Felicia Ramos — English freshman

From the age of 11, Felicia Ramos experienced countless hospital visits in her journey of living with Addison’s disease, which affects her hormone regulation. Despite growing up differently from others, Ramos found her strength in her passions and the beautiful moments of life she experienced.

Now 18, Ramos is an English major with a minor in pre-med to help research and advocate for children who face similar struggles.

“By taking a chance on myself, I’ve come so far from that once sick, dying girl,” Ramos said. “Of course, there are days where Addison’s disease makes me feel like I can’t get up… but I always get up stronger than the girl I was before. Adversity gives life that necessary perspective that I think we all need.”