Former IDRA Valued Youth Program tutor, Michelle Ramos, speaking at IDRA’s VYP 40th anniversary celebration. Also in the ceremony, IDRA presented Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of Alamo Colleges District, the “Dr. Maria Robledo Montecel Gadfly Award” in honor of his inspiring leadership that is synonymous with the tireless pursuit of educational excellence in ways that value all students and families.
By Michelle Ramos • IDRA Newsletter • May 2025 •
Editor’s Note: In April, IDRA celebrated the 40th anniversary of the IDRA Valued Youth Partnership program at a leadership day event for current participants in San Antonio. Below are remarks given by former VYP tutor Michelle Ramos.
My name is Michelle Ramos, and I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a tutor in the Valued Youth Partnership program during my eighth grade year. I am now a sophomore at South San Antonio High School. Being part of this program was a turning point in my life. I’m truly honored to stand here today and share how much it has meant to me.
When I first joined the program, I didn’t fully understand the impact it would have. I thought I’d be helping students, and I did. But I never expected how much I would grow in the process. VYP helped me find my voice. Before becoming a tutor, I was unsure of myself, and I often doubted my abilities. But being placed in a position of leadership at a young age showed me that I had something valuable to offer. That sense of responsibility gave me a new confidence that I carry with me to this day.
This program also exposed me to environments and experiences that I would have never had otherwise. Being a tutor allowed me to step into classrooms where I wasn’t just a student but a mentor. I got to help younger students, connect with them and watch them grow. I saw that I could make a difference, even through small actions like encouraging words or just showing up consistently.
It made me realize that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about listening, guiding and supporting others.
VYP also helped me prepare for even bigger things. Thanks to this program, I had the confidence to join an early college program. That’s something I never thought I’d be a part of. But because VYP believed in me, I started to believe in myself.
The discipline, responsibility and communication skills I developed as a tutor made me feel ready to take that next step. I’m proud of what I accomplished as a tutor, but I’m even more grateful for what the experience gave back to me: confidence, purpose and a clearer vision of my future.
To everyone who supports this program, thank you. Your belief in students like me makes a lasting difference, and I’ll carry what I’ve learned here with me wherever I go.
[© 2025, IDRA. This article originally appeared in the May edition of the IDRA Newsletter. Permission to reproduce this article is granted provided the article is reprinted in its entirety and proper credit is given to IDRA and the author.]
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