Te tomé de los confines de la tierra, te llamé de los rincones más remotos y te dije: “Tú eres mi siervo.” (I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant.”) These lines from Isaiah 41:9-10 (NIV) have been a guiding light for César Aroldo Solórzano, PhD, who has served at Azusa Pacific University for 30 years as a Spanish professor. His joy, enthusiasm, and expertise in Latin American studies provide students who enter his classroom the chance to broaden their perspectives about culture and language.
Originally from Santa María de Jesús, a small town in Guatemala, Solórzano’s fondest childhood memories include running around with his siblings and playing outside with friends in the neighborhood. Sadly, his father passed away when Solórzano was only a year old, so his mother and siblings have always leaned on each other for strength and comfort. A missionary greatly influenced Solórzano’s mother by sharing that her children will always have a heavenly father watching over them. Their faith became a focal point of hope and guidance in their lives.
Solórzano never envisioned he would study and find his vocation in the U.S. When his brother connected with two college professors through Campus Crusade for Christ (an international ministry) he had the opportunity to pursue higher education in the states. Solórzano developed a fruitful relationship with the professors as well, often referring to them as his mom and dad. They invited him to attend Asbury University, where Solórzano double majored in Spanish and History.
Moving to another country was a challenging season for Solórzano as he experienced culture shock and cold winters while doing his best to grasp the English language. “My biggest fear was failing the people who had sacrificed to allow me to study in the U.S.,” he said. “Thankfully, I found friends who encouraged me, and ultimately God provided.” Whenever he meets foreign students at APU, Solórzano resonates with their emotions during a transitional time, and offers understanding and encouragement for what they are going through.
The more Solórzano immersed himself in his history classes as an undergraduate, the more he fell in love with learning about Latin America’s past. “I always loved reading,” he said. Solórzano went on to earn his Master’s in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas, Austin. He returned to Guatemala, and struggled to discover how his degree fit into his calling at first. “Spanish and history didn’t matter as much back home compared to how well I could teach English, so that’s what I did for a few years.” Teaching became a source of fulfillment that Solórzano wanted to continue working toward.
Solórzano envisioned teaching Spanish in Southern California, where his brother and
extended family lived. He was able to volunteer at a high school in Covina, Calif.
for one year while getting his immigration paperwork in order, and a teacher working
at the school, who was also an adjunct faculty at APU, recommended applying to the
university because she knew the chair of modern languages well. Solórzano could not
overstay his visa, however, so he returned to Guatemala. While working in school administration,
Solórzano received a call that APU was still interested in interviewing him to be
a Spanish instructor. Thrilled, he went to the consulate to ask for another visa,
but they denied him. “They said I did not qualify, that I was fine, but they just
couldn’t give it to me at that point. I was filled with so much sadness.” The chair
of APU’s modern languages department called the consulate to ask that they provide
Solórzano with his visa. The representative from the consulate said his roommate went
to APU and he agreed to give Solórzano a visa for the interview.
In 1994, Solórzano got the job as a Spanish professor. He has made a difference in students’ lives who walk into his classroom eager to learn about the beauty and complexity of the Spanish language. “APU has been amazing for me. I was able to earn my citizenship, and bring my family here. I am so blessed.”
In addition to language classes, Solórzano teaches Latin American history and Spanish literature courses. The heart of what he loves comes down to the Spanish language, and he hopes students leave his classes with a newfound appreciation for learning about the range of Latin cultures and being able to communicate with others in another language. “I love when students talk to me in Spanish between classes and I see them continuing to practice what they have been learning. I hope they remain curious and hold onto the desire to serve others.”
One of Solórzano’s best qualities as a professor is his commitment to meeting one-on-one with students to support them in whatever they’re facing. “I never want to overlook a student in need, so I do my best to engage with students individually and connect with them.” Solórzano loves being involved with the Spanish honors society, Sigma Delta Pi, and attending student run events, such as salsa dance nights and fiestas.
Reflecting on his journey, Solórzano has a heart full of gratitude. “I believe God uses people as angels in our lives, and sometimes we’re angels to others without even knowing it,” he said. “Something as simple as an encouraging word can point someone in the right direction.” Solórzano’s love for Christ, learning, and connecting with others has blessed the APU community, showing how lives can be transformed when we walk along the path God has called us to.