Alumnus Dan Ramos, of Lorain, likes to get
his hands dirty. While some might tease and say it is due to
his background in politics, the truth is Ramos is a humanitarian
whose career interests range from grass roots to government.
He finds intrigue in challenges and opportunity in chaos.
What else could one expect from a man who freely admitted to being
“attracted to problems,” who chose Cuba as the country
where he wanted to do his study abroad, and who cited the Middle
East as the focus of his career plans.
A bit unconventional perhaps, but for Ramos there is nothing remiss
in the way he is working toward success. As a freshman, Ramos
transferred 22 credit hours to B-W that he earned through Post
Secondary Option coursework. This achievement, in addition to
having taken full course loads at B-W, will enable him to graduate
with three majors: political science, international studies
and philosophy.
Enthusiastic and engaging, Ramos is driven and determined. His
plans include eventually attending law school and some day being a
political or legal analyst with the United Nations. He
credits his high aspirations and strong work ethic to his parents,
who emigrated to the U.S. from Puerto Rico.
As a senior, Ramos traveled with 15 B-W representatives to Lesotho, Africa, on a
service trip. While there, he broadened his cultural
awareness and gained firsthand perspectives of international
relations. In talking about the trip, he likened it to a field
experience where you can “get your hands dirty” by
being alongside the people to experience, understand and appreciate
their world.
In contrast to that visit, he explained, was an internship in
Washington, D.C., where he had a
“behind-the-desk” type of experiential learning
opportunity. He worked with the state department for
international organizations. He was one of
200 persons nationwide accepted in the internship program that is
often filled by graduate students only.
But that won’t be his first exposure to the political
arena. In 2004 he worked 12-hour days, while still taking
classes, for the Kerry presidential campaign. “It was a
definite learning experience,” he said of his volunteer
work. “We were at the ground level doing it. We
made phone calls, set up contacts and made house visits. When
it all came together and Kerry was in town campaigning, it was
electrifying.”
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