In two short years, Daniela Ramos has endeared herself to Huntington High School’s students and teachers, developing many close friendship and earning the respect of everyone.
The junior immigrated to the United States from El Salvador. She quickly went about adapting to her new surroundings and taking advantage of as many opportunities as she could.
Huntington High School junior Daniela Ramos.
Ms. Ramos’ closest friends include Daniela Weihskopf, Johanna Campos, Adamaris Ventura, Sulma Campos, Ever Salinas Alas and Morgan Minicozzi.
“I’ve only known Daniela for two years through softball, but I am so happy that she has made her way into my life,” Ms. Minicozzi said. “Daniela only brings happiness and joy every day and never stops trying. She is the kind of person that can always put a smile on your face. Daniela constantly puts in all her effort at practice and all her other extracurriculars; she never gives up. Her first language is Spanish and she learned English when she came here and learned all the core subjects at the same time. She has worked so hard throughout high school and I am so excited to see where she will go next. She is one of my best friends and I am going to miss her so much once school is over.”
The teenager has embraced life at the high school, participating in a variety of activities including United Amigos, student government, varsity winter track and softball, The Dispatch student newspaper, Spanish Honor Society, women’s empowerment club, robotics club and Key Club. She performed on stage at the K-Factor talent show.
Ms. Ramos is a junior volunteer at Huntington Hospital. She mentors English as a new language students.
The junior is taking classes in Regents US History, English and Geometry, Earth Science, Fashion Design I and concert choir. She completed Advanced Placement Spanish last year.
“All my teachers have a special place in my heart,” Ms. Ramos said. “I admire them and I thank them all for understanding and appreciating me. I’ve learned a lot from everyone whom I consider my friends. For example, this year I’ve learned something from Mr. [David] Moriarty; something I will never forget. One day he said that I bring positivity to the class every day and spread it to others as well. He brought me a lot of comfort when he said that his class was better with me being in it. So now I have realized that teachers know how to value each of their students in their own unique way. Teachers cares about us and I am so lucky to have all these wonderful teachers around me. I don’t have a favorite one, because they’re special in every way. They all have a unique spark that has motivated and encouraged me throughout my years in high school.
Ms. Ramos doesn’t have any clear idea about where she wants to attend college. “I don’t know yet because I’m still thinking about what I want to do, but I still want to go to college,” she said. “I have something in mind related to the law.”
The teenager didn’t hesitate to articulate the advice she would give to others who have immigrated to the US. “My advice is to always be better than who you are today,” Ms. Ramos said. “From my experience, I can totally say that Huntington High School has all the opportunities that everyone needs; so our work as students is to just challenge ourselves. And as immigrants, I think there’s no difference among other students, too. The reason why you come to this country is because you’re seeking to become a better person.”
As the 2018/19 school year heads toward the finish line, Ms. Ramos is thriving. She is growing every day and taking advantage of every possible opportunity.
“I am very appreciative of Huntington High School for all the support that it has given me,” Ms. Ramos said. “Since my first day in high school, every teacher that I’ve met has made me feel comfortable and secure about what to do here. The story of all my teachers adds a little motivation to my life as a student, but as a person I’ve grown more thanks to all their attention and comprehension. My experience in high school is still one of the best moments in my life because of the beautiful people and all the opportunities that are here to be better than what I am now.”
