Promise Scholar- Abrianna Ramos
Author: Giselle Martinez
Abrianna Ramos is enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she is pursuing her studies in Early Childhood Education. Her academic journey has been marked by unwavering support from her loved ones, who have stood by her through every challenge.
As a Loy Norrix High School student who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Ramos had a pivotal moment during her senior year. While attending a Veterinary Science course through an Educational for Employment (EFE) class, she realized that while she cherished her time with animals, her true calling lay in nurturing and teaching young children. This realization led her to shift her focus to Early Childhood Education.
Like many students, Ramos faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to online learning proved difficult, prompting her to take a temporary break from her studies and decide to work full-time. Despite exploring various job opportunities in food and hospitality and working in finance institutions, she found fulfillment when she landed a position at the YWCA in October 2023, working with infants and toddlers.
As Ramos thrived in her role at the YWCA, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and decided to resume her academic journey. In the fall of 2022, she re-enrolled in an accelerated Early Childhood Education program at Valley. Seeking guidance and support, she joined ELEVATE for mentorship and became involved in the Future Educator Club, a platform for aspiring teachers to connect and collaborate.
Ramos learned how to manage working full-time at YWCA, attending school part-time, and being able to be part of extracurricular activities. She excelled at work and school and finally felt that she was living the student experience that many of her friends were discussing. Ramos's academic journey was back on track, and she was excited about all the new opportunities she was getting to experience.
However, tragedy struck in October 2023 when Ramos lost her beloved grandmother. Devastated by the loss, she found herself momentarily overwhelmed with grief, falling behind at work and school. Yet, with the unwavering support of her family, friends, and understanding faculty at Valley, she gradually regained her footing and resumed her educational pursuits.
Ramos is immersing herself in the field by shadowing teachers across the Kalamazoo Public School district, broadening her understanding of teaching practices. Her aspirations include transferring to Western Michigan University after completing her associate degree at Valley, with hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher and eventually a principal.
As Ramos progresses in her education, she advocates for fully embracing The Kalamazoo Promise's benefits. She encourages fellow scholars to embrace their unique pace, acknowledging that education is a journey of learning from mistakes. She emphasizes the importance of finding support within one's community and reciprocating that support, fostering a network of encouragement and growth.
Know a scholar whose story should be shared? Contact gmartinez@kalamazoopromise.com for more information.