English Language Center Student Pursues Dreams Across Borders

For Adolfo Antonio Cervantes García, balancing a family while improving his English in pursuit of a graduate degree proved to be a lengthy but rewarding journey. In 2022, a leap of faith led him to leave his home in Mexico to pursue his dreams in the United States. Inspired by his father, who earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the U.S., Cervantes embraced the challenge. 

“He has always believed that studying abroad opens the door to new horizons and learning opportunities,” Cervantes wrote of his father. “I wholeheartedly agree with him.” 

The journey was far from easy. Cervantes needed to improve his English before enrolling in classes toward his degree. He recalls his initial nervousness when moving from Mexico to begin classes at The University of Texas at Austin’s English Language Center. 

“Being an international student at the beginning is really hard because you don't feel confident to talk with your peers, even if they're [also] international students,” Cervantes admitted. 

Today, Cervantes is completing his Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, working and studying in Washington, D.C., and preparing for a full-time role with a nonprofit organization. 

His journey reflects resilience, determination and a passion for public service. 
 

From Chilpancingo to Capitol Hill 

Hailing from Chilpancingo, the capital of the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, Cervantes is no stranger to public affairs. His grandfather served as governor of Guerrero, helping foster Cervantes’ passion for social and public service.  

“I think the most important thing about pursuing a career in public service is to try to reduce these gaps, these inequalities between society,” Cervantes said. “My state is one of the most marginalized in the country, so that also kind of pushed me to try to do something.” 

Cervantes’ connection to Washington, D.C., began during his undergraduate studies, when he participated in a political leadership exchange program through The Washington Center. The experience included courses on public policy and an internship with Hillary Clinton’s super PAC.  

The 2013 exchange brought Cervantes, his wife and their two daughters to the U.S. for the first time. The semester was transformative for them all. 

“That experience changed my life in many ways,” Cervantes said. “Coming from a small town in the south of Mexico ... and then coming to Washington, D.C. — seeing the Capitol Hill, seeing the Lincon Memorial — was just shocking for me, just crazy.” 

After the program, he returned to Mexico, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in public administration. He later completed a master of public administration in Mexico, as well, and then worked in public affairs for the state government for seven years. But his dreams of pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. and returning to Washington D.C. never faded. 

Cervantes soon set his eyes upon the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin. However, he knew there were many steps to take beforehand.  

Bridging the Gap 

Knowing his English skills had faded since his years since D.C., Cervantes began his new journey at UT Austin’s English Language Center. He enrolled in the Academic English Program (AEP), designed for international students preparing to pursue graduate degrees in the U.S., and later transitioned to the English Learning Program (ELP) to enhance his overall communication skills.  

“The Academic English Program was amazing in many ways,” Cervantes said. “It helped me a lot to pursue my master’s degree.” 

The program provided essential tools for his academic success, helping him prepare for applications, refine essays and navigate interviews. It also exposed him to a diverse community. For the first time, he sat next to people from all walks of life, with classmates from Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, China, and beyond.  

Cervantes also found camaraderie among his classmates through their mutual goals of obtaining graduate degrees in the country. The friendships he forged during those classes have lasted to this day, cemented together by sharing Mexican cuisine, a universal connector. 

“I’d invite friends from Brazil, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and other places to my home to share traditional meals,” he recalled. “For me, it was very important to connect with them, because that allows me to be more comfortable in the classroom and eventually have more confidence to talk to them during the discussions and all the activities related to the classes.” 

His efforts did not go unnoticed. Dr. Michael Smith, director of the English Language Center, applauded Cervantes for his leadership and impact on others. 

“Adolfo was a memorable student because he rallied other students to take full advantage of their English studies,” said Smith. “He made sure everyone participated in class; he made friends with classmates from many different countries; and he attended all of the optional events and brought those friends with him.” 

Beyond the classroom, every second counted for Cervantes and his classmates, who sometimes took specific jobs on campus in order to surround themselves with English speakers. Cervantes himself worked in food prep at Jester City Limits, a university dining hall — a job he strategically chose to improve his English while supporting his family.   

A New Chapter in Public Affairs 

Cervantes’ hard work paid off. He was admitted to the LBJ School of Public Affairs to pursue a master’s program that splits instruction between Austin and Washington, D.C., and completed the program in December 2024. 

During the final semester, he interned with the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, a binational nonprofit dedicated to fostering cooperation and understanding between the United States and Mexico. The internship soon turned into a full-time job offer. 

“When you have responsibility with your family, with your daughters, there’s extra pressure,” Cervantes said. “But fortunately, I got this offer, and I'm going to stay here in D.C. for hopefully a long time, doing the things that I like, which is public diplomacy [and] advocating for bilateral, good things for both countries.” 

As Cervantes looks to the future, he remains committed to using his experiences to contribute to both Mexico and the U.S. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, perseverance and community. 

“Without a doubt, I am excited about the idea of contributing to my country from Washington,” Cervantes wrote. “However, I do not rule out the possibility of returning one day to contribute to my community and my country in Mexico, in my homeland.”