Finding Purpose Again: Juan Ramirez and his Online Bearkat Journey

Losing his mother was the hardest moment of Juan’s life. “She was our family’s glue, the person who kept everything together... I suddenly found myself responsible for my 12-year-old brother, basically stepping into a parent role overnight,” Juan remembers. This grief became the catalyst for change and the reason he returned to school. 

Though he had worked in banking for over a decade, Juan repeatedly ran into a professional ceiling. “I kept getting passed over for opportunities simply because I didn’t have a degree. The experience was there, but the lack of a degree kept holding me back,” he says. That mixture of personal responsibility and stalled advancement pushed him to Sam Houston State University. 

Choosing SHSU with Intention 

Juan shopped his options carefully, and the Educational Studies program combined with SHSU’s online format fit his complicated life. He wears many hats: full-time employee, musician, and guardian. “This adds a lot to my plate,” he says of his band’s demanding schedule. “Having SHSU’s online flexibility makes it possible for me to keep up with school while still doing what I love.” 

What sold him on SHSU wasn’t just the schedule. It was the feeling that the program was real and reachable. The structure and support mattered. “The Educational Studies program lined up perfectly with what I wanted to do, the online options gave me the flexibility I needed in order to work and be a student, and the support I have experienced really can’t even be described.” 

A New Kind of Classroom 

Juan admits he was nervous the first time he logged into an online class. His early college experience left him wary of unstructured online work. “I graduated high school in 2009, and right after, I attended community college for two semesters. The online setting was relatively new, and it had no structure, so I admit I was scared that I would fall into that again when I returned.” His first SHSU course changed that fear completely. “I was surprised by how organized and interactive everything was. The clear modules and professor communication have been a great experience since day one.” 

That structure changed how Juan manages his time. “Online classes made me get serious about having a routine. I began by planning my week on Sundays, setting small goals, and sticking to deadlines.” Those small, consistent steps turned a chaotic schedule into a sustainable plan. 

Support that Made a Difference 

Feeling seen mattered. Juan credits professors like Dr. Platt and Dr. Becky Ramirez with keeping him connected and motivated. “Dr. Platt has been huge for me. His feedback, energy, and the way he breaks things down made me feel seen and supported even through a screen.” The program’s people helped transform school from a series of tasks into a meaningful, supported experience. 

One moment in particular stands out: submitting a major research paper and receiving meaningful feedback instead of just a grade. “That is when it clicked. I realized I belonged here.” That realization deepened further when his advisors told him he was about six classes away from graduating, something that felt impossible after years of academic struggle. 

Understanding the Power of a Second Chance 

Juan calls this ‘return to school’ his second chance. He is candid about his past. “I spent some time [elsewhere] paying out of pocket and flunking constantly because I was not interested in school. All those F’s are now A’s.” That turnaround was the result of appeals, retaken classes, and a complete shift in perspective. “A second chance means choosing growth instead of excuses.” 

His advice to working students is practical and gentle. “It’s possible even if you take it slow, even if it feels overwhelming. The key is starting. You don’t have to finish fast. You just have to keep moving. One class at a time adds up.” He still remembers a line from his associate’s commencement that guides him today: “Just do the thing. Time will pass regardless, and it’s up to you to do the thing.” 

Clearing a Common Misconception 

There is one misconception Juan hopes faculty will work to erase. Online students are not lazy. “Many of us are juggling full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and life struggles behind the scenes. We’re not lazy, some of us are just stretched thin,” he says. For him, clear instructions, consistent communication, and reasonable flexibility are the keys to helping overloaded students succeed. “Clear instructions, flexible deadlines when possible, and understanding go a long way.” 

Redefining Success 

Where success once meant money, Juan’s definition has shifted to stability and service. “Success used to mean just making money. Now it means building stability, becoming someone my family can count on, and doing work that actually makes a difference.” The degree is as much about healing and promise as it is about credentials. 

If he could say anything to his mother now, it would be simple and full of love: “I really hope I’m making you proud. This degree isn’t only mine, but yours for all the sacrifices you made for us.” It is a fitting ending to a story built on resilience, responsibility, and the quiet power of showing up one class at a time.