High school hasn’t been easy for 18-year-old Cesar Ramos.
“It’s interesting how life works.”
He spent his junior and senior year at Churchill High School bouncing between homeless shelters. That part of Cesar’s life isn’t something he’s terribly proud of. When he talks about those moments, he’s cautious with details. He’s gauging reaction as he tells his truth.
But you need to know those dark moments to fully understand why Cesar shines because “homeless” isn’t the word most people would use to define him.
Resilient.
Amazing.
Caring.
Determined.
Those are the words Churchill STAN Counselor Kathy Johnson would use.
“He gives me a lot of hope,” said Johnson.
Because once you get past the parts very few know, Cesar seems like any other overachieving senior.
He’s taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
He works 40 hours a week at the mall.
He’s in the National Honors Society.
When the going got tough, Cesar got going.
“I want something better than what I have had growing up.”
Time in shelters let Cesar see a side of life he didn’t want for his future.
“I want to be the first one in my family to have a career that I want. I want to be the first one to go to college.”
So, he would wake up hours early to catch a bus to make it to school on time. After a full school day, he would catch another bus to work. Then, he would catch another bus back to the shelter late at night. Between busses and shelters and bike rides, it was quite a challenge to make it to Churchill.
“I love Churchill because of the support that I have here. Mrs. Johnson has helped me since I met her. I don’t think other schools would have given me that support. She helps me every day.”
While Johnson helped Cesar along the way, she says it was his determination that made all the difference.
“He’s the most outstanding young man I know,” said Johnson. “He’s going to be so successful because he’s got grit and perseverance and ambition. Anything he puts his mind to, he can do. I love him dearly.”
That determination and that grit have helped Cesar to envision his future better.
“She gives me hope.”
He now has stable housing.
He’s graduating with honors, and he plans on attending Texas State University. He will study Psychology and Criminal Justice so that one day he might help others forced to deal with some of the hardships he has had to during his high school career.
Congratulations Cesar and the rest of the Churchill Class of 2021.
