In Ramon Resa’s public appearances and keynote speeches, his blogs (including Huffington Post), and his book, he has educated, inspired, and informed parents and children, educators, counselors, medical professionals, and business groups across the country.
 Besides being a dedicated education advocate, Ramon is passionate about children’s health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and premature heart health problems, and the dangers of stress and over-programmed lifestyles.
He is also active in community and service organizations such as Rotary and was dubbed “a one-man tornado” for helping to raise more than $100,000 to buy new uniforms for the Porterville high-school band.
He is living proof of how perseverance, resilience, hope, and education can give meaning to a life, and give life to our communities.
He never dreamed of becoming a doctor, or even of attending college, until his elementary school teachers opened his eyes to the idea of getting an education.
Even his grandparents tried to kill his dream, insisting that he should get a factory job to pay them back for taking him in. And he had to pay for his college and even medical school education by going back into the fields to work during vacations and summer breaks.
After finishing medical school, he returned to the Central Valley and opened a private practice in the small town of Porterville.
Many of his patients are poor and underserved children much like the child he was.
“I see myself in the children who come from farmworker families,” he says. “I want to be a role model for them – someone who cares for their minds and spirits as well as their bodies.”
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Education Empowers You to Fulfill Your Dreams, No Matter What Obstacles You Face
At age 3, Ramon Resa became a “farmworker boy,” picking cotton, oranges, and grapes in California’s Central Valley. Raised by hisMexican grandparents as one of 15 children, his world was one of poverty, neglect, abuse, and total disregard for education. It was his grade-school teachers who opened his eyes to the idea of going to college and becoming a doctor.
The odds stacked against him—poverty, low self-esteem, a speech impediment, recurring depression, and prejudice—were overwhelming.
When his grandparents urged himto give up his dreamand get a factory job so he could pay themback for taking himin, he almost caved in. But, armed only with his stubborn belief in himself and the love and support of his college sweetheart Debbie, now his wife of more than 30 years, he persisted and finishedmedical school. Then he returned to the Central Valley and opened his pediatric practice, where he has spent two decades working with poor and underserved children like the child he was.
Ramon’s story has inspired students, parents, educators, and businesspeople nationwide. In Out of the Fields, he speaks from the heart to anyone who dreams of creating a better tomorrow
Memoir Excerpts
See more excerpts.
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“DEAR DR. RESA…”
Students write to Ramon About How He Inspired Them…
Recently, Dr. Ramon Resa told the story of his journey “out of the fields” from farmworker boy to pediatrician to students at Watsonville (CA) High School. Here are some of the letters students sent him in their own words…
#1 (teacher)
When we are faced with great challenges and extreme difficulties, one does not need to run away or to look so far away, but merely to tap the shoulder of a friend, a teacher or anyone with a heart willing to listen. As teachers we should try to be attuned to those silent cries and needs of our students. My students were amazed by Ramon, a man with the courage to share some very tragic experiences. They were even more amazed that with such perseverance one can be very successful in life.
– Amparo Q. Alvarez, Teacher of Foreign Languages, Watsonville High School, Watsonville CA
Dear Dr. Resa:
I liked everything you talked about. It’s really nice to know that a Mexican who didn’t have much to start with is now a doctor. I think you give HOPE to all the students that want to be someone in life by sharing your personal story. Thank you!
– Sincerely, Catalina M.
Dear Dr. Resa:
I loved the way you made your presentation. I think it was really cool how you told us that you went from almost nothing to a great pediatrition. Before you started talking I thought that you came from a wealthy family. I would have never imagined that you worked in the fields. I love that fact that you are really into children. I would like to become a pediatrition to. But I’m not sure yet. Theres people that become doctors just because of the money. But not you and that’s great! ♥
- A.T.
Dear Dr. Resa:
Your presentation was great. You told us about some hard events in your life. Also some great events in your life. Your a great model for me because you never gave up on your goal. Now that you told us that you made it to your goal. I’m not giving up on mine. I’ve been through a hard life to and I understand you.
– Sincearely, E.B.
Dear Dr. Resa:
Most of the time you see successfull people you think that they were just made like that, you never imagine all the struggles they went through….All in all I found your presentation funny, interesting, and inspiring.
– Thank you, K.S.
Dear Dr. Resa:
Your story was really inspiring. It showed that anyone can go to college, all that person has to do is believe in himself/herself. Just like you did. Now I know that I can go to college.
– O.O.
Dear Dr. Resa:
I really want to thank you for telling us your story. I didn’t really wanted to go to college. But after hearing your story I really want to go to college…because I want a good future for me and for my future kids. Thank you a lot, Dr. Resa.
– Sicerely, S.M.
Dear Dr. Resa:
It was nice of you to attend and share with us your successful career and your experiances in life. From your presentation I gaind more confidence in wanting to attend a university and persew my goal. Now I know that everything is possible.
– M.L.
Dear Dr. Resa:
I really enjoyed your presentation here last week at Watsonville High. It was really inspiring to me. It showed me that you can do anything you want to no matter if people tell you you can’t….I thank you for sharing your story with us all. It really inspired me to want to go to college and get far in life.
– Sincerely, S.D.
Dear Dr. Ramon Resa:
You really made me think that I should keep going to college and get a good job. I shouldn’t give up. I think your great because you help kids out. Your kids are very lucky that you could pay for what ever school they want to go to. My parents can’t afford it so it’s kind of hard for me…I’m looking forward to reading your book and watching the movie.
– Sincerely, Patty M.
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