Reedley College graduate: “I am a girl who is changing the reality I live in.”
The journey from University High School 2020 graduate to earning an associate of science degree from Reedley College last Thursday was not easy for Ariana ‘Ari’ Ruiz.
It wasn’t so much the studying and the exams that were that difficult for the 20-year-old Ruiz. After all, the Sanger resident graduated summa cum laude for building a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.99. That has earned her a spot on the dean’s list every semester.
In addition to her studies, Ruiz – whose plans to go to a 4-year school out of high school got put on hold – took it upon herself to be the primary caregiver for her grandmother, Amelia Alonzo, when the pandemic arrived.
“My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s years ago. Her condition continues to worsen; and, when the pandemic hit, her caretakers quit,” said Ruiz.
She accepted the challenge of providing 24-hour care for her grandmother..
“Her condition often leaves me struggling to find a quiet space to do my schoolwork,” said Ruiz, who will transfer to UC Davis in search of a veterinary degree.
“I spent more time with her than I did in my own home. There were many long days and even longer nights.”
Her “fight to achieve my ambitious goals” – plus finding her passion of saving animals – trumped that problem.
Ruiz said her grandmother “really inspired” her to continue her college studies. “She took care of me when I was little, and now that I’m old enough to take care of her, I really need to do that for her.
“She gave me a lot of purpose during these last couple of years to just continue to go to school,” said Ruiz, whose father, Víctor, is a real estate agent. Her mother, Linda, is a pharmaceutical representative.
Ruiz knew ever since she had a beagle that she wanted to go into a veterinary career. As she grew older, she began fostering with local rescue groups and non-profit organizations. She has fostered close to 50 dogs.
“I’ve helped rehabilitate them, train them and get them ready for their forever homes,” said Ruiz. “It made me realize that Sanger needs a veterinarian.”
She created Ari’s Rescue Resources, where she educates her peers and advocates for better pet care.
Ruiz plans to return to Sanger and work as a veterinarian.
“I am a girl who is changing the reality I live in,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz was among 194 graduates who bathed in the sunshine at Reedley College’s 94th commencement ceremony on the south cafeteria lawn. The graduates were from the Agriculture & Natural Resources, Industry & Manufacturing Technology, and Business pathways.
The next day, another 278 graduates participated in their own ceremony. They were from the STEM; Social Sciences; Art, Music & English; and, Early Childhood & Education pathways.
The dual events were the first in two years at Reedley College, which had to resort to online learning because of the pandemic.