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INTERVIEW: Veronica Ramos
Veronica Ramos is the new Director III of the Region 23 Migrant Education Program, a program that provides supplementary programs and services to children of migrant farm workers within San Joaquin and Contra Costa Counties
(VR) Veronica Ramos
(BW) Bilingual Weekly
(BW) You have been in the education field for a number of years, when did you decide that you wanted a career in the field of education?
(VR) I have been in education for 16 years. I come from a long line of educators, and I think I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, even when I was a little girl I would play “school” with my little sister. Working with underprivileged students while in college showed me a path to serve students who needed the extra push and encouragement that I could give them.
(BW) How has it been for you, working for the Migrant Education Program?
(VR) MEP has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. I’d say this experience of working with MEP is one that most people dream about, and I’ve been able to make it my reality.
(BW) What challenges have you have along your career?
(VR) My biggest challenge was the budget cuts we had last year in Migrant Education. The decision to not bump another manager was very difficult and led me to ultimately being laid off and having to rebuild many aspects of my life. It was the most challenging, humbling, and strangely enough, the most rewarding experience. I was forced to take time off and learn a lot about myself and learn what I valued most, and that was my friends and family who stood by me in a very difficult time.
(BW) How do you feel as you take on a new challenge as the Director of Migrant Education Program? When would you start your new position?
(VR) I started this new position Jan 9, 2012. Although this is a new challenge for me, I am comforted by coming back to familiar surroundings and know that we have great people in Migrant Education and here at SJCOE. I have great support and although this is clearly the most challenging position in my career to date, I work with a great team and I know we will do our best to serve our students
(BW) As an experienced educator, what are your views on Latinos (a) and education? Do we have a problem with getting Latino students to college?
(VR) I think that our problem of getting Latinos to college is still an issue today, but thanks to programs like ours, we are breaking through; students and families are understanding the power and importance of a higher education for our students. I wish that more areas had strong programs that really reach out and make a difference for our Latino youth. I love that our staff serve as great examples of what can happen with a little effort and perseverance. My motto has always been: Si Se Puede, and I’m sticking to that!
(BW) Lastly, how do you see yourself in the upcoming years? Perhaps going back to the classrooms as a teacher?
(VR) If you would have asked me that a year ago I would rattle off a list of things I’d like to do, but not anymore.
Being laid off for 6 months and struggling to find a job has given me a new sense of who I am and my purpose in this world. I know that I am dedicated to serving students, but I am not sure what the plan for me is. I know that as soon as you try and plan something—and think you have it all figured out—God, fate, whatever you want to call it, comes in and creates a new plan for you.
Carrying Forward the Vision of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
By Mayra Barrios
(bw) STOCKTON, CA – Carrying forward the vision of Martin Luther King`s dream, diverse members of the community and outreach agencies came together to improve Stockton, gathering in the Gymnasium of St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Saturday, January 14th.
Students Infused with the Holiday Spirit
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, CA- A group of students at Weston Ranch High School driven by the “Christmas spirit” decided to extend their holiday enthusiasm and bring joy to families in need—only a few days away from their final exams.
Energy Bills Increase in 2012
(bw) CALIFORNIA.— While the value of the dollar has decreased over the last several years and U.S. consumer prices increased to 3.4 percent over 2011 the cost of living continues to raise for Northern and Central California residents.
The 2011 Top 10 Stories Most Read
As we begin 2012, Bilingual Weekly’s newsroom extracted the top 10 most read stories during the last 352 days. Please note that the top 10 stories were not selected by the Bilingual Weekly’s staff, our team ran the www.bilingualweekly.com English website’s analytics’ report which evaluates the hits received daily and it ranked each story from the highest number of hits to the lowest ranking in local news coverage. The following stories are briefs of the top 10 stories you, our readers clicked on.
Christmas Food Baskets: A Traditional Community Gift
STOCKTON, CA – Only a week away from Christmas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) along with community members, and organizations, gathered to assemble nearly 1,600 food baskets for disadvantaged families in San Joaquin County.
Traditional Mexican Posadas in San Joaquin
The Rondalla Presencia de Amor of Stockton formed by a male choir delighted the audience with a variety of romantic boleros.
Traditional Mexican Posadas in San Joaquin
By Mayra Barrios
Las posadas (the shelters) in Spanish are an important part of the Christmas festivities in Mexico. These celebrations are held on each of the nine nights leading up to Christmas, from December 16 to 24th.
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