Aileth Castillo Ramos

From arriving in the United States just two years ago without knowing how to say “Hello, my name is…” to introducing the Governor of Rhode Island in front of more than 5,000 guests at the state’s largest indoor arena, Aileth Castillo Ramos’s journey is a testament to faith, courage, and the transformative power of education.

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Castillo, a 19-year-old from Providence by way of the Dominican Republic, proudly took the stage at the Amica Mutual Pavilion during the Community College of Rhode Island’s 60th Commencement. As the student introducing Governor Dan McKee, Castillo delivered poised, heartfelt remarks—sharing her story of perseverance and thanking the governor for his investment in students like her.

“I had faith in God and faith in myself, and I refused to let someone else’s doubt become my truth,” she told the crowd. “CCRI gave me more than just an opportunity—it gave me a voice and the courage to use it. It handed me the pen and reminded me: I get to write my own story.”

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Castillo moved to Rhode Island at 17 and joined Mount Pleasant High School midway through the academic year. New to the country, unfamiliar with the language, and unsure of her place, she discovered CCRI’s Accelerate program—an innovative early college initiative that allows Providence public high school seniors to attend CCRI full-time and earn college credits while completing their diploma.

Despite discouragement from others who told her she wasn’t ready, Castillo enrolled in Accelerate, determined to carve a new path for herself. “They said, ‘Don’t even try—you’re not going to make it,’” she recalled. “But I did it anyway because you have to believe in yourself.”

That leap of faith paid off.

Castillo thrived at CCRI, immersing herself in campus life and support services. With the help of her advisors in Accelerate and Onward We Learn, she sharpened her English skills, built confidence, and became a role model for others. She frequently used campus resources like the Library and Writing Center and soon became a go-to source of support for fellow students—especially those who, like her, spoke English as a second language.

As a Campus Leader Assistant at the Liston Campus, she mentored new Accelerate students, connected them to services and resources, and often acted as a translator during meetings and events. She also served as the Liston Campus representative in CCRI’s Student Government, where she helped plan events, launch clubs, and build a sense of belonging among her peers.

“I’m the type of person who likes to ask a lot of questions—even if I have to ask the same one ten times,” she said. “I could relate to a lot of students on our campus, and I wanted to do what I could to build a vibrant campus community where every student feels valued and empowered.”

Outside the college, Castillo gave back through community service. She volunteered at Progreso Latino’s food pantry, distributing clothing and food, and supported youth mental health through Brown University’s Mi Gente program, which helps Latinx and Hispanic youth navigate trauma and mood disorders.

Now, having earned her associate degree in General Studies with a concentration in Education, Government, and Human Services, Castillo is preparing to transfer to Rhode Island College this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Youth Development.

“I don’t want to leave CCRI,” she admitted. “I don’t like change.” But her success at CCRI—academically, personally, and as a leader—has shown her she can handle change, thrive in uncertainty, and lift others as she climbs.

Her story, once written off by others as improbable, is still unfolding. And, as she reminded her fellow graduates from the stage, she’s the one holding the pen.