Upward Mobility Is Still Possible In The US

Elena has a fatalistic theory based on the concept of "family background" that is prevalent in Latin America and southern states like Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, etc. (My mother subscribed to this theory.) To make a long story short, it is a theory that a child who is not born into an affluent family will face a life of mediocrity with little hope of advancing. I am different. Despite the current problems the US is facing, I still believe that upward mobility is possible. Let me introduce you to an incredible young man named Edwin Pua. Here is his story: Celebrating Edwin Pua’s Graduation from Stanford University with a Master of Science in Computer Science on June 15, 2025 Edwin Antonio Pua at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California. Courtesy Photo. (PRESS RELEASE—Palo Alto, California) On June 15, 2025, Edwin Antonio Pua will walk across the stage at Stanford University and receive his Master’s degree in Computer Science. He completed the program in just six months, but if you ask him, the diploma isn’t what matters most. What matters is who helped him get there. Raised in the small border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, Edwin grew up in a home where love was unconditional, faith was unshakable, and humility was the foundation of everything. His immigrant parents never asked for recognition. They simply gave—sacrificing in silence so their children could dream out loud. And dream, Edwin did. Edwin never sought attention. Never asked to be praised. He just worked—with quiet grit, gentle strength, and a steady faith that anything is possible when you walk with God. At Stanford, Edwin dedicated himself to work that mattered. His research in artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare wasn’t about accolades—it was about helping people. He and his team were invited to present their work at a prestigious symposium in Hawaii. Everything was paid for. But to Edwin, the greatest reward wasn’t the recognition—it was the opportunity to make a difference. Then came the 2024 Hackathon. Edwin and his teammates—The Neural Network Ninjas—competed against some of the most brilliant minds across the United States. They didn’t just win. They stood out. Their innovation earned them a $30,000 prize, a trip to Japan, and national recognition. But Edwin? He simply smiled and said, “It’s all because of God.” He never made it about himself. He never does. Today, Edwin continues his research at Stanford, but his heart has never left Eagle Pass. He’s still that same thoughtful, humble soul—the one who listens more than he speaks, who prays before he acts, and who always remembers where he came from. “To my Mom and Dad,” Edwin says, “thank you for everything—for the love that never wavered, the strength you passed on, and the faith you planted in me. This is not just my degree—it’s yours too.” He also thanks every teacher, coach, counselor, and classmate who walked with him. Every friend who stood by him. Even those who doubted him. ‘Thank you,” he says softly. “From the bottom of my heart. And to the one I forgot—you know who you are.” And to Mr. Ricardo Calderon—a kind and dedicated lawyer and publisher who kept sharing Edwin’s story in the local newspaper long before the world took notice—“Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t see myself as special. You reminded me that even ordinary kids can do extraordinary things. Your words made a difference.” Edwin never sought the spotlight. But today, it finds him—not because he chased it, but because he quietly earned it. To the people of Eagle Pass, to every dreamer standing in the shadows, to every parent sacrificing in silence, and to every teacher wondering if their belief in a student makes a difference—Edwin is your answer. He is your reminder that greatness doesn’t need to shout. It whispers. And it walks humbly. Congratulations, Edwin. You make us proud beyond words. You carry our hopes, our prayers, and our hearts. EDITOR’S NOTE: Edwin Antonio Pua graduated as Valedictorian of Eagle Pass High School Class of 2020 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University in June 2024. He is the son of Edwin and Haydeelyn Pua of Eagle Pass and the younger brother of Kevin. Edwin had to overcome some incredible obstacles to achieve what he did. Only 3.68% of the students who apply to Stanford get accepted into the undergraduate program. This is 2,099 students accepted out of 53,733 applicants. Then Edwin applied for the MSCS program in computer science. Only 10% of the applicants are accepted. He had to go through a rigorous process, including writing a thesis to earn his postgraduate degree. Edwin is devoting his professional career to artificial intelligence. My personal experience is that I went from being homeless to having economic success. My domestic partner in the 1980s was a wonderful woman named Antonieta. She was born in a slum in the town of Esquipulos, Guatemala, to an unwed mother. She came to the US legally at age 20. She has thrived. The high point of her career was in the late 1990s when she was hired as executive assistant to the famous movie actor Tom Cruise. She went on to marry a well-respected aerospace engineer. She has two beautiful daughters. She lives in a house in Burbank, California, larger and more expensive than the house where Elena and I live.