2016’s 20 Under 20: Leslie Ramirez, Battle High School
Leslie Ramirez, 17, Battle High School
College plans:
Attend MU to study nursing and minor in French.
Post-graduation plans:
Post-Mizzou, I will volunteer with the Peace Corps for approximately four years. Being a nurse at this time and having studied French, I believe I will be able to help others more efficiently and effectively. Post-Peace Corps, I will return to Columbia and plan on working in University Hospital.
Favorite club or extracurricular in high school:
The Battle Literature and Art Review magazine. This magazine is compiled of literary and artistic works of students at Battle. Works are selected for publication through review, and then they’re placed in a student-created magazine that is published every May. This year, I was fortunate to be an assistant editor and help put the magazine together for publication.
Proudest accomplishment in high school:
Creating and facilitating an event for students at Battle called Jai Guru Deva Om. This event taught students how to cope and reduce stress through physical and mental exercises such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and self-awareness. Approximately 100 students were involved, making it one of the largest student-coordinated events in Battle history.
Future goals:
I plan on guiding and helping others who are faced with strong opposition and are unable to escape hardships of life. I hope to create a community center that aids and supports students of various backgrounds and cultures, regardless of financial background or situation. A cry for help demands actions, especially if it’s from our community’s future.
What you do for fun:
My favorite things to do usually involve downtown Columbia. Typically, I eat at various restaurants downtown. I enjoy visiting my favorite shops and art galleries and relishing in the creative atmosphere that The District offers. When I’m not downtown, I enjoy drawing and painting, usually paired with listening to my favorite bands, such as Foster the People. Also,I really enjoy the time spent with my younger siblings and family.
CBT’s 20 Under 20 celebrates 20 Columbia high school seniors who are ready to accomplish big things after graduating. Congratulations to the 2016 20 Under 20, and to all Columbia high school grads.