First-generation college student to make a difference in her community through librarianship

Since she was a child, Myriam Ramos has enjoyed helping organizations that give back to her community. Over the years, she has volunteered in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, mentoring players in the Holy Cross Marimba Ensemble and planning and hosting book giveaways for youth.

It was this commitment to making a difference that prompted her to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Illinois. A first-generation college student, Ramos worked as a library clerk for the Residence Hall Libraries, an experience that helped her realize her love for libraries. She decided to combine these two interests—giving back to her community and working in libraries—and pursue her MSLIS degree.

“When I first applied for the MSLIS degree, I was not really sure how I was going to afford to pay off my tuition, since I have loans from my undergraduate degree,” said Ramos. “Not only has the iSchool’s Anna Mae Koval Scholarship helped me financially, but it has also helped me to stay motivated to do well in my courses and seek out opportunities that allow me to continue to grow as a librarian.”