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About mr. Ramos
Richard S. Ramos was born and raised in the City of San Fernando, and is the son of Mexican immigrant parents. While growing up in San Fernando, Richard struggled with the demons that plague Chicano communities, and joined a local gang in middle school. His participation in this life style lead to several run ins with the police. He was consequently placed on specialized gang supervision with the Los Angeles County Probation Department while attending Sylmar High School.
His problems did not end there; he struggled in school and often found himself out on the streets instead of in the classroom. Getting arrested, not having the credits to graduate, Richard's life was in chaos. In the Summer of 1985, he and a childhood friend were arrested for strong-arm robbery while lying in wait. "This was a very dark time in my life, I was without direction during this time" says Ramos. Richard was facing years in the California Youth Authority. However the stars were aligned on his final court date, and the judged issued a final warning, "I am going to give you one last chance, but if you step foot into my courthouse again, there will be a cage waiting for you." Richard was given new life with those words and he sought to redeem himself with his family, and make the most out of his ordeal.
His story is a testament to all young people that you can change your ways and author the story of your own life. Ramos states, "my parents left everything in Mexico to come to California to make a better life, I needed to live up to that dream." Richard earned a Bachelors Degree in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge, a Masters Degree from Pepperdine in Education, and a Masters Degree from California State University, Northridge in Educational Administration. In 1999, Richard ran a successful campaign for San Fernando City Council and served as Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem. As a councilman, Richard worked on developing a new library, community center and the economic revitalization of the commercial areas. Richard is published author of children's books, and is currently finishing his third book on the life of the ancient Mexicans. Today, Richard continues to tell his story in hopes of inspiring the young minds he teaches. Richard tells his students, "I'm an open book about my past, I'm not proud of the things I did, but if my story can help inpire some kid to dream then I'll tell my story a million times." Si Se Puede!
Rodolfo Casarez
Adjunct Professor, LAMC
Mr. Ramos in the news
Latino Teachers Inspire Their Students: Daily News
