Rudy Juarez's path to becoming a cherished figure at the San Diego City College Library is one marked by resilience, community support, and an unyielding belief in the transformative power of education. As a special education student, Juarez faced numerous challenges early on. However, his unwavering spirit, vibrant energy, and dedication to networking allowed him to connect with others and find opportunities that would propel him toward a fulfilling career. Today, Juarez’s role in the library has made him not just an employee, but a cornerstone of student success.
Growing up, Juarez wasn’t defined by the obstacles he encountered as a special education student. He learned the importance of persistence and self-belief at an early age, lessons that have served him throughout his life. "I’ve always been about moving forward," he said, reflecting on his journey. "Life is too short. Don’t give up. Keep moving forward, and your dreams will get there."
His early career began in the San Diego Unified School District shortly after high school, where he gained crucial experiences working in various library settings. Juarez floated between several schools in San Diego County, honing his skills and building relationships within the educational community.
"It was my networking and the energy I brought that helped me connect from one job to another," he explained. Juarez’s contagious enthusiasm made him a sought-after figure in education, eventually leading him to opportunities at both Point Loma High School’s and Scripps High School’s libraries.
Juarez’s career is also defined by the choices he made, including the ones he didn’t take. Before his arrival at City, he was offered prestigious positions at renowned universities, including an opportunity to work at UC Davis’s library. However, he turned down the offer, choosing instead to pursue a position at San Diego City College.
"I define success by where I started, where I’ve ended up, and where I’m going," Juarez shared. For him, success isn't measured by accolades but by students' progress — no matter how small. He’s found fulfillment in watching students grow, not only academically but personally.
"Talking to students, seeing their passion — that’s a successful thing for me”, he ratified. His pride lies in the quiet moments, like when a student masters a new skill, completes a project, or finds a book they were searching for.
One of Juarez’s proudest moments at City came when he helped a student overcome significant personal challenges. The student struggled with math, eventually dropped out, but didn’t give up. "He found his way through the process," Juarez recalled. "He took an online course, completed it, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in filmmaking, and this coming June, the same student will graduate with a master's degree in business. That’s success." The student’s resilience in the face of adversity — a story Juarez deeply connects with — reminds him of the importance of never giving up, regardless of the difficulties one may face.
As Juarez reflects on his time at City, he envisions the library not just as a place for studying, but as a community haven. He dreams of a library that is dynamic, fun, and accessible to all. "The library should be a place of safety, a place for music events, art exhibits, and community-driven initiatives," he said, eager to see the space evolve into something that’s more than just a quiet reading room. “We’re no longer a hush-hush library. We’re here for the next generation.”
Juarez remains committed to serving the community and being a part of the transformative changes happening at City. “We’re all moving forward,” he said, highlighting the importance of progress over perfection. His optimism and belief in the power of education remain steadfast as he is excited to continue playing a role in shaping the future of the library, the students, and the community at large.