George Ramirez is a fourth-year student from Grand Rapids, Michigan pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and is interested in Chicano/Latino Studies.
This year’s Homecoming theme was “Welcome Home, Spartans.” For me, it means we come together again as a community and celebrate our similarities and differences. It was amazing to see so many people from the Michigan State University community come out during the parade. I saw families, graduates, and children cheering, shouting “Go Green,” signing our materiel, and just having a great time. There’s no need to say “welcome home.” MSU will always be our home, and I believe that is something we should cherish. It was really great to see MSU come together for Homecoming this year.
Participating in this year’s Homecoming Court was a great opportunity to represent our community. As a humble person, I am grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn, connect with so many people in government, and receive so much support. As a first-generation student, college life is difficult, but I am so grateful to have been able to participate in the College Assisted Immigrant Program (CAMP) and the Office of Cultural and Academic Transition. I am also grateful for the support of my mentor Francisco Velasquez. Throughout my entire college journey.
I have also served as secretary and president of Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU) for many years, and I am glad to have found a space on campus where I can meet other Latinos like me. think. Being a part of CRU has allowed me to learn about all of our experiences. Because while we can say we are first-generation or Latinos in a predominantly white institution, we can also define those experiences and meet new people. myself.
This year, I was elected to represent the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) in the Michigan State University College of Education. I am so grateful for this because I am passionate about advocating for students, making sure our voices are heard, and making sure we solve the problems that impact education. The Latino community is higher. For over a year now, I have also served as a resident assistant in a residence hall and as a student assistant for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Farmworker Outreach Services. In my position, I have the opportunity to visit campgrounds in western Michigan and speak with “campesinos,” or farm workers, to ensure they are up to date on their health status and vaccinations. We’ve made sure they’re on the same page and helped them understand their basic rights as migrant workers. America.
Another mind-blowing experience I had here at MSU was studying abroad in the Mexico International Exchange Program. There, I learned more about Mexico’s rich history and culture and had the opportunity to travel to Puebla to serve as a service volunteer. This was an eye-opening experience as it allowed me to see life from a different perspective. Additionally, this experience, along with my involvement with CRU, helped me learn the ropes and helped shape the leader I am today.
My advice to everyone is to always ask for help. There are no wrong questions. Especially if you’re in the same situation as the person you’re asking. It’s better to ask questions and get answers than pretend to know all the answers. Finally, I hope to one day use everything I have learned to positively impact lives as one of the few Latinx men who are teachers or educators.
MSU recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month, and our community comes together to strengthen resources, programs, research centers, and scholarships that benefit MSU’s Hispanic and Latino students.Learn more about giveto.msu.edu.