Dylan Lopez’s life has been shaped by upheaval, uncertainty, and an unshakable drive to succeed. Born in the Bay Area, he spent his childhood in Guatemala after his mother was deported. At 12, he returned to the United States to pursue a stronger education, facing the challenges of middle school while learning a new language and culture. He overcame emotional hardship, long-term separation from family and permanent vision loss caused by an undiagnosed eye infection. Despite it all, Dylan maintained a 4.0 GPA and found a second family in the Esparto school community. In May, Dylan saw his dream realized as he graduated from Esparto High. In the fall, he’ll attend Berkeley City College before transferring to a four-year university with plans to study astronomy or astrophysics.