08/12/2026
(GoFundMe in bio!)
Friends,
I write these words with tears, emotional, because Younger Ram never imagined I’d do half the things I’m doing today. He didn’t even think he’d make it past 15.
I hold a lot of grief and also awe for that younger version of myself. I owe him so much.
And today, in honor of Younger Ram—and all the beautiful Spirits, Ancestors, mentors, teachers, friends, family, and community that surround me—I’m excited (nervous? anxious? in disbelief?!) to finally share that I’ve recently become the first person from the 956 to be named a at the University of Oxford!!! 😭😭😭
Oxford is consistently ranked as the #1 university in the world. My program admits less than 30 students per cycle, and the Clarendon Fund—one of the most prestigious academic scholarships in existence—is awarded to less than 200 of the “best and brightest minds” across the world.
Even typing this now feels insane to me. I come from Head Start and public schools; my grandparents struggled to read and write; my mom and I were students together at STC.
The odds have never been in favor of people like us. To know that this ESL, first-gen kid from the border is about to hold degrees from both Harvard and Oxford feels like a glitch in the matrix jajaja.
I’ve spent my entire life doing everything I can to make this world a better place for all of us. Oxford will be no different.
Our economic reality means I still face high costs in moving to the UK, though. I started a GoFundMe to help me raise $10k, which would support my visa fees, moving costs, and other expenses as I prepare for this next chapter.
Any support / re-share is appreciated. 🙏🏻
I’m still processing everything. I feel lots of grief having to leave home again, especially when my siblings are at such consequential moments in their lives and growth.
But, I trust that the Ancestors protect and guide me toward the paths I am meant to walk. And I am reminded of all of the beautiful people that love and nurture me wherever I go. ❤️
Younger Ram is ever so grateful for your support (and current me, too). Stay tuned for more on this next chapter soon. 🙌🏼
Con amor y gratitud,
Ram.
