Laura Hughes

Even though junior Santiago Ramirez has only been in the U.S. for a few years, he has adapted well and is thriving both inside and outside of school.

Long practices and even longer equations. From Mexico to the U.S., Santiago Ramirez-Contreras juggles a variety of activities and aspirations. Ramirez has traveled over 900 miles and over 13 hours to Orange, Texas and is on the varsity soccer, UIL math, and ready writing teams. 

According to Ramirez, he has grown exponentially as a person after moving to America from his home in Mexico on his own. 

“Looking back at the person I used to be before coming here, I feel like I’ve grown a lot both mentally and emotionally,” Ramirez said. “Before coming here I had always been around my family. I never had to do much for myself, but when I came to America, it all changed. Whenever I first moved here, I was always by myself. I spent about three years seeing only my stepdad for dinner and outside of that it was like living alone. I had to grow up and find a way to get things done for myself. One of my biggest obstacles was not knowing English. I spent my first year here not really being able to talk to anyone, but regardless of that, I never gave up.” 

Ramirez balances not only extracurriculars and school, but also a job in the same mobile home company as his stepfather. 

“Whenever I first moved here my stepdad immediately introduced me to his company and I’ve been working with them ever since,” Ramirez said. “We will usually do small side jobs like re-leveling houses or doing indoor work. Most of the time, however, the main thing we focus on is transporting and installing mobile homes. I like it. You get used to it but it’s exhausting. It’s a lot of physical work. “ 

The UIL math team was added to Ramirez’ plate recently and he has fallen in love with it quickly. He said he has been extremely good at math since he was young. 

“I was involved in all kinds of academics in Mexico, but I had never done anything regarding UIL until this year,” Ramirez said. “I have been slowly learning things like Calculus and Statistics and even though it is taking time, I have been doing better recently. I’m really excited about the competitions this year but the pressure to get to state makes me feel nervous.” 

Ramirez’ has a goal for the future and his path is bright. His most notable motivator is his 8th grade science teacher. 

“I don’t usually focus on my future; I tend to focus on what I have going on right now,” Ramirez said. “I know for sure that I want to be a math teacher or something similar when I grow up. I also want to eventually open a restaurant and make it a safe place for students and people who need somewhere to be. I’ve had a lot of teachers inspire me. My 8th grade science teacher is my greatest inspiration though. She is a fantastic teacher and always made me feel safe and comfortable in her class. She is the reason I became interested in teaching. I will always be grateful to her and all my other teachers for all they’ve done for me.” 

Ramirez lives by treating other people with kindness and always improving himself. He gives credit to his parents for teaching him this. 

“My parents always taught me to be respectful and to do what’s best, and that’s exactly what I try to do,” Ramirez said. “It doesn’t matter if I’m not friends with a person for whatever reason, I will always care about and be respectful to people no matter who they are. I don’t care much for people’s wrongdoings because I believe everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves better.” 

According to one of his closest friends, junior Caden Anderson, Ramirez is one of the kindest people he knows.

“He was one of the main reasons I joined soccer,” Anderson said. “He does everything he can to make sure I excel, and he inspires me to be better. He offered to practice with me after school, he goes to every football game with me, and he introduced me to so many of my new friends. He has helped me come out of my shell as a person. He is always looking to help people out. I am beyond grateful to have him as my friend and I am even more proud of him.”