Juan Tapia Lopez knew he didn’t want to spend his life working long hours as a cook, but the idea of going to college intimidated him. Attending MiraCosta College changed his viewpoint. He succeeded in his classes, earning a coveted selection as a Medal of Academic Merit scholar.

Tapia will be graduating from MiraCosta College this spring with an associate's degree in computer engineering. With an almost-perfect 3.94 grade point average, he’s trying to decide whether to transfer to UC Irvine or UC San Diego.

Tapia has come a long way from the days when he got up at 5 a.m. for his first shift as a cook, then returned home at 10 p.m. after working a late shift. He had struggled in high school and was unsure about continuing his education.

When his brother and his brother’s girlfriend decided to attend MiraCosta College, Tapia joined them. He said his experience at MiraCosta College was far different than what he feared.

“Everybody was so welcoming,” he said. “It was amazing. The teachers were incredible, and the staff members were so helpful.”

Tapia wanted to major in computer science, but he said he didn’t even know how to use a computer keyboard when he took Eduardo Mariscal’s introductory computer programming class. He said Mariscal encouraged him and talked about his life experience, giving Tapia confidence that he could do well.

Tapia said he wants to have a career in computing, particularly in the growing field of artificial intelligence. He acknowledges how far he has come in his education, and said he was stunned when he learned he had been selected for the prestigious academic award.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Tapia said. “I would never have thought I would get it when I didn’t even think I was going to graduate from college. It’s been a miracle.”