"For most of my life I’ve been told I’ll never succeed and that I shouldn’t bother trying to achieve goals that are beyond my reach. I’m determined to prove wrong everyone who ever told me that," declares Dr. Ramon Resa, a UC Santa Cruz alum (Crown ‘76, biology) who is featured in the new documentary Told They Can't. Dr. Resa grew up in a world of poverty, neglect, abuse, and total disregard for education. Encouragement from early teachers opened his eyes to the possibility of getting a higher education and becoming a doctor. When an alum of his high school visited with a UCSC recruiter, he saw a similar path for himself here. 

Dr. Resa is now a speaker, presenter, author, and has practiced pediatric medicine for over three decades, working with underserved children in the San Joaquin Valley.

Dr. Resa is receiving the 2023 Distinguished Science Undergraduate Alumni Award from UCSC, and in his honor, we will gather on May 19, 4:30–5:30pm for a screening of Told They Can’t. This film is an inspiring story of the successes of several professionals of color, despite the odds being stacked against them in childhood. The movie will be followed by a moderated discussion between Diane Wagner, executive producer, and Dr. Resa himself.

Bring your snacks and friends, and join us at 4:30pm sharp to be inspired! Doors open at 4pm.