Fresno State dean’s medalist Sylas Ramos overcomes a childhood of abuse and instability
Sylas Ramos has overcome a childhood of abuse, bullying and instability.
One of his first memories was being in a bad car accident when he was two years old that almost killed him.
“A lot of unfortunate things happen, but I didn’t let them deter me or stop me,” said Ramos. “I realized that what I was going through at the time and what I was seeing was not right, it wasn’t the normal and that I knew that there was other ways, better ways to live.”
Going to school and studying was his escape from the “hell that I was going through at home.”
“Life is about building relationships with people. Finding things that you love and care about and building a family to take care of and doing right by people,” said Ramos, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration (management option) with a 3.9 GPA.
Dean’s Medalist
The 23-year-old from Fresno also has a minor in military science and graduated Friday morning from the Craig School of Business as the undergraduate dean’s medalist.
Ramos didn’t see himself again as the recipient of a dean’s award.
In 2021, Ramos was one of the nine dean’s medallion recipients at Fresno City College representing the Business Education division. He was chosen by then FCC president Carole Goldsmith as the Tony Cantú President’s Medallion recipient.
“I knew I was going up against a lot more people, was a lot more competitive, you know, and especially there’s a lot of very intelligent people at the Craig School of Business,” Ramos said.
But Ramos was encouraged to apply for the award by his advisors and professors, as they felt he was well qualified.
“Sylas Ramos is a student who shines brightly, showcasing remarkable academic achievements, an entrepreneurial drive, and an unwavering commitment to his community,” said Dr. Vartuhi Tonoyan, assistant professor of entrepreneurship.
Ramos said Tonoyan, was very encouraging of him to apply for the award and was his advocate, who submitted the nomination on his behalf.
“Sylas’s compelling personal journey is a testament that even in the face of the most challenging trials, resilience, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to one’s dreams can triumph and light the way forward,” Tonoyan said.
Ramos said he was pretty excited when he got the email letting him know he was selected. The first to know from him were his grandparents.
“They said they’re definitely proud of me. They just know that I work very hard,” Ramos said.
Pursuing higher education
Raised by his maternal grandparents, Ramos graduated valedictorian from Edison High School in 2018 and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a vehicle mechanic.
He started his college career at Fresno City College, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in business administration.
Since transferring to Fresno State, Ramos has been a lot busier working to get his degree, averaging at least 20 units every semester at Fresno State. He graduated with 158 units.
The transition from Fresno City College to Fresno State, Ramos said, was pretty easy even while still dealing with a COVID pandemic.
“The only difficulty was just getting used to the bigger campus. But for the most part, it was pretty straightforward process, especially because it was still online when I switched over to Fresno State from the City,” Ramos said.
At Fresno State, Ramos continued to serve in the Army Reserves.
He was also a member of the Fresno State ROTC Bulldog Battalion serving as squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon leader, supply and safety officer.
Ramos continues to be a role model not only for his younger brother who is now a 14-year-old high school freshman student at Duncan High School in Fresno but other youths.
“He’s doing pretty good,” Ramos said of his brother.
An advice Ramos would give to his brother is “just to stay, you know, ambitious and basically dedicated to studies and to do the right things.”
“You know, it just takes discipline. And ask for help when you need it,” Ramos said.
Ramos mentors troubled youth and shares his stories with others. He raised $3,000 for the Central California SPCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fresno.
Ramos was a member of the Fresno State Educational Opportunity Program, TRiO Student Support Services Veteran, and was recently accepted into the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma honors societies.
His goal is to find a job as a product manager or benefits manager.
“Since I’m getting my degree in management, I want to be able to do like either human resource management or work in the management department to make sure that you know what our organization I work for that the employees are taken care of, they have their benefits, paying everything situated properly,” Ramos said.
Going back to active miltary duty once he finishes college is still on the table for Ramos, he said.
Ramos said in June he will be commissioning and becoming a second Lieutenant in the army going from being enlisted to being an officer but going to be on the reserves for now. However, there is the possibility of getting a spot on with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drums, NY and going active duty.
“I definitely have options, opportunities. Just trying to figure out which one I’m going to go with,” Ramos said.
Sylas Ramos’ favorites
Book: ”I have a lot of books; I’ve read so many books, but I wouldn’t say this is my favorite, but one of the books I like a lot is ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’. Yeah, very good book.”
Food/meal: “It’s it sounds silly enough I’d say probably pizza.”
Place to visit: “Probably the mountains like Yosemite.”
Music to listen to: “Well, that’s an easy one rock music.”
Movie: “I would say ‘Gladiator’ with Russell Crowe in it.’”
Hobby: “I do like blacksmithing. I make swords and armor.”
Best advice ever received: “Probably from, he’s going to be the guy that’s going to be pinning my rank on me when I commission but he was my former platoon leader in the army before he retired and his advice to me was basically just stay true to who you are. Focus on being, not competing with other people, but being the best version of yourself that you can be. And other people might lie to get their way or lie to be able to get what they want, but you don’t have to. You can choose to do the right thing and be honest and have integrity to be able to come to the same solutions. Also said to basically treat others the way you’d want to be treated. And basically, the ones that you’re in charge of put the needs of them above your own.”
