OMAR RAMIREZ

I am 26 years old and I have been attending Chaffey Community College since 2014. I am first generation college student and I will be the first one to obtain a degree in my family. I am the youngest from my seven siblings. Growing up I was raised by my mother being a single parent. I always looked up to her and admired how brave she was to be able to raise all of my seven siblings and I on her own. Not too long ago I was an assistant manager for a retail store where I would work 45+ hours per week. It was getting overwhelmed for me to focus in school and work efficiently. Therefore, I took a demotion at work to retail associate so I can focus and prioritize my education goals. My biggest challenge doing that was being able to still afford my own expenses and continue helping my mother out financially. I am in the process of finishing up my AA degree and transferring to CSUSB to be able to obtain my bachelor’s in social work. Before joining EOPS program, I was always confused on what classes to take and not having the right support on what I wanted to do with my career. When I started attending my appointments with my counselors I started to learn more on what I wanted to do in life. I have been very lucky to be able to be part of this program because without EOPS counselors, I know I would still be lost and undecided on what career path to take. My counselor that I go with on every appointment has been a very great support with my career goals and ideas. She has helped me realize how important education is and how it is never too late. My goal is to obtain an MSW to help others in need. My long-term goal is to become a college counselor to have the opportunity to help other students and provide advice and guidance on their career goals. I am very thankful for EOPS program because not only did I learned what I wanted to study but I also learned more about myself. This scholarship will benefit me in so many ways. Like I mention before, taking a demotion at work has been very challenging for me to be able to afford my expenses. This scholarship will help me keep up with my expenses and have the opportunity to continue focusing in my education without having to stressed out financially.