Scholar of the Week: October 11

Rachel Decker
The Paw Print

Sophomore RJ Ramirez is a hard working student here at Adams State University.
Ramirez has been working hard towards earning his bachelors degree, which has been a goal he has kept in mind for quite a while.
Ramirez is, at the moment, a graphic design major. He has always had a passion for working with computers. Many of those who know him agree that he has a true talent for what he does.
“It just comes naturally to him,” explains one of Ramirez’s friends. “When you see him work on a computer or design a picture, it’s obvious he knows what he’s doing.”
Ramirez also has a passion for mechanics, and he spent part of his summer fixing his truck. He says it was one of the biggest achievements in his life, and it gave him a lot of much needed experience.
“This past summer my truck broke down, resulting in me having to take out my transmission, I was able to take out my transmission, fix the broken part and replace it basically all by myself,” he said.
Working with his hands and repairing things is a skill Ramirez has developed, and it is something that helps him further his education with graphic design, as most of the work requires the same mind set as working on a truck does.
“The end result was worth it because I proved to myself that, if I work hard enough, I can make anything happen,” he said.
After college, Ramirez plans to secure a decent job so that he can start paying back his student loans. Eventually, he hopes to start his own business, centering on computer repair or web design.
“Money is my biggest concern right now,” he admits. “But once I get my loans taken care of, I can do anything.
I’d love to one day become a DJ or a music producer, but as long as I’m doing something I really care about, that is just fine with me.”
Ramirez has worked hard to get where he is today. He is considered a first generation student, meaning he is the first of his family to attend college.
At first staying in school and on top of classes was a struggle, but he pushed through, and he is glad he did.
“Giving up is always tempting,” he says. “Just dropping out and getting on with life would be the easy way out, but I want to make something of myself. I want my dreams to happen, and they won’t unless I give it everything I’ve got. I plan on staying in school until I get my bachelors degree. That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it.”
The biggest advice Ramirez offers for students struggling with school is that, if you need help you should not be afraid to ask.
He advises to stay on top of your work, and remember what you want to do with your life.
“Don’t quit just because you’re scared of hard work, or intimidated by the demands of college. Keep going, because if you quit, you’ll never know what you could have become.”