Alda Ramos Sweeps Past Barriers to Earn Master’s Degree

Last year, in January 2024, we introduced you to Alda Ramos, a woman whose story captured hearts across the country. At the time, she was a cleaner at the very university where she would later walk across the stage to graduate from. Her journey to earning a bachelor’s degree was powered by grit, determination, and an unshakable belief in herself. Well, guess what? One year later, Alda’s story has taken another inspiring turn. We recently caught up with her and learned that her academic journey didn’t stop at graduation. Today, Alda Ramos is the Counselor for the Gender-Based Violence Response & Investigation Unit within the Belize Police Department. And yes, she’s now holding a master’s degree. In this week’s ‘Look on the Bright Side,’ I went in search of what gratitude looks like when it’s fueled by the power of education and personal growth. And Alda’s story? It’s a shining example.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

One year ago, we met Alda Ramos, a dedicated social worker and counselor who has spent the past four years living her passion, serving some of the most vulnerable members of society. Her devotion was undeniable, yet it was the story behind her arrival that made her exceptional.

 

Alda Ramos, Counselor, Belize Police Department (File: Jan 26th, 2024)

“What inspired me a lot is, whenever graduation day, I see people writing up on their clothes, their uniform, and I wanted that feeling. It’s like, man, every time people, students that passed, I just want to have that same feeling that they have.”

 

Though in her thirties, Alda Ramos returned to the classroom, not for a degree, but to finally complete high school. Then, at the age of forty, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree…all while working as a janitor at the University of Belize for nearly two decades.

Alda Ramos

“I knew, while cleaning, that there was something else out there for me. For nineteen years, I cleaned the technical, educational and business campus at the university, but I knew that I needed to do something for myself. So I decided to go back to school.”

 

What stood out most about Ramos’ story was her unwavering perseverance, pushing forward even in the face of fear. She managed it all, raising four children on her own and weathering a storm of challenges.

 

Alda Ramos

“For me, I found it very challenging, because I needed more support. There were certain things I didn’t even know how to do. For example, I couldn’t type. I had to write, I had to practice to get where I wanted. So there were a lot of challenges along the way.”

 

But you might wonder, why are we revisiting this story? From broom to bachelor’s, Alda Ramos had already shown us in 2024 what can happen when you persevere and work hard for what you truly want. In 2025, only four months ago, Ramos turned a new page in her life’s journey. After a year of even harder work and sacrifices, Alda graduated from Galen University with a master’s degree. Kristcha Deguerre is the program coordinator for the Master of Social Work at Galen University

 

Kristcha Deguerre, MSW Program Coordinator, Galen University

“I had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable dedication and growth throughout our program. Ms. Alda was an exceptionally hardworking student. I saw her balance the rigorous demands of graduate level coursework, field placement, which is our internship, full-time work on our own and family life with nothing but determination and strength.”

Alda Ramos

“The time and while I keep stressing on the time is because i also made a commitment with other clients that i will see them because of their schedules and they needed the support.” 

 

Lillian Lopez, Commander of the Gender-Based Violence Response & Investigation Unit within the Belize Police Department, spoke about the impact of Alda’s story. She noted that it has been a source of inspiration not only for the staff but also for the clients they serve.

 

Lillian Lopez, Commander, GBV Response & Investigation Unit

“We deal with vulnerable females and males, but from a female’s perspective, it’s something, it’s awesome. It’s something that someone would respect. She’s someone to look up to because in mentoring the females and giving her story, that’s a motivation to the females as well. She goes above and beyond the duties she does. She even gives up her weekend activities if anyone is in need of any counseling or mentorship and she’s always there for them.”

 

Ramos acknowledged that staying the course was anything but easy. Like many others striving for higher education, she grappled with the weight of financial strain. At the same time, she was recovering from a serious health scare. Yet, she pressed on, buoyed by gratitude and the support of her credit union, government grants, friends, and colleagues. Each helping hand played a part in guiding her to the finish line. And now that the journey is behind her, she occasionally finds herself reflecting on where it all began.

 

Alda Ramos
“Going back there, it all happened there. The University was the beginning of my educational journey with the support from friends and colleagues. They saw the potential that I had based on conversations of wanting to go back to school . So surround yourself with people who see good in you. Who wants you to have a healthy life who help work on your journey along with yourself. But, it all started with me and their support.” 

 

So, as Alda Ramos’ story takes on a new chapter, gratitude fills her heart. She stands as a shining example of what’s possible when you pour yourself wholeheartedly into what you truly want, no matter the circumstances. Once a janitor with a broom, now a counselor with a master’s, Alda Ramos has transformed her path from cleaning halls to guiding lives. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.