Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 | 2 a.m.
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Jesus Hernandez Rios admits he wasn’t much of a student during his initial years at Canyon Springs High School.
Attending class wasn’t a priority, he said. But priorities change when you least expect it.
Rios, 17, said he became dedicated to his studies after the birth of his daughter, Daisy. Now 5 months old, she has given him purpose, he said.
“Anything is possible,” he said. “If it wasn’t for my daughter, I wouldn’t be here. I’m more afraid that I won’t meet her expectations.”
Rios went from being at risk of not graduating to becoming one of the school’s notable students, officials said. It starts with his work ethic.
Some of his peers follow a schedule of school, activities and studying, only to do it all over again the following day. Rios’ schedule follows a similar pattern — except his day includes six hours of work as a carpenter after classes and longer shifts on the weekend.
Some days, he’s tired in the morning. But then he looks at Daisy and gets energy to attack another day.
“I guess you could say I am used to it,” he said of the long hours. “I have to show her that even when things are bad, anything is possible. I was determined to find a way to graduate.”
Being a standout student was made easier because of the teachers at Canyon Springs, especially Rios’ contemporary problems teacher, Joel Guralnik, he said. One of Guralnik’s lessons introduced the students to financial management and trading stocks.
Rios was instantly hooked and is saving money to make some small, conservative investments. He says being financially sound will make his family’s life more comfortable.
But there’s another motive: Being charitable.
“My dream is to help others,” Rios said. “I want to make enough money to give that money out.”
Guralnik said Rios’ interest in learning about stocks was obvious and that he asked plenty of questions. He was happy to give advice.
“It’s awesome to see how something we talked about (in class) can impact someone’s life,” Guralnik said.
Rios said he would be generous because he loves his community and wants others to have success. He doesn’t like seeing suffering, especially when it comes to teenagers being mean to each other.
“I’ve always wanted to help out,” he said. “When I see people bullying people I always ask, ‘Why are you doing that? That’s not cool.’”
Rios’ dad works in upholstery and his mother is a seamstress. After graduation, he will follow in their footsteps into the industry.
He said he’s already competent at reupholstery jobs, especially in vehicles.
Canyon Springs graduated 92% of students in the Class of 2023. Officials expect a similar rate this spring, including Rios. It will be a proud moment walking across the stage — and taking pictures with Daisy afterward.
“Anything is possible,” Rios said. “Just don’t give up. Hope is always there. There’s always hope if you work at it.”