Abner Ramos Navarro’s Teach STEM degree comes full circle

Abner Ramos Navarro knew he was bound for Central Washington University as soon as he took his first Teacher Academies class as a high school student in Renton.

As part of CWU’s College in the High School program, the Teacher Academies program offers high school students across the state an opportunity to get a head start on a degree in education. Along the way, they earn college credits and get a taste of what a classroom looks like from behind the teacher’s desk.

“One of my favorite things about the program is how they got us into a classroom right away,” Navarro said. “They push us to be curious, to ask questions, and to look for resources to bring with us into class. They lead with curiosity, and that encourages us to embrace it, too.”

Navarro enrolled in CWU’s Teach STEM program right out of high school, determined to pursue the profession he’d been able to sample through Teacher Academies. He was met with open arms, and all the support he could possibly ask for in reaching that goal.

“Through the Teacher Academy, and through the Teach STEM program, the faculty have been there for me every step of the way,” Navarro said. “They knew the steps to take, they knew what I needed, and most importantly, they knew me.”

Over the course of his time with CWU, Navarro took every opportunity he could to be involved in the community and help others like him discover their path forward as a Student Ambassador for Teacher Academies.

“The amount of community I’ve seen, not just at the university but throughout Ellensburg, is just amazing,” he said. “It translates into how professors teach their students, and how students interact with each other. I want to help spread the word that places of growth like Central do exist. You just have to find them.”

In his third year at CWU, Navarro was invited to attend the inaugural First-Generation College Student Day at the White House in Washington, D.C., in his capacity as a deeply engaged first-generation student. His trip was marked by a visit with CWU President Jim Wohlpart.

“Being nominated for that was already amazing, but through that experience, I got to meet President Wohlpart, too,” Navarro said. “He gave me a pin to wear to the White House, which was a huge honor.”

Navarro’s student teaching has taken him back home to Renton, where he hopes to inspire his students to pursue higher education.

“Being a first-generation student, I had no clue what college was going to bring,” he said. “Now that I know all that college can be, I want my own students to experience something as great as this.”

As he prepares to walk across the Commencement stage on June 14, Navarro reflects on time well spent at CWU, along with the lessons he hopes to pass along to incoming students looking to make the most of their college experience.

“Central gives you the tools to empower yourself, whether it be through making new friendships or growing academically,” he said. “Prepare to be fearless, and to take those steps toward what you want to achieve.”

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Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of CWU graduation profiles that will appear on Central Today and social media this spring and summer.