the yes! effect - can one word change the world? yes!

have you or someone you know said yes! tell us about it!

saying yes!

submitted by our site visitors

see more and submit yours!

about dr. q

I was born in Mexicali, Mexico. Although I grew up in extreme poverty, my parents always believed that education was critical and would help us achieve great things. I continue to feel strongly that education begins at home,and as we move on and become school-age, it is our teachers who become the pillars of society. One of my most incredible experiences as a student was when I was 5 years old, and my teacher gave me my first opportunity. She wanted to see if I would make it to first grade. I remember this because she believed in me and she gave me a chance.

Throughout my life, there have been many people who played the same role as my first-grade teacher. At UC Berkley, it was Joe Martinez, who gave me the opportunity to work in his lab. At Harvard, it was Ed Kravitz and David Potter, who believed I could be anything I wanted. However, although I have been blessed to have been taught by some of this country’s greatest minds, the best teachers I have are my patients. They teach me how to remain strong and humble in the middle of adversity. They teach me how to remain focused and optimistic and that together, we can make the world a better place.

When I was 18, I began to realize that things were really difficult in my home country. So, I came to the U.S. I have fond memories of coming into this country as a migrant farm worker in the fields of the Fresno Valley. Regardless of how difficult the physical labor was, it was my psychological strength that kept me going.

About a year, I had reached my limit. I was no longer being challenged. At that time, I saw it as a necessity to serve people. I needed to do something that was both physically and intellectually challenging, and I wanted to leave a legacy. I saw medicine as the way to go. Humanity inspired me to be a doctor. The brain inspired me to be a brain surgeon. My roots inspired me to always work hard.

One of my favorite roles I play today is inspiring young children. Just last week I visited a class of fifth-graders. To see their eyes and how they smile when I tell them what I do is incredible. When they see me in the newspapers, and on the news, it reinforces to them that they can be anything they want to be as long as they believe in themselves. I believe that education is the only way we are going to move forward as a society. It’s the most important thing to give our children.

I am not an expert; I am just a human being – what distinguishes me is my ability to work hard. The biggest hidden secret is not a secret and it’s not hidden – it’s to work hard. This country truly values that. Give the world the best and the best will come back to you.