Anel Mercado

Anel Mercado of Pompton Lakes, N.J. is a first-generation Nursing major working toward a certificate in Spanish for Health Care and Human Services Professionals. She has a 3.8 GPA.

At Ramapo, she has been active in several organizations including the Educational Opportunity Fund, where she stayed on campus over the summer and participated in transformative workshops such as mental health discussions, empowerment conferences, and wellness sessions, which helped her grow as a person and a student. She is also a member of the Nursing Student Organization where she actively participates in events, votes on merchandise and future activities, and connects with other nursing students to foster professional growth. Additionally, she is involved in the Organization of Latino Unity where she participates in events like Latinx Birch Night, exploring and enjoying various Hispanic dishes and Remedios Naturales (natural health remedies) and building connections with fellow first-year students and cultivating a sense of community within the Hispanic culture.

Anel has also been involved in off-campus activities including volunteering for community service initiatives such as organizing food drives, teaching elementary students about nature, and helping create a costume and candy drive for low-income families during Halloween. She has also worked as a host and server at Cedar Crest Senior Living, where she engaged closely with elderly residents to enhance their dining experience and foster meaningful connections. 

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Anel plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. She attributes her achievements to the unwavering support and love from her family who have been instrumental in her success and determination to reach her goals. Without them, she would not be the person she is today. 

Salette Farias

Salette Farias of Passaic N.J. is a first-year Nursing major with a 3.3 GPA, and she graduated high school with a 3.7 GPA.

At Ramapo, Salette is part of the Educational Opportunity Fund. In high school, Salette was part of the National Honor Society as well as the Hispanic Honor Society along with other extracurriculars and multiple job experiences. She hopes to use her degree to deliver quality care in her community.

After graduating, she will continue her studies in surgical instrumentation. She plans to be more involved in animal rescue and rescue squads. Salette wishes to become the most educated version of herself she can be.

Anel Mercado

Anel Mercado of Pompton Lakes, N.J. is a first-generation Nursing major pursuing a certificate in Spanish for Health Care and Human Services Professionals. She has a 3.85 GPA.

At Ramapo, she has been active in several organizations including the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), where she participates in workshops and conferences focused on personal development and academic success, the Nursing Student Organization, where she actively participates in events and connects with other nursing students, fostering professional growth, and the Organization of Latino Unity (OLU), where she has participated in cultural events to connect with her Hispanic roots and foster a sense of community.

Anel has also been involved in off-campus activities including volunteering for community service initiatives such as organizing food drives, teaching elementary students about nature, and creating a costume and candy drive for low-income families during Halloween. She has also worked at Cedar Crest Senior Living, where she engages closely with elderly residents to enhance their dining experience and foster meaningful connections.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Anel plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner and work to improve healthcare equity, focusing on bridging language barriers for patients. She attributes her achievements to the unwavering support and love of her family, who have been instrumental in her success and determination to reach her goals.

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Ossiris Garcia

Ossiris Garcia of Paterson N.J. is a first-year Biology major on the Pre-Med track with a 4.0 GPA. “My biggest motivation is my family, they are my everything,” she says. 

At Ramapo, Ossiris is a member of the Education Opportunity Fund, Honors Program, First-Generation Program, and Leaders In Service. She also participates in the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead, Biology Club, Pre-Med Club, and United Asians Association. Additionally, Ossiris serves as a volunteer and translator at food pantries for the Spanish-speaking community.

After graduation, Ossiris plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. She will be the first doctor in her family. 

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Stefanie Viera

Stefanie Viera of New Milford, N.J., is a History Major with a Latino/Latina and Latin American History minor. She graduated high school with a 4.27 GPA and was in the top 10 of her class.

At Ramapo, Stefanie has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Organization for Latino Unity, Student Government Association, and Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador Program. She is a proud winner of the Summer Reading Essay Contest and works on campus as a Digital Assistant for the Jane Addams Papers Project.

After she graduates from Ramapo College, she plans to pursue her masters in Latin American History and hopes to share the stories of the Latinx community.

James Pascal

James Pascal of Passaic, N.J. is an International Studies and Political Science major. He has a 4.0 GPA and is an Educational Opportunity Fund Scholar.

At Ramapo, James has been active in several organizations, such as Student Government Association and Black Student Union.

James has been involved in organizing Pride events at the Women’s Center and LGBTQ services and coat drives in the City of Passaic.

After graduating from Ramapo, James aims to work in government and administration.

Lena Mardini

Lena Mardini of Lebanon, N.J. is an Undeclared major. She has a 3.98 GPA. In high school she co-founded and ran her school’s Photography club. 

At Ramapo, Lena has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Relay for Life Club and recently volunteered at the American Cancer Society’s Pink Tie Formal. She also volunteers at the Women’s Center on campus and volunteered at the recent Pridefest event on campus.

