Pharr, TX Local 4213 member Santos Vallejo has never let any life challenges get in the way of his goals. With perseverance and determination, Vallejo overcame his childhood learning disabilities to not only graduate from high school, but to become a fire fighter and children’s book author.
“I was diagnosed at an early age with a learning disability that made traditional learning hard,” says Vallejo. “I was in special education classes until I graduated, but I did it. I wrote my first book, “Little Santos: Against All Odds” about my experience, hoping to help encourage kids with learning disabilities.”
Vallejo realized his first dream right after high school. “I applied to attend the fire academy in Pharr because I had always wanted to help people and give back to my community,” he says.
He graduated in 2008, serving nearly eight years before he published his first book. By that time, he had also become a husband and father.
Vallejo decided to keep writing to not only inspire his own children, but all kids. He donates his time to local schools as often as he can.
His second and third books are called “Little Santos Overcomes Obstacles” and “Little Santos: So You Want to become a Firefighter.” His books are available to schools and the general public through online retailers.
