Discovering a Home Away from Home: Abby Ramos’ Journey to Helping Aggies Connect at Texas A&M
Through the support of mentors, Abby Ramos discovered her home at Texas A&M. Now, she dedicates her career to helping other Aggies find theirs.
Growing up, Abby Ramos ‘19 ‘21 often heard her mom say, “Education is something nobody can ever take away from you.” That belief stuck with her, and when it came time to apply for college, she knew that Aggieland was where she would succeed. In fact, she was so certain that it was the only university she applied to. As it turns out, it was a perfect match, and she soon arrived at Texas A&M as an undergrad studying psychology.
As a first-generation student, everything about college — from classes to student organizations to campus life — felt especially unfamiliar. However, Ramos noted how she was able to grow and find her home through the guidance of advisors and the support of scholarship programs, including the Century Scholars Program and the Greater Texas Foundation (GTF) Aggie Scholars Program.
It was even at a GTF event where she was introduced to her career in student affairs. When asked to map out a five-year plan, Ramos was unsure where to start. That was when a GTF advisor recommended her to look into a student-facing job after picking up on the way she connected with and mentored her peers.
This planted the seed, and Ramos mentioned the suggestion to her college advisor who happened to be pursuing a master’s in student affairs administration in higher education (SAAHE) at the university and introduced her to the program.
Inspired by her mentors and the opportunities offered by the SAAHE program, she decided to stay at Texas A&M for her own graduate degree. Following graduation, she moved to Waco and worked in student affairs at McLennan Community College. After seeing an opportunity pop up at the Department of Multicultural Services (DMS), she returned to her alma mater as a student development specialist — this time to create a home for other Aggies.
DMS: Making Texas A&M a Home
At DMS, Ramos guides students to discover the same meaningful bonds at Texas A&M that her advisors once helped her form. This aligns with the department’s mission, featured front and center of its office, to help students make Texas A&M their home away from home.
“We have an open-door policy at DMS, and there are so many resources whether you’re a freshman or transfer student trying to get used to campus or a junior or senior wanting to develop marketable skills,” Ramos said. “There is something for anyone.”
Reflecting the department’s broad reach, Ramos’ work takes form in all shapes and sizes to ensure that DMS resources are accessible to all students. While she coordinates student outreach events with her colleagues, most of her day revolves around connecting with Aggies who walk into the DMS.
Full-Circle Moments with Aggies
Describing her job as a “dream role,” Ramos is excited that her work has long-term impact, setting students up for success both during college and after graduation.
“My dream job wasn’t just focused on programming or academic success — it was developing students holistically in all areas,” she added. “At DMS, we support students in so many ways because of our approach and the variety of programs we offer. Being so student‑facing and having that level of caring impact is what makes this position my dream role.”
This year stands out in Ramos’ career because some of the first freshman students she advised are graduating. The milestone is bittersweet, as she noted their mutual growth as leaders, teaching each other to be resilient and graceful in the face of challenges.
These full-circle moments extend past programming. Last fall, Ramos taught a freshman student in her Hullabaloo U class who also was in her namesake group, Camp Ramos, at Fish Camp. Additionally, during DMS’ recent Aggie Ring Day event, a graduating student’s mom approached her and said, “I remember you. You were giving a presentation during my daughter’s new student conference.”
From New Student Conferences to graduation, Ramos’ engagement with Aggies illustrates how brief touchpoints can leave a lasting impression on students.
“Seeing the same students come through for DMS events and being a part of their Texas A&M journey shows exactly what DMS sets out to do to help students be successful,” Ramos said. “That was a special moment for me.”
And as new generations of Aggies walk through DMS’ open doors, she looks forward to being part of their journeys, too.
We have an open-door policy at DMS, and there are so many resources whether you’re a freshman or transfer student trying to get used to campus or a junior or senior wanting to develop marketable skills. There is something for anyone.
DMS regularly hosts events to connect Aggies with campus resources. At the recent Welcome DMS Social, students explored the DMS space and learned about available support at Texas A&M.
Get to Know Abby Ramos
Q: Texas A&M was the only university you applied to. Can you tell us about your journey to Aggieland, and why you decided to become an Aggie?
I’m from Progreso, a town in south Texas. Growing up, one of my friends from high school had a sister who went here, and I also participated in a lot of recruitment and outreach trips through the admissions center.
I’m also a first‑generation student, so coming to college was a really interesting experience of growth for me. I’m a former student twice over, receiving a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in the SAAHE program. That’s what initially brought me to Texas A&M.
My mom always told me that education is something nobody can ever take away from you, which is why I’m so invested in it — for myself and for others. With all that I knew about Texas A&M from those campus visits and my friends, it felt right while I was making the decision when I was applying to college.
Q: You mentioned that the position at DMS was a “dream role” for you. What made it that perfect fit?
It was the mix of student success and development programming. We help students transition into college, help them make connections that matter to them and build skills to be successful both while they’re in college and after graduation. I also completed my practicum during grad school at DMS, so I was already familiar with the mission.
Q: What does your day-to-day look like?
It really depends on the day. There’s so much happening in DMS. We have an open-door policy, so students can stop by anytime. A lot of my day is connecting with students, whether I work with them regularly, see them at events or meet them during a walk-in visit. With about two to three programming events a month, there’s a lot of planning and execution involved, and I check in with staff to make sure they’re doing okay, both professionally and personally. DMS really feels like a family.
Also, a big part of my role is making warm connections. If a student needs help from other campus resources, I’ll walk them over rather than just handing them information.
Q: Your bond with students stands out. You advise so many of them, but is there anything they have taught you in return?
Grace. I taught them to give themselves grace, and they taught me that it can be reciprocal. They’ve shown me what resilience really looks like and what it means to be a servant leader — showing up, advocating and giving without expecting anything in return.
They’re honestly better than I was at their age. They are more passionate, more aware and more willing to support their peers. That inspires me and keeps me grounded in why my work matters. When life becomes really difficult, students motivate me to show up. They bring me so much energy. Some of the students I worked with in their freshman year are graduating now and seeing their growth, confidence and passion reminds me of my purpose. I always tell students, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I also carry that with me, as I may not be able to change everything, but even helping one person can create a ripple effect.
My coworkers motivate me, too. They’re also passionate, caring and deeply invested in students. Being around that pushes me to be better for my students and for my staff.
Q: DMS has an open-door policy for students to ask about resources or receive support. Do you have any words for students who may hesitate about coming in?
There are so many resources, whether you’re a freshman or transfer student trying to get used to campus or a junior or senior wanting to develop leadership skills. There is something for anyone.
To students who feel hesitant: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. All you have to do is open the door. Once you’re here, we’ll take care of the rest. Someone will meet you where you are and help guide you forward.
Q: When you’re not supporting students, what do you like to do in your free time?
For fun, I have a lot of random hobbies. A lot of them revolve around the people I love. I bake vintage heart cakes, which I sometimes do for my department. I also started crocheting because I wanted to make my nephew a little dinosaur. And I try to make new recipes, trying to recreate one new meal a week from different places I love. We’ll see what I end up cooking up in 2026!
To connect with Abby and the staff at DMS, visit the DMS website.
