Caleb Hill and Andrew Ramos are freshmen on the San Jacinto College Ravens baseball team. The Promise @ San Jac Scholarship recipients share how the program has shaped their college experience and helped them pursue their goals in baseball and beyond.

What brought you to San Jacinto College?

Ramos: I came to San Jacinto College to play baseball and pursue my education to support my future.
Hill: I came to San Jac because it was close to home and because of the quality of the baseball team. San Jac's baseball team has a history of being consistently strong, and I wanted to be part of a program that would challenge me.
 

What did the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship mean to you and your family?

Ramos: The Promise scholarship meant so much to me and my family. It allowed me to play baseball at a great school and receive a quality education completely free. Without this scholarship, my family and I would have had to pay for school, which would have limited my opportunities in the future.
Hill: The Promise scholarship means a lot since it provides nearly free access to a college education, and it has been invaluable to my family.

What is your major, and what influenced that choice?

Ramos: My major is general studies. I chose this because I'm unsure of what exactly I want to do, but completing my basics will help me transfer to any major when I decide.
Hill: My major is engineering. I chose engineering because of my interest in math and the career opportunities it could provide if I continue this academic path. I believe I would be quite successful if I put my full effort into it.

What are your career goals?

Ramos: My career goals are to make it to Major League Baseball and support my family after completing my education.
Hill: My career goal after education is to go pro in baseball. If that doesn't work out, I'll use my degree in whatever major I pursue.

Can you share some of your proudest accomplishments as an athlete?

Ramos: Some of my proudest accomplishments include being selected for Team Texas, winning defensive MVP in high school, and earning back-to-back first-team all-district selections.
Hill: My proudest accomplishment as an athlete was hitting a home run to win the game against our district rivals.

What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?

Ramos: I enjoy being able to focus all my attention on the task at hand. I find peace when my mind is in one place.
Hill: I enjoy knowing that I'm being productive in a positive way and that I get to play the game I love most.

How has your experience been with the San Jac team?

Ramos: My experience with the team has been excellent. Being surrounded by great coaches and teammates makes playing baseball so much easier.
Hill: My experience has surpassed my expectations. The friendships I've gained this fall have been amazing. I've made great connections with not just my teammates but with the coaches as well.
 

How do you balance academics and athletics?

Ramos: To balance both, I make sure I don't procrastinate and complete as much work as I can early in the week so I can focus on athletics later.
Hill: I try to maintain a set schedule for schoolwork after baseball, with designated study times for assignments. Good time management is key.

Can you share a memorable moment from your time at San Jacinto College?

Ramos: A memorable moment so far was when I studied intensely and focused all my attention on a math test and scored a 97.
Hill: A memorable moment was winning the fall World Series. We had an amazing, competitive experience as a team, and I think we grew from it as a whole.

What resources or support services at the college have been most helpful to you?

Ramos: So far, using the library to study has been the most beneficial for me.
Hill: Email has been helpful—I can email professors if I need help or have a question, and they typically respond that day or the next day.

What would you tell other students who are considering attending San Jac?

Ramos: I'd say it's a great decision to start your college journey. You'll get to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed.
Hill: It will be worth it for baseball and academics. The teachers are readily available to help you, and the courses aren't overly difficult depending on your major.

Is there anything else you want to share?

Ramos: God is so good.