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Spotlight  On Feb. 13 MCC was host to a remarkable speaker. Miguel Mendez is a world renowned author and professor at the University of Arizona.

What makes Mendez so remarkable is the fact that he is a self made man.

Mendez was born in Arizona during the Great Depression but because of hard times Mendez relocated to Mexico where he lived until the age of 14 after which he returned to Arizona.

While in Mexico, Mendez attended school but only completed the sixth grade. He taught himself the English language by reading books and listening to others speak.

As an adult Mendez began writing short stories and became quite successful. In 1974 he had earned a spot on the "best sellers" list. In just six months Mendez rose from a construction worker to being awarded an honorary Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

But he was not yet satisfied, Mendez dreamed of becoming a Professor. He quickly reached his goal and taught at his alma mater for 20 years. Mendez gained international attention when he was nominated for the Nobel Prize for his writings.

Mendez's speech was given entirely in Spanish, and emphasized the value of reading both silently and aloud. He advised students to be in touch with their culture a around them and that in order to learn, one must listen.

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