In honor of our 20th anniversary, we’re sharing this inspiring feature on Roberto Ramirez from our 2013 Annual Report. Thanks to the support of our College Courses program, formerly known as STEP, Roberto was able to go back to school to pursue his dreams of a new career while juggling work and family responsibilities. We’re proud to to have been a part of his success story.
“All of the support and help makes me feel like I can’t fail. I’d be a fool not to take advantage of this benefit and pursue my dream.”
I had wanted to go back to school for a while, but it had been 7 years since I graduated and I was scared. Between fear and excuses, I was impeding myself from moving forward in my career. After taking several Skills Builders classes, including CPR, Study Skills, and Medical Terminology, I began to
believe I could do well in college. Now I’m enrolled in the STEP program to help me get my A.A. in Science. The Education Fund is paying for my books, tuition, and fees. When I was struggling with English, the Education Fund provided me with tutoring. A month ago I told my counselor that I sprained my ankle, and she helped me apply to a program at the college that helps me get to my classes on time. All of the support and help makes me feel like I can’t fail. I have a 4.0 this semester, and I would not have been able to do it without the Education Fund. I’m a father, I’m working 40 hours a week, I’m a full-time student, and I’m feeling great. My next dream is that I want to pursue my Bachelor’s in Health and enroll in the KP School of Allied Health Science’s Radiography Program. With the financial, emotional, and academic support that the Education Fund offers, I’d be a fool not to take advantage of it and pursue my dream.
