2025 Inspiring Graduate | Araceli Ramirez

"I have always cared about my education."

Growing up in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, Araceli Ramirez knew early on that college would be part of her future. By middle school, she was already telling her strong, independent mother that she planned to earn a degree. Her mom didn't have any easy answer. "I don't know how we're going to pay for it," she told Ramirez. "But I believe in you, and I know you can earn scholarships to get there."

Ramirez did exactly that.

In 2019, she came to The University of New Mexico on the LUE Scholarship, which offers in-state tuition rates to qualifying out-of-state students.

"I always loved the idea of college," she said. "New Mexico drew me in because it was a state I'd never been to or heard much about until I applied. The diversity, culture, and the hot air balloons were also appealing."

Leaving the familiar comfort of her Dallas community was intimidating, but Ramirez arrived ready to explore UNM and the Land of Achievement.

"It was pretty scary," she said. "But I've never regretted my decision to move here. It's been amazing, and I've been given so many opportunities to grow."

Ramirez earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in film and digital arts in 2023. But she wasn't done yet. Encouraged by her partner, who was earning his master's at the time, she enrolled in the Anderson School of Management's Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program.

During her undergraduate years, she worked at the Student Union Building (SUB) under supervisor Dennis-Ray Armijo. It was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ramirez found herself questioning whether she could continue her studies while managing homesickness, long hours, and panic attacks brought on by being far from her family.

Armijo guided her through that difficult period and became one of her first mentors.

"I'm forever grateful for him," she said. "He gave me guidance when I was unfamiliar with New Mexico and didn't have any family here."

During those overwhelming moments, Ramirez kept a stack of handwritten notecards with her. They were simple, encouraging messages from family and friends saying: "Keep going. You're smart. Be strong during your hard times." She reread them whenever anxiety hit.

"Those little notecards kept me going," she said. "They reminded me why I was here."

While pursuing her master's degree, Ramirez worked full time in the Office of the Provost. Within the Academic Facilities & Space, her department supports Academic Affairs by coordinating facilities and space management across multiple campus buildings. The team oversees capital projects, serves on planning committees, and partners with administrative offices as the primary liaison for facility and space needs.

Her supervisor, Lea Briggs, quickly became one of her strongest supporters.

"My boss was very supportive of my journey," Ramirez said. "She knew I was taking classes while working full time and did everything she could to help me finish my degree. I'm so grateful she trusted me and allowed my work to shine."

As a staff member, Ramirez used UNM's tuition remission benefit to help fund her master's program. A resource she hopes more employees take advantage of.

"I figured it out, and I was able to utilize tuition remission to finish my degree," she said. "It's been so meaningful, and I encourage other staff to use the benefit."

At Anderson, Ramirez also found faculty mentors who shaped her path. One professor who stood out was Erica Grong.

"She was absolutely amazing," Ramirez said. "She really cares about her students. When I struggled in the program, she was one of those professors who stayed in the back of my mind and pushed me to keep going."

Grong's certifications and leadership in the field inspired Ramirez to pursue additional professional development, including plans to earn her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

But through every challenge and every milestone, Ramirez's motivation has always returned to her family, especially her mother.

"I did it for my family," she said. "My mom has always been my rock. When I was on the brink of dropping out during undergrad, she kept telling me to keep going. She never let me quit."

Ramirez credits her mother's support as one of the biggest reasons she now holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree.

"If there's one thing I want my mom to know, it's thank you," she said. "I give her a lot of credit for both of my degrees. If I didn't have her, I don't think I'd be where I am today."

For Ramirez, being a first-generation college graduate, with not just one degree, but two, is a milestone that still feels surreal.

"It still hasn't set in yet," she said. "I'm the first in my family to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree on both my mom's and dad's sides. It's a huge accomplishment. When I think about my degree, I think about my family and how I did it for them. I hope to be able to provide for them in the future."

She also credits UNM's Student Support Services-TRIO program for helping her navigate college as a first-generation student. And she utilized the Aim to Achieve program, which helped pay for her last semester of undergraduate.

Looking ahead, Ramirez hopes her story inspires others who are considering returning to school or pursuing higher education for the first time.

"You're never too old to get a degree," she said. "I encourage anyone who's having a hard time right now to keep going. Your education is worth it."