Andrea Rivera Ramirez: From Queretaro, Mexico to Cortland, New York...Twice!

We are honored to interview Andrea Rivera Ramirez today! From her hometown of Queretaro, Mexico, this is Andy's second year at SUNY Cortland. She is a sophomore with a major in healthcare management. Let's hear more about what led her to upstate New York...

 Jumping right in, what made you want to study in the US? More specifically, Cortland? What made you want to come back?

I have always wanted to study abroad, and the US has always been on the top of my list. After graduating high school without a clear idea of what I wanted to do next, I decided to take 2 gap years. I wanted to make these years count. After 2 amazing and fulfilling years as an AuPair, my career plan became clear, and I decided that I wanted to study Healthcare management. Back in Mexico I graduated from an International high school giving me the opportunity to study anywhere in the world. So, as I was already familiarized with the American culture, I started to look for colleges and applied to 3 different SUNYs. I ultimately chose Cortland after visiting it during accepted students open house; where I go to learn more about the school and how friendly and supportive everyone is here, besides the great infrastructure. I was beyond excited to start my college career, and after a very busy but entertaining week of orientation with the other international students I started one of the most memorable years. I met incredible people, made friends that I will never forget and got to experience a fun environment while receiving quality education as well. Having such a great first year I could not wait to come back.

That is such an amazing, rich story! So, what has been the biggest cultural shock since living in the United States?

I haven’t had a big cultural shock, I was very familiar with the American culture before moving here 3 years ago. Me and my family used to come to the US at least once a year, so this definitely made the transition smother and has helped me enjoy even more.

Wow! With all of your travel experience, what has been the most rewarding/your favorite part of your experience here so far?

Definitely the people I have gotten the chance to meet. Learning about different traditions, trying different foods, and just talking about how different everyone’s lives were before being here has been extremely rewarding. SUNY Cortland has so much to offer, and it has shocked me the willingness of every professor, professional staff, fellow students to help one another.

That is wonderful to hear. You still have plenty of time of course, but what is one goal you have before leaving Cortland?

To learn and take advantage of all the resources SUNY Cortland has to offer and what my professors have to teach me. I want to make the most out of these 4 years and leave feeling fulfilled.

Absolutely! How do you feel like has this experience influenced your future plans?

This experience has helped me realize that I can deal with a lot more than I think I can. Living abroad is not for everyone as it comes with challenges that not everyone is willing to face, it has completely changed my perspective in life and how I want to spend my time, it has showed me that the people that we choose to be with will make a difference and how important is to believe in your self and fight for what you want. My future plans are not completely figured out but this experiences makes me feel comfortable with that and I know everything will work out how its supposed to.

Thank you your beautiful responses, Andy! Cortland is a better place because of you.