Jesus Torres is taking advantage of educational opportunities that weren’t available to his parents.

Torres, a senior at Bob Hope Charter School, will soon graduate high school with more than 40 college credit hours and is at the top of his class. He will soon be the first generation in his family to go to college.

The road to his academic success wasn’t always easy. Torres was born in Mexico and at a young age his family moved to California.

“At first I had difficulty speaking and writing the English language,” Torres said.

His parents spoke with teachers and advisors and felt it was in his best interest to repeat the second grade. This one act helped him get a better grasp on the English language. The family then moved from California to Texas and Torres began attending Bob Hope School in the sixth grade.

“The teachers put in the time, if I needed help,” he said. “By middle school I seriously started applying myself and began extracurricular activities.”

Torres has been involved with University Interscholastic League math, science and social studies as well as soccer, tennis and basketball.

“When I got to high school I talked to my dad about graduating early and he said he didn’t see why not,” he said. Around this time Torres began taking college classes as well. “In ninth grade I started out with art appreciation and worked my way up to British Literature and now I’m taking anatomy and physiology and human growth and development.”

Torres has applied to the University of Houston and been accepted into their honors college. He plans to move there in mid-August and will participate in a transition program for seniors.

While there he will major in biology and is on a pre-med track with a goal of becoming either a cardiothoracic surgeon or neurosurgeon.

Torres is a member of the National Honor Society and Rotary’s Interact Club that was formed at the school last year. The main focus, he said, is giving back to the community. By the time he graduates he will have accrued more than 60 hours of community service. He has helped with Beaumont’s Gusher Marathon, blood drive at the school and Big Brothers and Big Sisters at the school, a program that pairs older students with middle school students. They help with homework or read a book with them, he said.

Adriana Sanchez, a teacher at Bob Hope School, commended the student on his drive and ambition as well as academic achievements.

“Jesus Torres is the most organized student we have. He is always on time for everything if not early,” Sanchez said. “He is the first to volunteer and the last to leave any function.”

Sanchez said when she first met Torres last year he was already preparing for college in his sophomore year.

“He is super dedicated to his education and being successful,” she said.

Torres comes from a close-knit family and strives to be the best he can be.

“I’m the first generation in my family to go to college and I feel honored,” he said. “My parents didn’t have that chance in life. My mom was born on a ranch in Mexico and she’s illiterate. My parents are very proud of me; they didn’t have this opportunity. They are proud of my accomplishments and what’s in store in the future.”

Torres has two older sisters, one who graduated from Bob Hope Charter School and one who attended the Hughen Center. He also has a brother who’s 11 months younger than him, a 10-year-old brother and a 3-year-old sister.

Jesus Torres is the son of Jesus Torres Sr. and Martha Torres.

Email: mary.meaux@panews.com

Twitter: MaryMeauxPANews