Jackelin Ramos aims to work in health care, become a medical interpreter
Jackelin Ramos, a biology major and chemistry minor, is the president of the Multicultural Student Organization, a senator on the Student Government Association and a resident advisor. Combining science and her passion for multicultural awareness, Ramos aims to become a medical interpreter and a nurse.
Choosing Salve Regina
Ramos is originally from Central Falls, Rhode Island. While she never toured Salve Regina in person, her sister did have the opportunity – and her photos were enough to convince Ramos it was a place worth looking into. She liked the University’s small classroom sizes and how specific the biology curriculum was. The more she learned, the more Ramos felt confident that Salve Regina would be everything she wanted.
Earning a biology degree is a rigorous task, but Ramos stuck with it, and the friendships she made along the way helped her realize she could do it no matter the obstacles. “That’s one of my favorite things about Salve – the joyful moments – because I can easily make new friendships,” she said.
During orientation, Ramos met with the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention and became part of its “I Believe I Can” mentorship opportunity. Her mentor was a member of the Hispanic and Latinx Student Organization and also introduced Ramos to the Multicultural Student Organization (MSO). She joined MSO and was eventually asked to consider a board position. Ramos started as secretary, then as vice president and is now president.
Future aspirations as a medical interpreter
Ramos hopes to work in a position where she can help people of color and those with language barriers improve their access within the health care system. She’s already done things like help with a free dental clinic, where she interpreted for Spanish speakers.
“I helped Spanish speakers fill out paperwork and explain to them how they should fill out the form,” Ramos said. “It was very rewarding, because the language barrier can be so hard when it comes to the complications of medical care.”
After graduation, Ramos she hopes to become certified as a medical interpreter so she can translate for Spanish speakers. The process also include how to say surgical words, being able to ask the patients about their medical history and getting the proper training on exact translations.
After that, Ramos also hopes to become certified as a medical assistant or as a phlebotomist, so that she can gain patient care hours and work towards becoming a nurse.
Article written by student writer Ridhika Patil ’27
