#SoCaltech: Juan Renteria

“I came to Caltech with the mentality that my medical condition was not going to stop me and, in fact, was something that empowered me and motivated me to not slow down. But things started to ramp up in my junior and senior year, and I had to go to the hospital more than 10 times. And when I get discharged from the hospital, it's not like I'm healthy; I have another three weeks where I'm bedridden and can't get my own food, shower, or do laundry—all while keeping up with classes and other responsibilities. But I never faced these challenges alone. My family supported and cared for me through daily video calls, my friends helped me with daily tasks, and through it all, they always made me feel loved. Caltech has also supported me in every way possible, from Dining Services delivering food to my room to the Ricketts custodial staff always checking in on me. The Deans’ Office was even able to fly my mom in from Chicago to help care for me during medical emergencies. I didn’t even have to ask; they just saw the situation and said they would see what they could do to help.

 Being a kid from a Mexican community, a first-generation college student, and someone with a medical disability, I’m in a unique position to advocate for other people who face challenges, to remind them that they’re here for a reason, that they’re capable. Caltech can be very intimidating, and I think a lot of students face that insecurity—regardless of whether they have a condition or not—asking, “Do I belong here? Did I make a mistake?” So, I think truly knowing oneself is the most important thing, knowing nobody is greater or lesser than anybody else. We’re all different, so own that and just keep moving forward. Know that people are going to support you, that there are resources to help you, and never stop fighting for yourself.”

 Juan Renteria, a fourth-year student studying mechanical engineering, was born with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause blood vessel and soft tissue malformations. He is the past president of the Caltech Hispanic and Latino Association and recipient of a 2024 New Horizons Award. He is one of only two students accepted to Northwestern University’s combined doctoral program in physical therapy and engineering, where he will study after graduation. He discusses his experiences at Caltech in this video profile.

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.