The special graduation photos

Joelle Goldstein

A 29-year-old man who recently graduated from medical school found a special way to show respect and gratitude for his parents while looking back at how far they've come.

Erick Juárez graduated from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University in May after earning his MD.To celebrate the accomplishment,the resident physician went to the farm where his parents,Loreto and Maricela Juárez,have worked since the 1980s.Erick marked the occasion by taking graduation photos with his parents,including one in the field with his mom that was shared on his post.

It has now become a tradition for Erick,who returns to the farm each time he earns a new degree to honor the sacrifice that his parents have made for him and his four siblings(兄弟姐妹).“I wanted to honor my parents by showcasing them to my friends and the world.My parents arrived here with nothing to lose but everything to gain,”Erick said.

From a young age,he knew he wanted to be a doctor,so he made every effort to achieve that goal.First,Erick became a student of Bainbridge High School.He went on to briefly attend an academy before earning a Bachelor at Harvard University—making him the first person from his hometown to graduate from the famous school.This spring,Erick continued his string of accomplishments by earning his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

Following his graduation,he reflected on his journey on a post,calling his accomplishment a“victory lap”.“My graduation from medical school was one small step for me,one giant leap for my family.It's as much,if not more,a victory lap for them as it is for me.And I couldn't be prouder of them,”he continued.“I am the first in my entire family history to earn a white-collar job.And I get to help folks feel better—this is the best part! ”