Q&A: Ramon S., San Miguel Intern & Youth Voice

Higher Ground dedicates this piece to San Miguel’s Beloved Brother Jesus. 

With great regret and sadness, they shared the passing of their beloved Principal, Br. Jesus Lara, FSC. The community deeply feels his loss, as he was an exceptional leader and a much-loved and respected figure in our San Miguel High School community.

We express our deepest condolences to the family and Community of the Lasallian Brothers of Br. Jesus Lara, FSC, as well as to all those who were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and dedication. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this period of grieving.



Ramon is a driven (soon-to-be) junior, who happens to be our first Higher Ground intern from San Miguel! He nominated Higher Ground for the Heart of Service Award at the recent San Miguel High School Corporate Work Study Partner Luncheon. (Higher Ground is honored to have won.) Dedicated, thoughtful, and funny, Ramon is a true asset to the Higher Ground team!

Ramon’s perspective is nothing short of inspiring. Here is his Heart of Service Award Speech:

I would like to nominate Higher Ground for the Heart of Service Award because this award is the backbone of what we do at Higher Ground. We go and help families from the bottom up with the amazing coaching techniques, making it possible for them to achieve their goals whilst they build life-long skills. We are not saviors, we are simply a push along the way to help people get the second chance everyone deserves. Higher Ground is one of the tightest knit communities I have had the chance to be a part of. Everyone always has a smile on their face, and when things do get rough, we help one another out with our mental wellness recovery.

Here are more of Ramon’s ideas and learnings:

How did you match with Higher Ground in San Miguel’s internship process? 


At San Miguel, all students work. Freshmen are the last to be placed in a job, with seniors, juniors, and sophomores getting priority. At the beginning of my freshman year, I worked at a library, which I liked. By the end of my first semester, Higher Ground partnered with San Miguel. However, there were no interns available from any grade level to go to Higher Ground. Given my performance at the library, they believed I was the best fit.

Due to my recent success at the library, they assured me there would be plenty of opportunities for me, even though I didn’t know what I was in for.  They thought it was a perfect fit because, much like at the library, I thrive in environments with varied tasks.


What inspired you to nominate Higher Ground for the Heart of Service Award?

From the moment I stepped into Higher Ground, it felt like home. Everyone consistently strives to ensure everyone is comfortable and happy. I loved Janssen's presentation on the Higher Ground values during my freshman year training. Service is at the core of Higher Ground, guiding us to assist those who ask for support, reassuring them that it's okay to seek help and it's okay to restart.

What are one or two takeaways that you've learned from your time at Higher Ground?

My biggest takeaway from Higher Ground is that healing and recovery from trauma isn't something that can be done right away. It's a long process. It can definitely be easier for some people, but it's different for everyone. Everyone handles it differently and deals with it differently.

I honestly had never thought about grit skills until I got here to Higher Ground. I give more thought about taking care of myself and others. Sometimes I have to take care of myself before I can help those around me.


How are you planning to elevate your life after high school? (In other words, what do you hope for in the future?)

In the future, I hope to attend the University of California, Davis. My goal is to earn a bachelor's degree in biology there and then pursue veterinary school at the same university.

My dad grew up on a ranch, taking care of horses and everything. When I was little, I grew up with him, and early in the mornings, I was helping him. We did everything. Shoveling manure from the horses, feeding them, looking after them, checking if they're healthy. I really enjoyed it.

What is something you wish the public knew about Higher Ground?

That Higher Ground isn't just helping people based on just any reason. It's not like they’re giving people services and items and things without a root cause or reason. They're helping because they have research on how to help people rebuild their lives. They’re teaching youth and families skills on how to improve their outcomes.

Is there anything that I didn't ask that you want to share with the Higher Ground community?

Just my overall work experience here at Higher Ground and how much I love working here, how grateful I am for all the memories, opportunities, and laughs I've had here at Higher Ground. It's been amazing.

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Higher Ground will represent AZ at the 2024 IEL National Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference