Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
2016
GateWay Walked With Crissy Through Struggles
As Crissy Ramos set out to achieve her goals, her family faced difficulties when her parents decided to divorce. Being forced to choose between her two parents was not easy and the environment became toxic and unsafe. After realizing it was time to remove herself from the stress, she ended up sleeping in her car from time to time.
Crissy says, "Thankfully, I was a student worker at GateWay, so I could show up at 5 a.m. and feel like I wasn’t completely on my own. I told Public Safety I was going to the gym, when in reality, I just needed a shower. GateWay never asked questions, they just allowed me to study and have a safe place to be."
Ramos continued, "GateWay’s friendly environment always offered me a sense of hope and belonging. It made me feel as if I no longer had a family to care for as they were dealing with their own struggles. Those who knew me at GateWay would congratulate me for placing first in a writing contest or passing a nursing block. There were times I felt like giving up on everything, but realized people were counting on me. I received scholarships that allowed me to eat and keep my head above water. When I was at risk of failing block 3, GateWay was there to take me under their wing help me be successful. Everyone at GateWay went above and beyond. Jessie Palacio continues to mentor me to this day. Linda Permoda and Margi Schultz are the very reason I have my dream job as a Registered Nurse at the Arizona Burn Center. GateWay was my true home while I was in school."
Her dream is to return as a faculty member and offer exactly what she feels was given to her. She wants to be able to continue learning and hopes to share her knowledge with new nurses.