Lena has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including working at her family’s bagel store. She loves cooking for others and does so in her free time as well as at the store. 

Lena has a passion for working with others and wants to eventually become a college professor. She is currently exploring majors in the School of Social Science and Human Services. 

Gloria Jeong

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness, and I wish more people were unafraid to smile,”  says Gloria Jeong of Mahwah, N.J.  Gloria is a Biology major and a part of LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine 4+4 Early Acceptance Program. At Ramapo, she is part of Young Life, where she dedicates her time to service, the concert and pep band as a percussionist, and the Biology Club.

Gloria serves as a youth group leader and praise team leader at Elim Korean Presbyterian Church of New Jersey. 

“I am grateful for my family who are always there to support me and my friends who are always there to lend a helping hand. I am thankful for Ramapo College, for it has shown me a place of community like no other.”

Chris Vedra

Chris Vedra of Maywood, N.J. is an Accounting major in the 4+1 BS/MS Program. He has a 4.0 GPA.

At Ramapo, Chris has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Roadrunner Financial Group, which operates as a Student-Managed Investment Fund, actively managing a $60,000 stock portfolio on behalf of the Anisfield School of Business.

Chris has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including Northern County Soccer Association and the Maywood Youth Athletic Association, where he serves as a referee for highly competitive youth soccer and basketball games. 

Additionally, Chris is an active member of his community, receiving the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award. Post-graduation. he plans on having a career in finance.

Leslie Pascal

“I believe with the right resources and support, anyone can do anything,” says freshman Leslie Pascal.  Leslie studies Global Communications & Media and is an Educational Opportunity Fund Scholar. “I hope to travel the world and help children receive an education,” she says.

On-campus, she is the Co-Advertising Chair for the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead, a Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador and a volunteer at the Women’s Center. Back in high school, she was Vice President of her student counselor, a peer leader, and part of the Teen Prevention Education program.

Rassha Yumiguano

“I aspire to become a Nurse Practitioner and join the Army to help those who serve the nation,” says Rassha Yumiguano.  Rassha is a first-year Nursing student from North Plainfield N.J. In high school, she was a language tutor for her peers. She is also part of the Educational Opportunity Fund program and is grateful for all their support. “I couldn’t be happier that I’ve chosen Ramapo to achieve all my dreams.”  This summers, she plans on attending EMT school and become more involved with her town’s rescue squad.

Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Sanchez is a first-year Political Science major from Passaic, N.J. She holds extensive pride in her hometown and hopes to work in local government one day. In high school, she actively participated in Student Council, and was able to work with members of the Board of Education in her hometown to help change school policy.

In her first semester at Ramapo, she has become a Senator-at-Large for the Student Government Association, serving as a Liaison to the Women’s Center and serving on the Diversity Committee. She is the current Secretary for the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead and volunteers at the Women’s Center. She is also in the Educational Opportunity Fund program and is immensely grateful for the support and motivation it has given her.

“I’m so grateful for my family for inspiring me to keep working hard. My goal is to continue making them, as well as Passaic, proud.”

Benjamin Lipton

Benjamin J. Lipton of Suffern, N.Y. is a Freshman Computer Science major. He has an incoming GPA of 3.5.

As a high school student, Ben served as a peer mentor through a program called “Heroes and Cool Kids.” Ben looks forward to working with others in the Ramapo College community through service projects with the Civic and Community Engagement Center.

“I plan to work as a computer programmer and app developer so that I can explore ways in which to improve the quality of life for all.”

Prativa Parajuli

Prativa Parajuli is from Kathmandu, Nepal where she completed her high school studies at St. Xaviers College.  During high school, she organized various literary fests and participated in several community service projects, helping an orphanage and reconstructing a school damaged by an earthquake. She also received a special ‘Global Public Award’ for her academic achievement. At Ramapo, Prativa plans to pursue a major in Computer Science, and is currently working as a book shelver in the Potter Library. She is a member of Hack Ramapo and the Chess Club at Ramapo.

Post-graduation, Prativa hopes to work for one of the big names in technology, such as Google or Microsoft, and contribute to the ever-expanding field of Computer Science.

Dahiana Arenas

Dahiana Arenas of Oakland, N.J. is a first-year Nursing major.

“Fortunately, I was able to kick-off my college experience by joining Leaders in Service, where I volunteered with House on the Hill and the Mahwah Environmental Volunteer Organization (MEVO), and had the opportunity to bond with many inspiring individuals.” Dahiana is a Ramapo Student Ambassador, as well as a member of the College Honors Program.

Off-campus she works as a camp counselor and waitress. Post-graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and become a nurse practitioner. “I hope to use my degree to travel the world and deliver quality care to individuals in developing countries.”