Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Doubt: A Fresno Unified Student’s Journey to UCLA and Medicine

Looking back, Jesus Reyes recognizes key experiences while a student in Fresno Unified that set him on a path to attend UCLA and study molecular cell and developmental biology. 

Reyes, 18, is on the home stretch of his first year in college, thriving and excited about his studies, experiences and the friends he’s made. Reyes’ leap to UCLA almost didn’t happen. 

He credits teachers, peers at Edison and a Fresno Unified Scholarship for helping him overcome his apprehension and pursue UCLA and a career in medicine.  

Jesus’ first years of school were at his neighborhood campus, Columbia Elementary School, but he began attending Manchester GATE Elementary School in third grade when assessments showed he was gifted and qualified for the higher-level programs Manchester offers. 

That was one key juncture.  

At Manchester GATE he was surrounded by some of the brightest students in Fresno, many of whom had advantages at home that he did not. 

“I was forced to make up this gap myself. I often would reread packets, redo lessons and stay in during lunch to get to where I knew I could be,” Reyes said. 

Manchester GATE students often feed into Computech Middle School and then Edison High School, the path that Jesus took. At Edison, there were more key junctures: During ninth grade, struggling to transition back to normalcy after the pandemic, Reyes met a teacher that would reshape how he looked at both education and life.  

“Mr. [Luke] McFadden has been a source of inspiration in my life and a person that I deeply respect for not only the knowledge he has instilled in me but also the morals he has. As my first year Biomed Pathway teacher, he taught me the basics of criminology, cellular biology and pathology, which would further my resolve to be a doctor,” Jesus said. 

“Mr. McFadden was a huge, needed role model in my life, especially after the pandemic where I had lost my grandmother and also witnessed the divorce of my parents. Mr. McFadden instilled responsibility and kindness in me, morals which I believe he knew would be vital to future health care workers.” 

Despite top grades and successfully completing 11 Advanced Placement classes, Reyes said he struggled with “imposter’s syndrome” and decided to attend Fresno City College and pursue a career in nursing. His peers at Edison had other ideas. 

They said, “You’ve worked too hard to go to City College. You need to aim higher.”  

Reyes applied to a multitude of colleges and was accepted by numerous UC and other campuses. He also was awarded a $2,500 Fresno Unified Scholarship, which bolstered his confidence.  

“My district and my community were investing in my academic journey. They wanted me to succeed,” Jesus said.  

At UCLA, the transition has been easier than expected, especially because he attended a summer program on the campus. He’s found a community of students who inspire him. 

“People, they’re so motivated. They want to solve the world’s problems. I like being around those people because it helps me feel like a part of something bigger, like helping humanity in a way,” Reyes said.  

He wants to be an emergency room doctor or an oncologist and plans to return to Fresno to practice medicine.  

“I want to give back to the community that gave me an opportunity and helped me become the person I am,” Jesus said. 

 

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Written by: Anne Ellis

Photos and Video by: Jonathan DeLaCerda