Kori Ramirez graduated from The University of Olivet in 2017 with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and mass communication and sociology and anthropology. She credits OC in helping her develop the confidence to travel and chase her dreams. After graduation, Kori worked at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sport and Animal Kingdom before serving Productions Plus as a Chevrolet product specialist. Further, Kori’s background includes roles leading, mentoring and coaching youth and high school soccer teams. Now returning to the College as an admissions representative, Kori hopes to help other students develop their own courage to pursue success in all aspects of life.
Why do you love OC?
I really love the homey feeling of Olivet. When I left high school, I had such anxiety about being in a new place and being around new people. Being on the soccer team as a student gave me a family the second I walked onto campus. OC allowed me to branch out and meet new people as well. Being surrounded by my friends constantly gave me a sense of family and helped change this tiny town from just a place I went to college, to a home.
What is your favorite memory from your time at OC — as a student or employee?
I have way too many! My first two years on the soccer team were some of the best years of my life. I was getting to play the sport I loved with my best friends. Although sometimes those days were stressful, I look back and wish I could do it all again.
I had so much fun with intramural sports though, too. It gave a group of random athletes a time to just go joke around. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard as I did when 10 soccer players tried to play IM basketball.
Lastly, being a part of the first-ever Cultivating Women Leaders event was a huge honor for me. I look back on that and think about how proud I was not only to be a part of the first event, but to do something so progressive and important at such a small school. It was a really amazing experience. Leaving the school with the foundation for an event like this has given me a sense of pride, too.
What is your mentoring style like?
As someone who is very involved in coaching, my mentoring style matches that. I am very encouraging, but I also really like working hard with lots of positive affirmation. Because I’ve been involved in coaching and sports, everything I do is in the way I would have wanted to be treated if I were in my mentees’ shoes.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
New things come up for me every day in my role, so trying to keep up with all the changes of pace is interesting. Most of my days focus on helping students explore their college options. The most unique thing about my job is how individualized the process of an admissions representative is. We work with students and their families throughout the whole college admissions process, which by the end really allows you not only to connect on an academic level, but a personal level.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
First and foremost, getting a college education is very important, no matter which college a student chooses to attend. With a college degree, so many doors will open for students later in life. Olivet is a great place to get that education! I always tell students how small our classes are because that was so important to me when I chose to attend Olivet. OC is also a great place to make friends for life. With such a small campus, students are always around new people from different walks of life. There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better person because of my experience at Olivet.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people and helping students really find a home at Olivet. This job allows me to meet so many new types of people, which is really important to me. I would also say sharing my Olivet experience is a very special thing I get to do daily. It allows me to tell students that not only am I talking to you because it’s my job, I get to talk to you about things I have been through, classes I have sat in and teams I have been a part of.
What advice do you share with students?
My best advice for students would be to follow your heart when going to college. I know so many students are choosing between a Division I school and Olivet to continue playing the sport they love. I always try to tell these students that if you truly love that sport, you should follow your heart, even if it takes you down a different path than you envisioned. The opportunities Olivet will present you with are immense. You will not get this experience anywhere else, but you have to take a leap, follow your heart and come to OC to really understand.
What is an interesting or little-known fact about yourself?
I worked at Disney for almost two years! I worked in Animal Kingdom Dinoland for about nine months and then worked for Chevrolet in the ride Test Track at Epcot. I learned so many new things about cars and Disney that I never knew before.
Kori assists students from Clinton, Genesee, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Livingston, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Sanilac and Tuscola counties. Connect with her by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu, or by attending an upcoming admissions event.