Service oriented
Jessica Ramirez likes to work with people. That’s why the first-year Bluffton student is a double major in criminal justice and social work. It’s why she helped elementary students when she was a student at Archbold High School, and it’s why she is now a reading tutor to two Bluffton Elementary School students.
She sees university faculty serving their students in a similar way. “They help us a ton and care about what we do,” says Ramirez, also a member of the women’s soccer team and active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Bluffton.
Rudi Kauffman, assistant professor of restorative justice, has been particularly helpful, says Ramirez, who is considering a career of helping juvenile offenders or other children in a social service setting. One of her fall-semester teachers, Kauffman suggested that social work, as well as criminal justice, would be a good match with her interest in working with others. In addition, she says, “he makes me look at things from a whole different point of view, and it’s awesome.”
Coming to campus
A presentation by admissions counselor Brad Moore at her high school was decisive in Ramirez’s decision to come to Bluffton, and she hasn’t regretted it. “I love it,” she says, adding that Bluffton “feels really homey.” Her first college soccer season has been a positive experience as well, she says, including her coaches, teammates “and just the chemistry we have.”
For the class of 2011
When it comes to advice for current high school seniors who might be interested in following her to Bluffton, her focus returns to concerned faculty. “If anyone’s looking to actually have one-on-one time with teachers, this would be a great place to come, because everyone’s so caring,” Ramirez says.
