Ramos, who holds a 3.70 GPA, is part of the A&M–San Antonio’s graduating class that will push the University’s total number of alumni to over 20,000 since the campus opened in 2009.
Even before graduating from East Central High School, Ramos said college and career counselors strongly encouraged her to consider A&M-San Antonio because of her interest in healthcare and the University’s strong academic offerings and scholarship opportunities.
“They told me I would be part of a growing community that’s doing amazing things,” she said.
While Ramos initially imagined a future as a veterinarian, everything shifted when she began working part-time as a medical assistant in 2020. Performing a blend of clinical and administrative responsibilities, she discovered the part of healthcare she felt called to.
“Being able to work directly with patients made me realize it was what I truly wanted to do,” Ramos said.
Ramos, who started at the University in 2022, said the student-to-professor ratio was one of the reasons that convinced her to go to A&M-San Antonio. She also liked that the University was close to home, and that many of her friends from East Central High School were also Jaguars.
During her time at the University, Ramos completed rigorous coursework in microbiology, genetics, immunology, anatomy and physiology. Her undergraduate capstone combined research from both microbiology and immunology. She earned multiple accolades, including placement on the Dean’s List and earning an Academic Achievement Scholarship.
Ramos demonstrated strong leadership on campus, serving in numerous academic and service-based organizations such as the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Pre-Health Society, Sigma Delta Lambda Sorority, Inc. - Epsilon Chapter, and the Pre-Physician Assistant Society—a group she helped establish to support and mentor students pursuing the PA profession. She also participated in the inaugural cohort of the University Honors Program and helped launch the Honors Student Association.
Service became equally central to Ramos’ college experience. She volunteered with community organizations including the Down Syndrome Association of Texas and disABILITYsa, which educates and builds opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“Overall, my experience at A&M-San Antonio has been amazing,” Ramos said.
She credits her professors for opening doors and encouraging her growth, including Dr. William Bush, professor of history and director of the University Honors Program. Bush encouraged Ramos to apply for a position on the San Antonio State Hospital Junior Board, helping her expand her leadership and community experience.
“Jahatzy has a great work ethic,” Bush said. “Her ability to excel at several challenging commitments simultaneously is very impressive.”
Ramos said her academics, volunteer work, and professional experience as a medical assistant have all strengthened her desire to pursue a career focused on direct patient care. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year before applying to medical school.
“I’m very passionate about patient care and helping people,” she said. “I feel like I’m on the right path and my life is heading in the best direction."