Although he moved to the United States from Mexico only a year ago, Bryan Hernandez is already fluent in English, something many individuals spend a lifetime trying to do.

Bryan was born in the U.S., but spent his first nine years of life in Mexico before coming to Turlock in the third grade.  With a penchant for mathematics and a passion for baseball, Bryan has adjusted remarkably to the way of life in Turlock despite the fact that his immediate family is still in Mexico.

It is his ability to conquer these emotional and language barriers with zeal that awarded Bryan the Every Student Succeeding award. This award recognizes students who have excelled in the face of adversity and at the April 1 Turlock Unified School Board meeting, Bryan was one of the 10 students present that received their award with recognition from the superintended and the board. Bryan plans to utilize his academic skills to practice law one day.

“I want to be an immigration lawyer so that I can bring my family to Turlock,” said Bryan.

While his long term goals are set, Bryan finds enjoyment in the daily activities of attending school and playing baseball with his cousin after school. Bryan has also played on a local baseball team for two years and when he isn’t playing sports, he aims to improve his reading and spelling.

“I like the 'Magic Tree House' book and 'Diary of Wimpy Kid.' I like to read my books, but I really like to practice baseball,” said Bryan.

If Bryan had one superpower, it would be to know everything, but with his hard work and determination, he is well on his way to meeting his goals without the help of a supernatural power.