Santana High School graduate Sergio Vargas is building a new community at San Diego State University after teaching himself advanced calculus and helping classmates prepare for an AP exam, according to a Nov. 2 university profile.

Vargas, 19, completed Santana's highest-level math course as a junior. When an effort to add AP Calculus BC was unsuccessful, he studied independently and led lunchtime sessions for six classmates. All seven passed the exam; Vargas and three others earned the top score of 5.

Now a first-year electrical engineering major, he is combining demanding coursework with engineering clubs and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. He also received the Heart of Summer Bridge award after participating in SDSU's five-week summer preparation program.

The university profile follows the former Santee student's efforts to build friendships alongside his academic work. Read the full story at SDSU News.