Luis Ramos is a Class of 2020 alum of Golder College Prep and a recent graduate of Colgate College. He now works as a data analyst at Riddell, a company that specializes in protective equipment for football. We reconnected with him to hear more about his journey from Golder College Prep to college and then the workforce. Check it out:

Reflecting on your journey to graduating college, let’s take it back to when you first made the decision to join Golder nearly a decade ago? What aspects of that choice were significant for you at the time?

I had an older cousin who was a junior at the time, and her experience influenced my decision-making process regarding high school. My aunt’s encouragement and the bond with my cousin led me to choose Golder for high school, as it felt like a continuation of our shared educational journey.

What activities did you enjoy the most during your time at Golder College Prep?

Soccer was my favorite activity; I did it for all four years and was captain for three of those years. In addition to that, I also served as Golder Ambassador and was a member of the National Honor Society during my junior and senior years.

Can you think of an experience at Golder where you were encouraged to try something new?

Being part of the Golder Ambassadors was an unexpected yet rewarding experience. Initially unsure of my involvement, I found that the role required commitment with weekly meetings and extra work during my free time. However, I discovered a passion for helping others, particularly in encouraging 8th graders to consider Golder as their school. Participating in open houses allowed me to engage with interested students and share why Golder would be a great fit for them.

When you look back on your time at Golder, how do you feel about your decision to attend?

It was literally the right decision. I think it helped me in ways that I didn’t think I would have been helped had I gone to another school. I think the opportunities, the skills— everything that I got from Golder— were just very unique. I have no regrets because it opened doors for me as well as for my younger brothers.

What influenced your decision to pursue computer science?

Well, the biggest thing that helped me realize that computer science would be the best fit for me was Summer Of A Lifetime. In the summer before junior year, I participated in Summer of a Lifetime at Carleton College for a computer coding course. In those three weeks, I learned Python and a lot about overall coding. It helped me realize I should utilize my new skills and take a jab at it in my freshman year of college, see how it goes. It panned out great!

How did you choose the school you attended, and what was important to you in that decision?

I chose Colgate primarily for its financial aid. With help from Ms. Horning and the college team, I researched schools known for good financial aid. Colgate was the last school I applied to, and Ms. Horning encouraged me to submit my application before the deadline. Ultimately, I had many options, but I prioritized financial aid, as I wanted to avoid my family having to take out loans. It all worked out well in the end.

Looking back, was Colgate a good choice for you?

Choosing Colgate was the best decision I could have made. I am confident that I would not have received the same experiences and opportunities at any other school—1,000% certain of that. Colgate holds a special place in my heart. The people I met, the opportunities I was given, and the experiences I had all contributed to shaping who I am today. I take great pride in being an alum of Colgate, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about my time there.

What are you doing now that you’re in the workforce?

Currently, I am a data analyst for Riddell Helmets. We take the data from the helmets to analyze the impacts each player has. The sensors determine where the impact occurred, and we send reports to teams regarding the data. 

What advice would you give high schoolers about choosing the right college for themselves?

When it comes to choosing the right college, my most important advice for you is that the school you select can be the perfect fit as long as you put in the effort to make it one. Every college offers a range of opportunities, and you will encounter many different people along the way. Your experience will largely depend on how you engage with these opportunities and relationships. During my second semester of freshman year, I was still feeling the effects of a tough first semester. I kept a countdown on my whiteboard for the days until I could return home, which made me miss home even more and prevented me from fully enjoying the semester’s experience. Transitioning to a new place 700 miles from home with unfamiliar people was challenging. However, changing my mindset to embrace the situation and make the most of it improved my experience.