Jonathan Ramirez 

Growing up in Compton, Jonathan Ramirez was interested in art all through his younger years in school, finding many ways to be creative with class assignments and other projects.

 After high school, he decided to put his artistic skills to work and enrolled in a technical college with the goal to become a drafter and designer. He was taking classes, drawing blueprints for homes, and creating 3D models using AutoCAD, Revit, and other computer software. But when the college he was attending unexpectedly shut down, he lost all his earned credits and had to start again.

“Before the college closed, I spoke to one of my teachers,” Ramirez said. “He told me since the school is closing, I had another opportunity to start fresh and do what I really love to do. Which brings me to my start at Compton College.”

It turned out that Compton College was the right place. He enrolled as an art major, graduated in 2022, and now is on the path to earn a bachelor's degree in studio arts at California State University, Fullerton. Ramirez said that starting at Compton College gave him a chance to advance at his own pace, learn art techniques, and show his work. He continues to enjoy his studies and feels prepared for university work as he works toward a career in animation.

“Compton College is a great starting place for someone who has been out of school for a few years,” he said. “The classes in a welcoming environment made the transition into college easier.”

At Compton College, Ramirez found a supportive campus staffed with people who wanted to see him succeed. He liked the free meal-per-day program on campus and the other resources offered to students, while smaller classes enabled him to interact with classmates and access personal attention from professors. 

“I tell all my family and friends – especially those with younger kids – that Compton College is a great place to start,” he said. “I tell them it’s a faster and more affordable way to determine if college is the right path to take, instead of going right to a university. I had a bad experience attending a trade school, but I believe Compton College has a stronger foundation and would never allow something like that to happen.”