William Shakespeare wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But names actually do seem to matter! For example, did you know that if you share the name of a hurricane, according to one study, you are far more likely to donate to relief funds after it hits? Studies have also shown your name can influence your choice of profession, where you live, whom you marry, the grades you earn, or whether you’re hired for a particular job!
So what if the dictionary definition of your name is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”? And what if synonyms for your name are words like aspiration, desire, wish, expectation, and ambition? Then you may just be TIA student Hope Ramsey, and you have definitely lived up to your name!
Hope Ramsey was recently named the valedictorian for all 4 TIA campuses. Although there was another TIA student with the same incredible 3.94 GPA, Hope’s consistent participation in extracurricular activities while at TIA is what put her over the top. Hope credits her family both at home and at TIA for always supporting her, encouraging her and helping her shape and reach her goals.
Hope joined the TIA family in 7th grade. After being bullied at her previous school and not getting the support she needed to succeed, Hope found everything she wanted at TIA. She appreciated all the one-on-one teacher interaction she received at TIA. She states the people at TIA were not only extraordinarily friendly, but they also gave her the opportunity to be herself and to achieve her true potential. This is especially true of her math teacher Mr. Chambers, who according to Hope, is one of the most influential people in her life. Mr. Chambers’ influence is evident in Hope’s plan to study mathematics at the University of Arizona in the fall. She dreams of one day working in the field of statistics, which is her passion.
Hope smiled as she reminisced on some of her favorite TIA moments. She loved the first time she was asked to be a teacher’s assistant in math. She recalls it was a memorable day in that it really boosted her confidence and showed her how much her math skills had advanced. She also really enjoyed the math games they played in class. Students competed to solve math problems, which added a bit of excitement to the challenge.
When asked what advice she would give students being bullied, Hope thoughtfully responded, “I know it’s hard right now but breathe through it! Stand up for yourself, because that is the last thing a bully wants. Say out loud, ‘I will not allow you to bully me.’ and then walk away. Then just go be the best you you can be! If you try to be someone else, you can never hope to do better than second best!”
We here at TIA are so proud of Hope, and are thrilled to watch as she heads off to college. She represents so many TIA students who have used adversity in their lives as stepping stones to success rather than as excuses for failure. She truly does have hope for a bright future!