How a crash steered John Tran toward his calling

John Tran planned to pursue medicine because it was his family’s dream.

But it took a bicycle accident in 2025 for that dream to become his own.

Rounding a corner, Tran spied a dog, flinched, hit a curb, and flew off his bike. Minutes later, he sat up in the street, his bicycle crumpled beside him and blood trickling from his head.

“In that moment, I realized I had taken my life for granted,” he said.

Though he recovered without medical help, the experience shifted his perspective. Many people in worse situations can’t afford care. Tran doesn’t expect to solve every gap in the system, but he hopes to make a difference someday, possibly as a physician.

At 17, the Pasadena Memorial Early College High School student is already on that path. This May, he will graduate with his associate degree from San Jacinto College — and a full-ride scholarship to Yale University.

Built for opportunity

Tran grew up in Houston with a single mom and younger sister and brother. He chose the early college high school program because it offered opportunity — a chance to earn college credit early and to have his San Jac associate degree covered 100%.

“The professors here are experts in their fields,” he said. “They’re passionate about their topics and care about students. They want you to succeed.”

Tran’s first class at Central Campus was with biology professor Dr. Touran Zarrabi.

“She is dedicated to making sure students stay engaged in class,” he said. “There wasn’t a single class where she didn’t call on students to make sure they understood the content and that they weren’t falling behind.”

Zarrabi said Tran stands out for his thirst to learn and willingness to help his peers.

“I am absolutely proud of him, and I am sure that he will be a pioneer in his field of study,” she said.

Speaking up, standing out

Tran used to avoid speaking up in class or connecting with others. But that changed with envisioning the person he wanted to be, then taking leaps of confidence.

“Being able to find the voice inside me allowed me to take command in leadership situations or speak up when it mattered,” he said.

In his San Jac classes, Tran sat on the front row next to adult students and struck up conversations. Initially nervous about the age difference, he bridged the gap through collaboration.

Being able to find the voice inside me allowed me to take command in leadership situations or speak up when it mattered.

“The age didn't matter because we were working toward the same goal of succeeding," he said.

From volunteering at Chick-fil-A family events to taking on leadership roles across student organizations, Tran chased all opportunities to maximize his time.

“I’ve been able to plan events and shape my school in a way that’s inclusive for all students — for people to share interests and passions,” he said.

And the growth shows. Tran has placed first in state Academic Decathlon competitions in both interview and impromptu speech.

Taking the leap

Even with these personal achievements, Tran felt nervous applying to top-tier schools.

As the anticipated valedictorian of his class, he expected admission to Texas universities. What he got instead was admission to an Ivy League school.

When Tran saw the Yale University acceptance letter last fall, he couldn’t believe it. He rushed out of chemistry class so he could verify the news with his friend and a teacher.

“My efforts throughout high school and the early college program culminated in acceptance into a school I could only dream of,” he said.

The future Yalie plans to pursue either a biology or a psychology major. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he may pursue medical school in Texas.

Looking back, moving forward

What would Tran tell his younger self?

“Learn to be more confident and social,” he said. “Putting yourself out there is how you’ll find more opportunities.”

As a first-generation college student, Tran thanks his teachers and professors for mentoring him and his high school counselor for preparing him every step of the way. Most of all, he thanks his mom, grandma, and entire family for sacrificing to support his success.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do the things I’m doing today without their support,” he said.

Learn more about early college high school

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.