Graduation Speaker Overcame Many Obstacles on the Way to Success

Ramiro Rodriguez, the student speaker during Kalamazoo Valley's 88th Commencement ceremony on April 30, plans to transfer to Western Michigan University to study law enforcement. "I started out not knowing what I wanted to do after high school. I decided that rather than jumping into a bigger university, I'd go to Valley because it gives me more leeway if I change my mind," Rodriguez said. He toured the campus as a high school junior in high school and was impressed.

Kalamazoo Valley instructors Kristin DeKam and Karen Rivard both made an impact on Rodriguez. DeKam, critical thinking and philosophy instructor, taught Rodriguez to think differently about his college experience. Rivard, who serves as director of criminal justice/law enforcement and fire science programs, was also a huge influence.

"While being here at Valley for the last three years, I have learned a great amount about myself and how life works," Rodriguez said. "I have learned that nothing you want will come easy and free. I have learned that no matter what you do or how hard you pray, life will eventually toss you a curveball and try to strike you out. For me, my biggest curveball was thrown at me in the spring of my sophomore year of high school when I found out my father was going to prison. This was, and still is today one of the most complex and hardening tasks that I have had to overcome. Being the only boy in my family meant I had to step up and develop into a man at an early age. I knew as a young kid in high school, and an early teenager in college, I would have to obtain and adapt to more responsibilities than most people my age. Although this has heavily affected me in ways that I cannot truly explain, I believe it has also shaped me to be the person I am today. You see, I have never been the "smartest" individual when it comes to school and studying."

Rodriguez credits Lawton High School teacher Tony Karsen with teaching him to be disciplined in his approach to hard work and hard times. "This has not only gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life but has pushed me to be the best I can be," Rodriguez said. "I can truly say, throughout the hardships of my life, that discipline has been a key factor in me successfully becoming the person I want to be."

And while he knows he wants to study law enforcement, Rodriguez is open to exploring career opportunities in the criminal justice and law enforcement fields. His dream goal, he says, would be to work for a federal law enforcement agency. He is focused, determined and ready for the next challenge.

"Hardships are going to come, but we're here and we have step out of our comfort zones to keep moving ahead," he said. "I am a firm believer in completing tasks that challenge us and make us vulnerable. I believe every one of us grows as a person once we accomplish the things that scare us the most."

Kalamazoo Valley's Commencement ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. on April 30. The faculty speaker will be math instructor Daniel Cunningham. Lucinda Stinson, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, will also speak.