Jesse Garcia has a special chemistry with his science students at Hidden Cove Elementary

The medical world might have lost a good doctor but the children at Hidden Cove Elementary School in the Southwest Independent School District have benefited from Jesse Garcia's decision. Garcia is the fifth grade science teacher who has helped 80% of the students pass the TAKS Science test and everyday he encourages his students to follow in his footsteps to stay in school and do something great with their lives.

Garcia was heading to medical school when he took a job as a substitute teacher.

"I got in the classroom and got around the kids and really like it. I decided this is what I want to do much to the chagrin of my parents that they weren't going to get a doctor but of course they are very proud now of the work that I do," said Garcia.

It is work that is also saving lives.

"We start the morning reading some pretty somber statistics about failure rate and drop outs. 'Are you going to be one of those statistics or do you want to be one of those people who reaches your goal above and beyond?' I ask them."

This fifth grade science teacher has a special chemistry with his students.

"If they can see that a kid from the neighborhood just like me can do it they can do it too. I grew up not too far from here. I know the same obstacles they're going through on a day to day basis. They can look at me and know if Mr. Garcia can do it, I can do it too," he said.

"When he first started teaching me the first day I learned different strategies to do stuff and to find out stuff," said fifth grade student Omar Zuniga.

With those strategies, these fifth grade students can see success in their future.

"He's the best teacher in the whole world," said fifth grader Jailene Ramos.

"I tell them the sky's the limit, if you really want to do something there isn't anything that can stop you from doing it," said Garcia.

They have the role model for that in front of them everyday.