Jose Alvarez remembers his mom sitting on the couch, tears streaming down her face. It was the day his dad told Jose that he, just 8 years old, was now the man of the house. His dad then abruptly left the family, slamming the door on his way out.

The following years weren’t easy, but Jose cared for his siblings and helped his mom at the family business.

While at Madera South High School, he helped establish the mock trial team, which advanced from last place to second in the San Joaquin Valley. Jose graduated magna cum laude with a 4.00 GPA and is now a third-semester student in the School of Nursing at Fresno State.

Jose attributes his success to his mother’s inspiration, which motivates him to help others.

He volunteers with Fresno State’s Community Mobile Health Unit, visiting underserved communities.

Upon graduation, Jose hopes to work as a registered nurse at Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Center, where he can continue to help others.