Oakes Academic Advisor, Ramiro Flores (he/him/el)

About Me:

I am the first male-identified person in my family to attend and graduate from college. I am also the son of undocumented immigrants and a formerly undocumented immigrant myself who at 18 years old, in my first quarter of college, gained status. I can understand the constant struggles students face and the barriers they must overcome to be successful in higher education. I am committed to working side by side with students and their families to identify and clarify their academic direction and educational goals and to help them develop meaningful plans with strategies for success. My advising philosophy includes being an active listener, approaching each student holistically, and practicing trauma-informed care including affirmations to challenges overcoming self-sabotaging and negative thoughts, and providing a welcoming and brave space for students so that they can overcome barriers they face in college. Higher education has made all the difference in my life, it is where I have learned and engaged in building what I once believed was out of reach. My undergraduate experience was invaluable which ultimately contributed to my passion for assisting others in achieving their academic and educational goals. Through reflecting on my undergraduate career, I want to place a special emphasis on the contributions of my mentors, counselors, and college access coordinators because I have come to understand the important role and impact these individuals played in my life. As I reflect on my background, I want to ensure that current and future students have the resources, community, and advice to achieve their highest aspirations.

Hometown:

East Los Angeles, California 

Education:

• BA, Anthropology, UC Santa Cruz 17'

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