Jaden Ramsey Made the Most of Every Moment at Charlotte
Jaden Ramsey’s time at UNC Charlotte has been so enjoyable, that even though she is graduating on December 13, she doesn’t really want to leave.
“I love being part of a community and you’re a part of something bigger than yourself when you’re at school,” said Ramsey, who is earning a bachelor’s of science degree in mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science, from the Klein College of Science.
When Ramsey graduated from high school she wasn’t completely certain what she was interested in pursuing, so she took classes online at Western Piedmont Community College at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was definitely hard because I love being around people,” said Ramsey. “I took a walking class so I got to go to school once a week and I could be outside and walk around school.”
In her sophomore year Ramsey was able to attend more classes in person. Enjoying fitness, she took several more gym classes and she found her academic passion in mathematics. “I fell in love. I love math, I just love calculus,” said Ramsey.
Choosing Charlotte
Ramsey applied to several North Carolina schools as a transfer student but wanted to find the right place to spend the next two years, where she could maximize her experience.
“My mom went to Charlotte, and she loved it, but I was unsure because it was a big decision. I applied to three schools and prayed a lot about it and felt like this was where God was leading me. I’m really happy I chose Charlotte,” said Ramsey. “My first semester I knew no one and it was really hard, but I got involved and now I don’t want to leave.”
Getting Involved
Ramsey lived on campus, played intramural sports and became a member of two different Christian ministry groups. She joined clubs and found community everywhere she could, making great friends and having experiences she will never forget. Ramsey served as secretary, treasurer, and then president of Campus Bible Fellowship, making a connection that led to her first international travel experience with a mission trip to Italy this past summer. She was also a member of student ministry group M28 for two years.
She took classes at UREC and played several intramural sports including flag football, soccer and volleyball. Ramsey was the captain of her 6 v. 6, co-ed, intramural fall 2024 soccer team called “The Jesus Jocks,” and really enjoyed playing with her “awesome team” as they advanced into the semi-finals in league play.
A Leadership Lesson in Actuarial Science
Relating to her degree, Ramsey was a member of the Actuarial Science club for one and a half years, and was elected in May to serve as president through the end of her last semester and graduation.
This September, the club helped plan Actuarial Science Day, hosting employers, alumni, and high schoolers and their families. The event turned into a leadership lesson when Hurricane Helene caused localized flooding and damage on the day of their largest annual event, which changed campus conditions and moved classes online. Ramsey swung into action when the large catering order meant it wasn’t as simple as rescheduling the event.
“That day I was in contact with the faculty and the business services coordinator, trying to figure everything out. They make the food a day ahead of time, and I didn’t want a hundred boxed meals to go to waste, so I paid the fine, which thankfully I was reimbursed for later. We wondered ‘what are we going to do with all these boxed meals?’ I grabbed my friend Joseph because I didn’t want the lunches thrown away when we could donate them,” said Ramsey.
Conditions across the city meant many agencies who would normally accept food donations were closed for the day. “Our first choice was the Jamil Niner food pantry, but it was closed, and half of the places we called weren’t answering,” said Ramsey. “I called friends for ideas and we ended up dropping some off at the fire station and the rest at the police station.”
Ramsey was “a lot less stressed” when the event was held on its rescheduled day. “I reordered food and sent a lot of emails to coordinate the funding issues to replace everything for our new day. It all worked out great,” said Ramsey.
Grateful for Support
As Ramsey is currently applying for jobs and looking for her next path, she is grateful for the supportive faculty and staff who have helped her along the way.
That support has also been financial as Ramsey has been the recipient of several scholarships, including the Shaban Mathematics Scholarship and D.W. Simpson Actuarial Scholarship, and the R C Schroeder, Robert Anderson, and Thomas S. Marshall scholarships.
“The faculty and staff here are unmatched. Shout out Dr. Wafaa Shaban, she’s amazing– the faculty have been so impactful and such a positive influence on my career. They do care about you and want what’s best for you. I have had a lot of passionate professors,” said Ramsey.
And even though it’s time to leave Charlotte, Ramsey has “made the most amazing memories,” that she will take with her. “There’s so many opportunities to grow and find out what you’re actually interested in, to make new friends, and it’s just been incredible.”
