Naomi Ramos-Mendoza is a second-year undergraduate student at Ferrum College with plans to dual-enroll next year in Ferrum College’s graduate-level Psychology program. Naomi has a dream of becoming a forensic psychologist and is well on her way to making that dream a reality – thanks to the opportunities available to her at Ferrum College.
As a first-generation student from Elliston, VA, Naomi had the determination and the talent for her dream – but not the financial means. She wanted to make something of herself. Her parents wanted a good life for her. She said she knew “there was no way to have a good life without a college education.” Like many students, she wondered if her dream would be possible.
After talking with President Mirta Martin, Naomi and her family knew there was possibility and hope at Ferrum College. From Naomi’s first visit, she felt at home. She decided to apply and, thanks to financial aid, was able to enroll. Ever since, she has been focused on building the future she once thought was out of reach.
Today, she is thriving, growing as a leader, and preparing to make a difference in the lives of others. She is serving as president of the Kappa Alpha Sigma sorority, she just completed a leadership retreat, she will serve next year as a resident assistant, and she is hoping to become involved with the Student Government Association. She has shared that Ferrum College faculty have time for her and that the experience is helping her grow as a leader.
Thanks to donors, the financial support she receives is allowing her to continue her education without the constant stress and worry of whether finances will allow her to continue. She is able to focus and concentrate on her studies.
Naomi stated that thanks to Ferrum College, she feels more confident. She was shy in high school and had few friends. Now she interacts more, is more willing to accept leadership roles, and wants to help others. She feels her family is proud of her accomplishments and Naomi carries a spirit of gratitude.
Regarding those who provide support and make it all possible for her, Naomi states, “Your support truly changes lives. Because of you, students like me have the opportunity, not only to pursue our education, but also to grow into leaders who can give back and make a difference in the lives of others.”
To those who have already made a gift this fiscal year, thank you! You are a part of stories like Naomi’s.
If you haven’t yet or would like to increase your contribution, there’s still time to make an impact this fiscal year (which ends in June 2026).
A gift to the Ferrum Fund helps ensure that students like Naomi don’t have to give up on their dreams because of finances.
We need your urgent help to open more doors. Will you help open the door for another student today?
#FerrumRising
Together, we all rise.
