The Language of Tennis

While living in Mexico as a young man and playing tennis at a very high level, I was looking for options to improve my English. My uncle Mauro, head of the Serrato family who had arrived in Modesto in the 70s, and his son Jose (who played Baseball for the Pirates), came to me with the idea that if I came to Modesto to learn English I could also play college tennis for the Pirates at the same time.

They contacted Jack Bracken, MJC Tennis Coach at the time, and the person that made it possible for me to be able to tell you this story. In July, 1998, after a few minutes talking to Jack, we decided to start this adventure together. I came to campus not knowing what to expect.  While I wasn’t too impressed with the college facilities, once I met a few professors I knew I was at the right place! Thanks to my family, friends, and some of the greatest teachers I have had, a few weeks later I was feeling at home.

I especially want to mention my first English teacher at MJC, Lillian Vallee.  I am very thankful to her for all her help and the confidence she gave me to pursue my goals. She taught me much about English but even more about life. I remember her soft voice, her caring way of approaching me, her patience when correcting my essays and the extra time she took for conversations about personal experiences and advice that has stayed with me since.

On the tennis court, I had two of the best years of my life.  In my second year we won the Central Valley Conference title beating Fresno City College for the first time in over 20 years.  While I earned many individual trophies, what I remember most were the times I spent with my coach and teammates. Those endless trips to Visalia, Fresno, Ojai, the nerves, the excitement, the frustration, the sadness.  Experiencing all the emotions of competition and sharing life with a group of people from different backgrounds, and wide ranging goals in life was special.  During those two years we came together to do something extraordinary.  As a result, tennis has remained a big part of my life and I encourage other young people in the sport today.

I had a great time at MJC.  Some of the best memories of my life are from that time. I miss a lot of things including the taco truck behind campus, which was my favorite refuge after the evening practice sessions.  Thank you MJC!

- Victor Hugo Camargo, Class of 2000