work as a Spanish tutor for over a year, which serves as a strong foundation on my path to becoming a Spanish professor.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
I have had many wonderful and unforgettable moments at Cypress College, but one that stands out the most was my very first class. I enrolled in the ESL program and attended two classes, but since I had been in the United States for less than a year, I could only enroll as an international student, which was too expensive for me, subsequently, I had to withdraw from the classes. Those two classes were incredible, and when I told my professor I had to leave due to financial reasons, she said: “You have to come back next semester, we will be waiting for you.” Those words from my professor, Jill Bauer, made me feel like I belonged to the college during those difficult months of waiting. She made me feel like part of the Cypress College family from that very moment. The following semester, I returned and took classes with her in the prestigious ESL program at Cypress College.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
Cypress College has extraordinary professors, tutors, and staff who have helped me achieve my goals. However, there are some who have had a deeply personal impact on my life and academic journey. I would like to mention my wonderful professor Jill Bauer and thank her for believing in me, for her friendship, and for giving me the honor of being her student. I would also like to thank Professor Lynn Walker for her patience and dedication. I want to thank Professor Kathryn Wada for teaching me that the most valuable things take time, for her friendship, and for her constant support. I also thank Professor Alison Robertson for showing me that I am a high-level student, for her tireless effort, and for her friendship. All of them are part of the extraordinary team that guided me through my ESL classes. I would also like to thank my Spanish professor Adrienne Merlo for her friendship, trust, and recommendation for the Spanish tutor position at Cypress College. Additionally, I thank Janelle Salinas, Tutorial Services Coordinator, for giving me the opportunity and trusting me to serve as a Spanish tutor at Cypress College. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Cypress College means so much to me. I have received top-level educational support through the ESL program, becoming a student who is ready to face university challenges. Additionally, Cypress College has supported me with various services such as Financial Aid, the LRC, LangEx space, counseling, cafeteria, pantry, bus pass, and book pass.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
In fall 2026, I will begin my Spanish studies at CSUF to earn my bachelor’s degree, and afterward, I will pursue a master’s degree there as well. At the same time, I will transition from my position as an Instructional Assistant (ATP) to a bilingual Instructional Assistant in AUHSD, moving from a temporary to a permanent role in order to gain experience in my professional career.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My goal is to become a Spanish professor at both Cypress College and AUHSD. I want to give back, through my knowledge and effort, all the wonderful things I have received over these years.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud of the people who have been by my side and have helped me throughout this incredible journey in my life.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
No matter what you have been told or what you have experienced, if you have a dream, dare to pursue it. And if you don’t have one yet, find one because that will make your life the greatest story of all.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I want to give a very special thank you to my wife, Soledad, for her unconditional support and patience throughout this wonderful journey at Cypress College. Without her, it would have been impossible to achieve my dreams.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I dedicate this prestigious recognition from Cypress College to my mother, Yolanda Garcia, for giving me all her love.