Valerie Ramos
At Western, I am involved with the Black Student Alliance, where I am currently the secretary and previously served as vice president. I'm also active with Peak Productions, which produces theatrical performances on campus. A huge accomplishment for me was being nominated to compete in a national acting competition in January 2011. I would consider myself to be an active member throughout campus by supporting other students in their clubs and areas of study.
Western is the right place for me because it represents a slice of life of the big world. It is diversified through its programs, emphases, faculty, staff, student body and community. I came from a school that believed in the power of acceptance, community and differences. Western as a whole has made me feel accepted as an individual and not solely another number; we are personalized. Within my program we have developed a community and our appreciation for difference is something that we try to embody through our various channels of artistic expression. Western is right for me because the students are empowered to identify what is important to them and then be aggressive in supporting that cause.
One thing that I have learned about myself since coming to Western is that if I am willing to broaden my perspectives, opportunities will come flowing in my direction. I have learned that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I have the ability to rise to the occasion. In this hidden valley where there may seem to be a limited amount of resources, I have found the beauty of simplicity. Western has taught me to ask the right questions and then utilize the tools provided in order to be successful.
When I have free time I love to make and play music. There are always people ready to share their talents and make art, and that is extremely important to me as an artist. Where I come from people always seem to be rushing, and here at Western it makes sense to see people sitting down and soaking up the sun. I love Western because time runs differently here.
The one Western experience that I will always remember will be the long nights we stayed up working in Keating Hall during the Taylor Hall renovation. Working hard and late had never been so exciting in that temporary little building where the Communication and Theatre program truly came together.
I make choices based on many reasons other than “logistical,” and I chose Western because everything about it said "Home." Western was the first campus that I visited where I felt “this is where I'm supposed to be.”
When I graduate from Western I intend on doing everything that I am doing now, but better. I want to share what I have learned here with others. I want to share the magic of theatre and the power that words and actions have when combined in a positive way.
