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For Duany Ramos, being an educator runs in the family. Ramos, who grew up in Honduras, transferred to Missouri State University to follow her passion to become a teacher. She is pairing her degree in elementary education with minors in English as a Second Language and in Spanish.
“I chose elementary ed because, since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher,” said Ramos. “My grandmother was a teacher; I remember seeing her helping others and grading assessments, and I was always trying to help her.”
Ramos’ journey to become a teacher started with her grandmother’s example and continued with a move to the United States when she was 17.
“I have experienced several obstacles throughout my career life,” she said. “One of them is the language, the second is the difference in culture, third is that I didn’t know my own mom and sisters very well, and, fourth, I was missing my loved ones that I had to leave behind in Honduras to achieve my academic dreams.
“All of these obstacles could have stopped me, but by setting my goal, having determination and having people reach out in support, I am still continuing to follow my dreams.”
For Ramos, many of those who supported her were teachers from high school, a community college and Missouri State.
“The elementary program has outstanding mentor teachers,” said Ramos. “I had excellent teachers that prepared and challenged me to be who I am today. I feel confident about what I have learned.”
In fall 2013, Ramos completed her student teaching in the Springfield Public Schools system and graduated from Missouri State.
“I have two passions in life: one is to share my knowledge by teaching and the other is to work with children,” she said.
She is continuing her education at MSU in the educational administration graduate program.
“I am my family’s first generation to go to college,” she said. “As a big sister, I always try to set a good example for my sisters. I want them to follow my steps by being a role model for them.
“Now, I want to open the doors for children to experience the excitement that books provide, just how the door was opened for me when I first came to U.S.”
Story by Jessica Clements, new media specialist in the MSU Office of University Communications
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