Against The Odds

Texas A&M International University will have new graduates Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the Kinesiology Convocation Building. During their years at the university, most graduates are often faced with several obstacles ranging from financial troubles to health issues.

Ricardo Medrano Jr. will be attaining his Bachelor's in Biology this coming Saturday, but the story of accomplishments begins before even arriving to the university. In May 2007, he was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer days after graduating from high school. He spent the entire summer undergoing chemotherapy treatments at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and at the Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas.

When asked how he felt the first time he found out Medrano replied, "I do not remember having any sort of major emotional breakdown, but my reaction was one of disbelief because I never expected anything like this to happen to me."

Medrano's family was deeply affected by the discovery of his health problems. He recalls his younger brother David, and how he handled the situation. Medrano stated "I learned that my brother had trouble dealing with me being sick because he looks up to me. Though he tried not to let the worry show because he always tried to put a strong face." Despite Medrano's illness, his family made sure to show their support. They would often travel back and forth from Houston to Laredo in efforts to show their support.

He was in and out of the hospital receiving chemotherapy treatments from May to November 2007. The main goal of his treatment was to shrink the tumor small enough to undergo surgery. In December 2007, Medrano underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The operation was a success and Medrano recuperated for three weeks in the hospital.

Before Medrano began college, TAMIU and the D.D. Hachar Honors Program gave him two options prior to entering. One of his options was to wait a year before entering the university, while his financial aid and scholarships were in holding until his start at TAMIU. The second option provided to Medrano was to reduce the amount of hours stipulated by the D.D. Hachar Honors Program. Medrano then smiled and said "However, I started anyway at the full load of 16 hours minimum and look where I am now!"

Upon his start at TAMIU, he informed his professors about his medical situation and that at times he would have to miss class to receive chemotherapy. Medrano added "I never asked for any special treatment because of my illness, as I wanted to be able to work through my classes normally."

After all he faced, one wonders how he felt when he got a clean bill of health? He smiled and then replied "Relief!" Medrano continued, "There really is no other way to describe how I felt when I got the news. I just knew that once I had hit that point everything was going to be okay."

He offered some advice to those who may face similar struggles in their life, "Stay positive." Medrano continued to say, "Always stay positive no matter what happens. Also, keep your family and your friends close." He concluded by saying, "Having them as support will help you get through anything." When Ricardo is not worrying about school or work, he likes to just sit back on his couch play video games, read comic books, and spend time with his family and friends.

When asked what was his favorite moment in college was he replied, "I could say being able to finally graduate, but that would be a bit cliché, considering that I am graduating for real." He then added, "What I liked the most about college was having my friends to hangout with the whole time." Upon receiving his degree, Medrano plans to study in the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at MD Anderson School of Health Professions in Houston, Texas.

(Jose Prado may be reached at joseprado@dusty.tamiu.edu)