A Tale of
Two Students
By the time Phuong Thai '01 and Aldo Ramirez '00 arrived at Pomona, they had already assembled remarkable résumés. Both were high achievers with an earnest desire to build meaningful lives. With the help of financial aid, they and other Pomona students like them are able to realize their potential.
Phuong Thai '01
It's not surprising that junior Phuong Thai's favorite class is organic chemistry--a subject reputed to make or break pre-med students. "I like it because it's a challenge--one that I've decided to overcome. I'm putting a great deal of time into it," she says.
Thai has shown this kind of persistence before. She was valedictorian at Ontario High School, but modestly says, "it wasn't easy. I struggled, especially in AP classes, often pulling all-nighters." She was president of the National Honor Society, co-president of the Judo and Earth clubs, and on the Key Club and girls' varsity tennis team.
By her junior year, Pomona had become her first choice. "As a child, I envisioned a career in science; then fell in love with the Spanish language while aspiring to become a medical doctor," says Thai, a Spanish literature major on the pre-med track.
Thai's father is a factory foreman, her mother a homemaker. "My family relies entirely on my father's income. Paying for my education is something that I must take care of myself," she states matter-of-factly. "When I learned of my admission to Pomona I was excited. My financial aid award was a welcome surprise. I wouldn't have to struggle to put myself through college and could focus on my studies."
"The longer I am here, the more I like it. I continue to discover new things and enjoy being with classmates. It's an intellectual community with many activities and events."
She spends free time with her best friend, or at movies, dances and parties. "After graduation, I'll attend medical school or study Spanish literature, find a rewarding job, pay off my loans, and settle down."
Aldo Ramirez '00
Although Wapato High School was a small, rural public school within an Indian reservation, Aldo Ramirez always found plenty to do. "I was involved in everything, and loved sports," he says.
Before graduating at the top of his class, he was senior class president and president of MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement); earned 11 varsity letters in soccer, cross country, track, wrestling and swimming; and was representative to the School to Work Board in the state of Washington.
Now a senior at Pomona, Ramirez is immersed again--this time as student liaison for both Chicano Studies and the Psychology Department; and chair of Unidos, a student organization. He works for the Chicano Studies office and Harvey Mudd College's Upward Bound program.
Born in Los Angeles, Ramirez moved with his family to Mexico. "My parents were migrant workers. We left Mexico, traveling to California and the Yakima Valley in Washington, then returned. Since I was nine, we've lived in Washington," he says.
"Basically, my family makes enough to eat--and not enough to help with my tuition. I'm blessed because Pomona has provided financial aid," he adds. "My parents are proud of me. They still help by sending food and little things. I'm very grateful to them--and will always be grateful to Pomona."
Ramirez, a psychology major and economics minor, hasn't yet chosen his career, but plans to attend graduate school. This summer, he researched the linguistic development of children who "language broker" (translate for their parents).
"I chose Pomona for its reputation and small classes," he says. "My professors are incredibly smart and helpful--each provides a different perspective and challenge. Everyone should have a chance to receive an education as I am at Pomona. I've grown immensely and view the world more critically."
--Linda Moffa
