Marina C. Ramirez

Name: Marina C. Ramirez
Age: 36
Major: Business Management with emphasis in Human Resources
Hometown: Pharr 

Why UTRGV?
The main reason why I chose to attend UTRGV was because I wanted to be part of the historic educational opportunity that was going to be critical to my state’s future in my very own home town of South Texas! The creation of this university inspired me to be the best version of myself and to serve and give back to my community. But ultimately, it was the perfect fit for me - from the diversity, the environment, the convenience of its low cost-of-tuition and the support it provides to its students. UTRGV’s Child Development Center offered a child care grant for full-time students and I was able to enroll my toddler; it was so comforting to know my 3-year-old son was close to me. The comprehensive options of available courses provided me the flexibility I needed as a working parent.

What made you decide on your current major?
I chose management as my major because I have the tendency, and find satisfaction, in taking on leadership roles. I have constantly embraced challenges and almost always find myself providing guidance. I consider myself confident and decisive for I am that type of individual that tends to know what she wants and goes right after it. My other interest is human resources because my personality is honest and transparent. My passion is to lead and help others through influence and continuity. Human resources offers numerous activities and roles that vary day-to-day, and that was very attractive. Similarly, HR is present in almost any organization- from manufacturing to school/learning institutions- so I figured that it would offer me a wide-range of options when it comes to selecting a company to work for.

What do you like most about UTRGV?
I have always liked going to school, but this experience to attend UTRGV, for me, will always be very dear to my heart. What I really like most is the professors, and if I don’t take this opportunity and advantage of giving them the kudos they deserve for the huge impact they had in my life, then I would be doing them an injustice. Mr. Jaime Pena, his passion for law and grit reminded me to strive to be the best that I can in this life. Mrs. Maria Leonard, her enthusiasm and kindness was so refreshing, and it was contagious! Mrs. Linda Acevedo, she had me on my toes, but she reminded me that I needed to push myself to realize my goals. Dr. Marco Garza, he didn’t know it then, but because of him I decided to take on the task to help my son with his learning disability and train him over the summer to help him with his reading challenges. Dr. Linda Matthews, her knowledge was impressive, and it was fascinating to hear how her life experiences related to the subject matter. Of course, I will not be able to name them all, but they know who they are. They are all very valued and they are one of the most important factors that create and influence student achievements. Also, all the staff at the Child Development Center, they took care of my son like if he was one of their own. They saw me cry several times as I dropped of my son because he was also crying for me not to leave. He now cries because he doesn’t want to leave their center!

What are some of your favorite study spots on campus?
I am mostly always on the Edinburg campus, and some of my favorite places to go concentrate and have quiet time are the Educational Complex Building in the third floor where all those wall-to-wall windows expose the entire university and the calm skies. I also appreciated going to the Science Building on the second floor where it provides you the view of the enclosed circle courtyard. But what I mostly enjoy, is walking through the entire campus and viewing all the mature trees and greenery.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
My pride in being a Vaquero is that I really recognize that this university is putting the Rio Grande Valley on the map internationally. This is something to be very proud of because the university is helping our local community and economy.

What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV provided me with so many opportunities like volunteering at the Child Development Center, which is also open to the community. I am very self-aware that for any parent it is very difficult to have to part ways with their child, so by me volunteering and helping with any activities that permit and allow a teacher to spend more quality time to help a child transition into a new environment was crucial. Moreover, I was able to obtain a part-time job in the university while I continued to pursue my education. I had the opportunity to work as a work-study student and worked with an amazing group in the HR Records Management Department. Not only were they supporting, but they provided me the guidance and understanding I so needed at that very moment of my life. This has allowed me to share with all my family and friends that college can be achievable by sharing my experiences and promoting all the aids that the university has to offer.

What are a few of your favorite books?
One of my favorite books is “What I Know For Sure” by Oprah Winfrey because she has always been such a big influence in my life. I used to watch Oprah’s shows every day when I was younger, and I admire her resiliency, how eloquently she speaks and listens. She just really resonated and had a profound impact on me. The book discusses her experiences and provides life lessons. I love reading books that inspire me and uplift my spirit. But I think I mostly enjoy reading “Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets” by Barbara Esham to my kids, especially because one of children was recently diagnosed with ADHD so reading this book truly helps him cope and relate to his learning disability.

What’s in your playlist right now?
I have a mix of music genres on my playlist, but one of the songs, I have to say, I kept on repeat to motivate and empower me to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles I faced, was “Creo En Mi” by Natalia Jimenez. I have transitioned from listening to music to listening more to inspirational pod casts and listening/watching Ted Talks videos.