From Farmworker to Teacher: Spotlight on Fajardo
Loved by many, Felipe Fajardo once marched alongside Cesar Chavez. “As a teenager, I worked in the fields picking crops from sunup to sundown, every day of the week, during the summers,” said Fajardo. Though he has worked at CVHS for six years, many students don’t know how his experiences as a farm worker would later guide his journey into education.
Reflecting on his connection to Chavez, Fajardo shared how he and Cesar Chavez were from the same part of the country, although Cesar Chavez was from Arizona and he was from that part of California adjacent to Arizona. “We come from the same environment, the same place of the country, the same desert area,” said Fajardo. “He used to be a farmworker, and although he was much, much older than I was, we used to do the same labor along the field.”
Teaching was Fajardo’s second career. After spending 12 years working at the former Toyota Plant in Fremont, he decided to pursue a new career. “I wanted to become a teacher because I wanted to do more than just work at an auto plant and working with young people was a good opportunity,” he said. “Getting to know people like you guys and gals is a nice experience.”
Freshmen student Isabella Vazquez expresses her appreciation for Fajardo’s teaching: “I really like Mr. Fajardo he’s a really good teacher and a very easy person to talk to in anout of class,” Vazquez said. “Out of all my classes Mr. Fajardos is my favorite because of the great environment he has in the class and how I get to improve on my Spanish speaking.”
In the early 2000s, Fajardo returned to school at San Diego State University, where he followed his passion for education. “I enjoyed school so much, I double majored in Spanish and Psychology,” said Fajardo. He didn’t stop there, continuing to a Master’s at Sacramento State University.
In 2018, Fajardo joined the CVHS faculty, bringing over a decade of teaching experience. Now, in his 16th year as a teacher, he reflects on how his background as a farmworker shaped his values. “It just gives you a sense of responsibility and hard work,” he said. “I’m not afraid of hard work, hard work is what I do.”
Beyond teaching, Fajardo’s hobbies reveal his lively personality. During the pandemic, at 58, he learned to skateboard. Looking ahead into the future, he plans on retiring in a few years and hopes to spend his free time surfing, kite surfing, and staying active. “Hopefully my body isn’t too old to enjoy some physical activities,” he joked.
Absolutely such an inspiring moment!
I didn’t know that Mr. Farjardo started off as a farmer. It’s interesting and fun to read about what he did before, his story is really inspirng because he took steps for his exploration and own benefit as well as living life to the fullest.
Learning more about Mr. Fajardo was really interesting and the fact that he marched with Cesar Chavez is really cool. Having him as a spanish teacher was really enjoyable so it was nice to get know more about his background.
I never knew this about him, it’s very interesting!
I think this is a very touching story, especially because of how he marched with Cesar Chavez. Chavez was a part of a major movement, and the fact that Mr. Fajardo was able to be a part of that is amazing.
Its crazy to see that Felipe Fajardo marches with Cesar Chavez
This is super cool, Mr. Fajardo is such a legend. He never told us any of these stories so it’s interesting to hear about his stories.
I think it is a really inspiring story.
Mr. Fajardo is without a doubt the GOAT. Even though he may spend a lot of time telling you interesting life stories you’ll actually learn a lot in his class, he’s a great teacher. Hopefully he gets to retire soon and enjoy surfing and traveling in Mexico.
It’s cool that Mr. Fajardo marched with Cesar Chavez. I didn’t know about Fajardo’s background, and I found it very interesting to learn.
Mr. Fajardo is such a great teacher and there is so much to learn about him if you just ask him! He is so funny in and out of class and an inspiration to many students here.
Mr. Fajardo’s story is truly inspiring. He comes from a humble, hard-working background, and he hasn’t changed a bit. Seriously, who else do you know learn to ride a skateboard at 58? This was a fun article to read, nice work Rachel.
I think its really cool Mr Farjardo marched with Cesar Chavez.
Mr. Fajardo’s story is so inspiring! I love how this article highlights his journey from working in the fields to becoming an amazing teacher at CVHS. His connection to Cesar Chavez adds so much depth, and it’s clear his hard work and life experiences shape how he teaches. I also admire how he went back to school and double-majored—it shows his dedication to following his passion. Plus, the student quote really captures how fun and supportive his class is. And learning to skateboard at 58? That’s just so cool! This article really shows how hardworking, caring, and adventurous Mr. Fajardo is.
This is really interesting and I didn’t know Mr. Farjardo came from such a diverse background and still is exploring much more. This is really well written and nice to read.