Darlene Ramirez is Driven by Family, Fueled by Purpose

A mother of four and a full-time medical assistant for over 14 years, she dedicated herself to raising her children and supporting their ambitions. However, a simple yet powerful question about her educational goals from her son changed everything.

“One day at dinner, my oldest son asked me, ‘Why don’t you do it? Give me a good reason why you don’t do it.’ And I didn’t have one anymore,” Darlene recalled.

Today, Darlene is an Aims Community College student pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Administrative Assistant degree with a Supervisory Management Certificate.

Returning to college after years away from school wasn’t an easy decision, but the flexibility and support at Aims made it possible. Darlene found it convenient to take classes in both Windsor and Greeley. It helped her balance her job and family responsibilities. Another reason Aims helped her balance everything was the support and the sense of belonging she found among advisors, professors and classmates.

“Aims is more than a school, it’s a family. People genuinely care about you, not just as a student, but as a person.”

Academic Challenges and Triumphs

Darlene’s journey at Aims has been one of discovery. At first, she enrolled in classes without a clear path, enrolling in courses that sounded interesting. A pivotal meeting with her advisor, Trish Rivino, helped her align her coursework with her long-term career goals.

Her love for learning blossomed. Darlene was drawn to philosophy. It was a subject she never expected to enjoy. “It opened my mind to new ways of thinking and processing things. I like the challenge.”

Another transformative course was Principles of Supervision, which helped her see opportunities for professional growth within her interest in business. 

However, not every class was easy. Microeconomics proved to be one of her biggest hurdles. “I figured out that I probably should have waited to take that class later. Thankfully, I got through it with enough help from the professor and other students,” she said.

Recognizing the need for a math refresher, she took advantage of Aims’ free math brush-up courses, another example of how the college provides resources to help students succeed. That’s one of the many ways Aims has helped her stay grounded and move forward.

Darlene credits much of her success to the people who have supported her along the way. Whether it’s her advisor Trish’s quick responses to her emails, the uplifting presence of Bernadette Cordova in TRIO Student Support Services, or professors like Jennifer Markiewicz who make learning personal and engaging, she has found a community that genuinely wants her to succeed. 

This support system became critical when she faced personal challenges that nearly forced her to drop out. Instead, her advisor and professors worked with her to adjust her schedule and ensure she could continue her education.

“I thought I would have to drop out, but my advisor told me, ‘You don’t need to leave, you don’t need to drop out. We can help you get through this.’ And they did.”

Building Confidence Through Involvement

Beyond academics, Darlene immersed herself in campus life. She joined several honor societies, including Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the English Honor Society (Sigma Kappa Delta). “Being invited into these groups was a proud moment for me. It showed me that my hard work and dedication were paying off.” Darlene loves that she can join these groups to network, volunteer at places like the Weld Food Bank and attend various conferences. 

Darlene's hard work and dedication were recognized when she received the PTK All-Colorado Academic Team Award this year and was honored at the Colorado Community College System Student Excellence Awards in April. This award acknowledges academic achievements and celebrates students' commitment to making their college and community by giving back.

Darlene also participated in the Seeds Leadership Program, offered by The MOSAIC (Multicultural Office for Student Affinity, Inclusion, and Community). Seeds is a program designed to develop students’ leadership skills. 

“I thought it sounded like an opportunity to learn from others, help myself grow as a leader,” Darlene said. “I felt that I had walked away feeling like I had gained more than I had expected. It didn't just help me with my leadership skills. Still, it taught me the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how crucial those values are in every environment, whether in business, education, or our communities.” She now feels better equipped to lead with purpose and empathy. Darlene was chosen to speak at the Seeds program graduation. “I felt so honored by this,” she said. 

Darlene also works on campus as a peer advisor in Advising on the Windsor Campus. A work-study position like this offers a flexible schedule and provides a steady income. It has also provided her experience working in an office and guiding others. 

She works with fellow students to improve their experience at Aims, including onboarding new students, helping them register for classes, and scheduling appointments with academic advisors. Darlene also supports students who need to drop or withdraw from classes. “I love helping other students. It’s rewarding to see them excited about starting their own journey.”

She has advice for people who are considering enrolling. “Take the leap of faith and go try it. Even if you don’t want to be a full-time student, come in part-time and see what it’s like.” Darlene has witnessed the support students received, from working with others in addition to her academic success at Aims. “There’s honestly no way for you to fail here. There’s just no way. So many resources and people care to help you get to graduation.”

Darlene isn’t just inspiring fellow students; she’s also a role model to her family. As a mother, Darlene knows her journey isn’t just about her. It’s about showing her children that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.

She provides her children with the value of leading by example. This is true about her own time in college. “I want to show them the good and the bad of my whole journey here at Aims,” Darlene said. Her children have embraced the experience alongside her, often joining her at campus events and enjoying the Student Commons, where they’ve become fans of the pool tables and Learning Commons. 

Looking Toward Graduation and Beyond

With her expected graduation in December, Darlene is focused on finishing strong, maintaining her high grades, and finding a career where she feels she can make the most significant impact.

“Success for me is finding a career where I feel valued and where I can help people. I don’t know which field that is quite yet, but I know by graduation, I’ll have a clearer path.”

Her journey has provided a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and belonging.“The greatest thing about Aims has been the people,” Darlene said. “Everyone here wants to make an impact, and we support each other. It’s like a family.”

Darlene also may want to pursue criminal justice in the future based on her experience. In March 2022, her brother was shot and killed. She was introduced to Weld County Victim Advocates; these people “explained things in such an amazing way and were extremely patient,” as Darlene was dealing with her loss. They reduced stress as they helped her find resources for her brother's funeral services. When arrests were made, Darlene was introduced to an advocate who worked in the District Attorney’s Office, and she worked with her for the three years that it took to get all three people sentenced for the murder. “The work that she did just inspired me and made me think that I want to do something that has that kind of impact,” Darlene said. “I want to help my community or others I can relate to.”

From a mother who once put her dreams on hold to a student thriving in her college experience, Darlene Ramirez proves that it’s never too late to embrace new opportunities, find a supportive community and take control of the future.