Angel A. Velazquez Ramirez ’26 participates in several clubs, work-study programs, and learning experiences and loves making memories with his friends. He's found his happy place at Moravian.
I grew up in Bound Brook, New Jersey. My family moved around a lot but in the same town. When my mom and dad first came to the States, they struggled a bit, so it was always hard to maintain somewhere permanent where they felt safe raising their family. Bound Brook is very diverse with a majority Hispanic population that I felt comfortable with and where I speak my native language and interact with other cultures. Finding Moravian makes me remember where I come from and gives me the comfort in calling a new place home.
What is your major or academic interest, and why have you chosen that path?
I’m a sociology major with a French minor, interested in the accelerated BSN Nursing program after I graduate. I’ve always wanted to help people. As someone who grew up with the assistance of the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS, now the Division of Child Protection and Permanency), I want to be able to help kids like me and their families. Unfortunately earlier in life, my family and I experienced domestic violence from my biological father, and the transition with getting help from the state was one of the most healing experiences I’ve had. I remember getting pulled out of class to talk with counselors, meeting with a children’s therapists, and overall, DYFS allowing me to continue living as a kid as best I could.
Before the pandemic, my friends and I enrolled in a summer program offering CPR certification, and we learned general OSHA safety and basic life-support training. I found it really interesting. At Moravian this past spring, I took an amazing EMT course with Dr. Payne [Ellen Payne, associate professor of athletic training] and now these interests and skills I’ve obtained are solidifying into a future direction. Whether I take up the social work route or decide to apply for the accelerated BSN program after I graduate, I’m glad to have these interests and choices available to me.
What activities are you involved in?
On campus I am vice president of SPECTRUM, the vice president of the Sociology and Anthropology Club, a member of the Asian Student Union, Art Club, American Sign Language Club, and Gender Equity Club, and I hope to join more clubs.
In addition, I have had several work-study jobs: with America Reads, and as a HUB Desk Manager, Reeves Library student worker, 26-Point Ambassador, and Payne Gallery assistant. I also find other campus activities, such as my work with the Center for Inclusive Excellence and their Ubuntu program [a mentorship program for new students from historically underrepresented communities], which I attended my freshman year.
What’s next after you graduate?
If I decide to go into the accelerated BSN program, I’d hope to do that after I graduate and land a job either in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York. I’ve also considered a gap year possibly finding a job or internship outside my major to experience what’s out there.
Tell us about one of the best experiences you’ve had at Moravian University?
When I first came to Moravian for the Ubuntu program, I remember how nervous and excited I was to meet fellow peers and experience an early look at my journey on campus. I made lifelong friends and connections with the staff of what was then called DEI, and I am forever grateful. These memories are ones I know I’ll carry with me wherever I go, so I’m happy to have chosen the Greyhound journey for my college experience. I wouldn’t have been so comfortable or the person I am today without this amazing program.
What have you discovered about yourself since you’ve been at Moravian?
Looking back at my past two years, I see how much I’ve matured. As a young adult, the reality of change is scary. Decision-making as a first-generation college student with no external guidance put a lot of pressure on me, but it’s also an investment to what I can provide someone else later in life. Therefore, I’ve found the love in taking a leap when I might feel hesitant. As long as it’s something I want, I know I’ll land where I’m meant to be. I’ve definitely become more of a risk taker and for the better because what I’ve been able to do with my time here would have blown my mind two years ago.
Share something about yourself that may surprise people.
Over the years my family has had a lot of animal family members, which we’ve all loved—six winter white dwarf hamsters, eight pet fish, eleven cats, and one dog. Currently my family has just six cats—Panther, Ember, Junior, Boots, Bella and Tigger—and a dog, Towi.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The DEI house for sure! Ever since I found out there is 24/7 access, it’s been my safe haven. It’s so cozy to go in for the cool or warmth, depending on the season, to study, hangout with friends, or to make a pit stop between classes or work study.
What is your favorite college tradition?
Heritage Day. It’s an amazing opportunity to create change and give back. Our community coming together, students working hard together, meeting new people, and making external connections whom we get to help—it’s a great memory, and I always look forward to participating.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not studying?
Hanging out with my friends in restaurants and thrift shops. In general, making memories with them is incomparable. Capturing these moments with an instant camera is one of my favorite things to do. I love my friends, and they’ll always be a bright side of my day because of the family they are to me.
What book, film, song, or piece of art do you find unforgettable?
Coraline. I first watched it with my family when I was a kid. The stop motion, visuals, story, music, and cinematography are something I can yap about nonstop. Definitely a very Halloween movie kind of vibe, and that being one of my favorite seasons and genres, it brings such nostalgia to the inner child in me.
Who inspires you?
My mother. An immigrant, she’s told me how much it cost her to come to the States and invest in a better life for the family she wanted to build. Seeing her handle the role of a single mother as raw and graceful as she did has made an indelible impression on me. She has always provided a home and safe space for me, especially when it comes to breaking generational traumas and opening the way to live freely and follow what makes you happy. She’s also always been my best friend, so I know I can always confide in her and that everything will be okay.
What is the best advice you have ever received or a quote that stays with you?
You can’t heal in a place that didn’t let you grow. Find the sunshine, embrace the rain with anything and everything that comes your way but also recognize when you need to make a change in place. I’ve grown to start living according to these words, and it brings so much peace to the way I choose to give my energy. Sometimes not going above and beyond when you don’t need to is okay and helps you focus on where you should be putting your passion and time.
Share something that makes you happy.
Music. I can go on and on about the people and genres that can fit into the emotion or vibe someone’s experiencing or seeking. Having my headphones whenever and wherever I can connects the world of audio with how I’m feeling. It makes my day when I can feel jolly on my walks around campus or just enjoy the alone time of a nature walk at Monocacy Park. It’s a small addition to my regular day-to-day, but its impact in how happy it makes me is immense.