by Brice Nixon
Editorial Director
When procrastination requires an early-morning trip to the Wilson Library, it is likely Gloria Ramirez will be there also, but probably not for the same reason.
“This is my third year of work studying at the Wilson Library,” said Ramirez, a junior biology major.
Waking up early and being at the library when it opens, at 7:30 a.m., is a common occurrence for Ramirez.
She was born in East Los Angeles, but has lived most of her life in the Hacienda Heights house where her parents still live.
The story of Ramirez’s parents is similar to many in her generation: They were born in Mexico and came to the United States to raise a family.
Similar, except for one twist.
“My dad kind of followed my mom over here,” said Ramirez, “because my mom’s family moved to the United States and they had been dating.
“My dad wanted to marry my mom so he kind of came over here and asked my grandfather if he could marry her and then they got married in Mexico, but came back and lived here since.”
Ramirez’ parents, Gloria and Emmanuel, have three children: Emmanuel Jr., 24, Gloria, 20 and Edgar, 14.
Emmanuel Jr. joined the United States Air Force, so she is the first in her family to attend college.
“It was a personal choice,” she said, “but it was highly encouraged by my parents. They’ve always been very supportive of my decisions, especially education wise. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the same opportunities that I have.”
Ramirez said many in her generation have the same experience of being the first to go on to higher education, an opportunity some may take for granted.
“I guess in my generation it’s kind of the norm, and I don’t appreciate it or don’t value it possibly as much as my parents do.
“It just makes me feel kind of like a role model for my younger brother.”
In being a role model, Ramirez has had many leadership roles and been involved in numerous activities and organizations, including the sorority Sigma Kappa, where Ramirez made many of her closest friends.
“It’s also given me a lot of leadership opportunities,” she said. “I’m a relatively shy person, but it encouraged me to go out for the O.W.L. [Orientation Week Leader] coordinating position, and have leadership roles with Sigma Kappa itself.”
Ramirez said it can be difficult to find free time because her major requires her to spend a lot of time studying.
“I do find that biology is one of the most difficult majors on this campus,” she said.
“I guess one of the things with growing up is being able to manage everything in your life,” Ramirez said. “Personally, I think it would be really unhealthy if I was just studying 24 hours a day, for example, and not have anything else to focus on.”
One of the things she makes time for is her friends.
“If a friend comes up to me and has a problem, of course I’m not going to go, ‘No, I’m not going to listen to this,’ ” said Ramirez. “I always make time for friends.”
She will be done with the requirements for her major at the end of this semester and this summer she plans to take a preparation class for the MCAT, an exam for medical school.
Ramirez wishes she was able to make time for more things, and her senior year may provide her with that opportunity.
Because she will done with her major after this semester, Ramirez said she may “have a little bit more free time to do other stuff.”
Although she does not get the chance to do so often, reading is another of Ramirez’s pastimes. Her favorite book is “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.
Ramirez considers herself a dedicated, goal-oriented person, and her father instilled that characteristic in her.
“He’s worked really hard,” she said. “I don’t come from a rich family, and somehow, someway, my parents were able to manage having all three kids in private schools at the same time, at different schools.”
Lacking a great deal of formal education, Emmanuel Ramirez’s achievements came through hard work and determination.
“He has his real estate license,” she said. “But when he was trying to get his license, he took the test the first time and failed. And the second time, he failed again.
“And he told this to my older brother, but it really impacted me: This is my goal, and no matter how many times I have to try, I will succeed eventually. And the third time he took the test, he passed almost with no errors.”
Ramirez has applied that principle to her own life and the pursuit to become a pediatrician, her goal since she was 7.
“I’ve always had my mind set on this is what I want to do,” she said, “and I’m getting close to it.” Ramirez keeps in mind her father’s perseverance whenever she is faced with an imposing barrier.
“It inspired me,” she said “because I know my dad, he was like, ‘No matter what obstacles come in your way, you have to find some way around them if you really want to pursue something.
“And every time I find a block in my life it’s kind of like, I always remember, because if I really want it that much and my heart’s really into it, I will eventually get it.”
Brice Nixon
