Sergio Rodriguez Hortua, a senior at Hidden Valley High School, has transformed from a disruptive student in Colombia to a focused individual poised for success. After moving to the United States at age 9, he found stability and purpose through his involvement in academics, athletics, and leadership.
At Hidden Valley, Sergio was elected to Titan 12, participated in track, and took challenging courses. He credits much of his growth to the support of his peers and teachers. “I think being around that group made me go down a good path of being responsible,” he said, reflecting on his track teammates. “I’m very thankful that I had these friends to guide me and that we grew together.” He also appreciated the camaraderie in his AP Physics class, describing it as feeling like a family.
Two educators had a significant impact on Sergio’s development. Mr. French, who taught CIT and Networking for three years, helped him acclimate to high school and motivated him to excel. “He really pushed us to work hard and always motivated me to do my best,” Sergio said. Sergio also valued Mr. Harrison’s Spanish class, noting that even as a fluent speaker, he learned a lot due to Mr. Harrison’s engaging teaching methods.
Looking ahead, Sergio is excited to pursue a degree in Business IT at Virginia Tech. He aims to deepen his understanding of coding and computer systems, which are crucial in his field. “I’m excited to go and learn new things, meet new friends, and make connections with professors,” he said.
Beyond academics, Sergio plans to volunteer at soup kitchens, inspired by the food insecurity he witnessed in Colombia. “I would love to help out more with giving to people less fortunate than me and making sure that people are well-fed,” he said. He also identifies with Spider-Man for his compassion and kindness and would choose to dine with Isaac Newton to understand his revolutionary thinking.
Sergio’s journey from a disruptive student to a driven individual exemplifies the transformative power of education and community. His experiences at Hidden Valley have prepared him for the challenges and opportunities ahead at Virginia Tech and beyond.
