South Texas College alum intent on inspiring his generation – Leo Lopez III

Every leader has an inspiring story of how they achieve success, and these stories all share one thing in common – leaders never give up, no matter what life throws at them. Leaders rise above the fray with energy and drive to make their dreams come true. South Texas College alum Leo Lopez III is an example of a leader in the making.

From an early age, life’s circumstances brought about his desire to become a doctor. It was the fear of losing his beloved mother to cancer that fueled his dream of finding a cure for this deadly disease.

Coming from Rio Grande City, with a population of 15,000, medical care is, and remains, scarce; one might say the odds were stacked against his mother and family. But they pulled together and persevered.

“My mother found treatment in Houston and so my parents would have to leave me and my two brothers for weeks at a time, but I didn’t let it get me down,” said Lopez. “Instead I put all my effort into helping my brothers. They needed some security and stability during a frightening time. And I tried to be there by setting a good example for them, not only in keeping up with their studies, but also being brave.”

After five years of fighting her illness, his mother’s cancer went into remission. And by the time he reached high school, Lopez was well on the track to achieving his dreams. He was a KRGV Channel 5 Student of the Week, president of the Honor Society, named to the All State Football Academic Team, just to name a few of his accomplishments. But, more tragedy lay ahead.

“One afternoon I was driving to pick up a sibling at school and my car was hit by a dump truck,” said Lopez “I sustained six broken ribs, a ruptured spleen and, even worse, a blood clot on my brain. I was just 16, but I had a lot to live for and so my ambition outweighed my injuries.”

Lopez recovered and was accepted into STC’s Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA). An intensive program, the academy offers qualifying students the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in biology during their last two years in high school.

He went on to manage his intensive studies, volunteered in the community and maintained his status as a football player at Rio Grande City High School.

But once again, the unexpected happened.

“I was struck in the head and collapsed in the middle of a routine play at the homecoming football game,” said Lopez. “I was temporarily paralyzed, blind in one eye and a new blood clot formed on my brain. My brain swelled so much that I had to have surgery to relieve the pressure. Again I found myself alone and scared in ICU, but I never stopped having faith. I was determined to get back on the road to my goals.”

To the surprise of doctors and community members, Lopez was soon back at school and on to his normal, rigorous schedule. He caught up in all his studies and earned both his associates degree from STC and high school diploma on time. His inspirational story not only earned him scholarships to colleges across Texas, but also earned him STC’s 2007 Presidential Inspirational Achievement Award.

At just 18 years of age, Lopez started his studies as a pre-medical student at Texas A&M University in College Station. Because he earned an STC associate’s degree, he entered TAMU as a junior and has been handling the demands of his studies in stride.

“Yes, being a pre-med student is a far different, challenging experience, but STC taught me many important life skills that I need to keep me at the top of my game,” said Lopez.

His college-knowledge has served him well at TAMU. He is the first Rio Grande Valley native in the school’s history to serve as treasurer for the American Medical Students Association. And, he just finished interning at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Lopez is also one of just 80 students from across the nation to be selected by The University of Washington School of Medicine for a summer medical internship program. Through the program, he will spend six weeks with a mentor at a medical school, take medical school courses, and observe in emergency and operating rooms. And not only will he receive free room and board, but he will receive a stipend for his efforts.

“There is no doubt that Leo is an inspiration, not only to our current STC DEMSA students, but every student across the nation,” said Lupe Chavez, coordinator of STC’s Dual Enrollment Academies. “He has faced tremendous obstacles, comes from one of the poorest, most-underserved counties in the nation, and yet he is succeeding.”

“With the economic situation in our nation, a college degree is not a luxury, but a means of survival. I hope every student will take a lesson from Leo and understand what determination and persistence can lead to. We are very proud to say that he is a product of South Texas College’s DEMSA.”

Ultimately Lopez hopes to return to the Valley to give back to the people who helped him reach his goal. He dreams of sharing his expertise to help and educate people in colonias. He also envisions joining the fight to cure cancer and ensure that people like his mother have a chance to win in the battle.

“You can never anticipate all the bad things that can happen in life, but with perseverance and determination, you can handle any situation you face,” said Lopez. “I want to show my peers in the Valley that we can break the established social norms and make something of ourselves. Through programs like STC’s DEMSA, we have the opportunities right in front of us, but it’s up to us to take make the most of them.””

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