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Student Spotlight: Karina Lopez-Ramirez ‘25 (Biomedical Sciences)
From Immokalee to Roberts Wesleyan University: Celebrating Guadalupe Center Students’ Successful Journey to Graduation
This student spotlight shines on a senior looking forward to graduating on May 10. Karina is a Guadalupe Center student from Immokalee, FL, who has been provided access to high-quality educational opportunities at Roberts Wesleyan University.
Marc Dorcin, Karina Lopez-Ramirez and Lunex Illozier
Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, Karina and her fellow Guadalupe Center graduates consistently excelled in their studies while actively participating in campus life at Roberts. These students are involved in campus organizations like the Global Club, the Student Multicultural Advisory Council, and the Honors Program.
Meet Karina Lopez-Ramirez ‘25 (Biomedical Sciences)
Meet Karina, a remarkable student whose educational journey exemplifies dedication and purpose. Her time at Roberts has been the foundational stepping stone toward their dream of becoming a pediatric doctor.
Receiving scholarship support has been transformative, enabling Karina to focus full-time on academics while opening doors to leadership opportunities with the Student Multicultural Advisory Council and Global Club. Beyond financial assistance, this support has fostered personal growth and strengthened her commitment to serving others, values that will undoubtedly shape her future impact as a healthcare professional.
What do you see yourself doing as a career?
I see myself becoming a pediatric doctor, although I’m still exploring which specialty aligns best with my interests. This path has always felt right to me, and my passion for it has grown stronger. I’m especially motivated to work in underserved communities where I can make a significant impact by providing quality care to children and families who need it most.
How will your Roberts education help you reach those goals?
My education here has served as the first step and foundation toward achieving my dream of becoming a pediatric doctor. I’ve been able to dive deep into challenging and specialized science topics that have pushed me to grow academically. Hands-on lab experiences have helped me understand the material and connect what we learn in class to real-world situations.
One of the most rewarding parts has been working alongside my peers. Learning to collaborate and build a supportive dynamic has shown me how essential teamwork is, especially in a field like medicine. These experiences have made me feel more confident and excited about my career path.
How has Roberts impacted your spiritual journey?
Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a small group led by a seminary administrator who has facilitated meaningful, personal conversations where students can share where they stand in their faith journey. These discussions have been incredibly valuable, offering a broader perspective on how spirituality has shaped my life and the lives of my peers who have courageously shared their stories. Through her leadership, I’ve come to appreciate how faith and service go hand in hand, especially as I think about my future career, which I hope will be rooted in loving and serving others the way Christ did.
How did your needs-based scholarship make a difference in your college experience?
Receiving a scholarship to attend Roberts has been a fundamental part of my college experience, relieving financial stress and making it possible for me to pursue my education as a full-time student. This support has motivated me to make the most of my time on campus by focusing on my studies and taking on leadership roles in campus organizations such as the Student Multicultural Advisory Council and Global Club. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has provided – not only enabling me to continue my education, but also allowing me to grow personally and prepare to serve others.
What course (so far) has been your favorite, and what do you love most about it?
My favorite course so far has been my Gross Anatomy & Pathology class. While it was the most intense course I’ve taken, what made it memorable was the experience of dissecting a human cadaver alongside a group of my peers. Applying what I learned in lecture to real-life dissection helped me grasp the complexity of the human body – a truly profound and honorable hands-on learning experience. It was fascinating to see the intricacies of the body and how everything aligns so meticulously to keep us functioning and alive. In a class of just eight students, it was great to interact with everyone and work on the cadaver together, asking questions and learning from one another throughout the semester.
Who is your favorite professor, and what’s one way they’ve helped you?
Dr. LaCelle taught my Gross Anatomy & Pathology course and has been one of my most supportive and kind professors. He has always been accommodating to me, and I know he shows the same level of care to other students. What makes him so approachable is his easy-going personality and sense of humor. Dr. LaCelle loves to add a little humor during his lectures, which I enjoy, especially when the material can be challenging. I honestly have such high regard for him, and he’s a professor I cherish and will remember fondly.
How do you serve others?
Through the campus organizations where I hold leadership roles, I’ve had the opportunity to help organize events that support students and foster a sense of community. Whether planning social events or facilitating collaborative discussions with other campus organizations, I’ve seen how even small efforts can make a big difference in helping others feel connected. While I’ve only volunteered a handful of times at the Food Recovery Network on campus, those experiences have been powerful reminders of the importance of giving and being present for others. Serving in these ways has helped me grow in empathy, leadership, and a deeper understanding of living out my values through action.
If you could help everyone understand one thing about Roberts or being a student, what would it be and why?
One thing to understand about being a student here is how much of a community this campus builds. Since it’s a smaller school, it’s easy to recognize familiar faces and get to know people across different spaces. It’s where you feel seen, unlike another face in the crowd. I’ve used that to my advantage by connecting with people I saw often – whether in class, at campus club events, or even at work. Those small interactions became real friendships and gave me a sense of belonging. That kind of connection is what makes being a student here truly special.
