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Our Residents

From Reed Village Apartments to college and beyond

From Reed Village Apartments to college and beyond

Yaribeth Ruiz has a plan.

And the 22-year-old, a resident at Springfield Housing Authority’s Reed Village Apartments and a junior at American International College, intends to make that plan a reality.

Like many people who live in public housing, Ruiz’ life hasn’t always been easy – she moved around from city to city as a child, ended up homeless with her family more than once and often, it seemed, lived on the edge of luck’s bad side.

But she has managed to keep her sights straight ahead, graduating with honors from Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in 2010, completing a certificate program at Springfield Technical Community College, and now, coming the final year of study for a bachelor’s degree in Communication at AIC.

American International College junior Yaribeth Ruiz, a resident at Springfield Housing Authority's Reed Village Apartments, works in a computer classroomon campus.

American International College junior Yaribeth Ruiz, a resident at Springfield Housing Authority’s Reed Village Apartments, works in a computer classroomon campus.

Her philosophy is simple and her determination, admirable.

“I’m preparing myself for a good career and a good life,” said Ruiz, who hopes to go into television news production or magazine writing. She is the first in her family who made it to college, or for that matter, who finished high school.

And that’s a big motivating factor for the young woman known on campus for her energy, empathy, creativity, and upbeat manner.

“I want to make my parents proud. I want to stand out in my family. No one’s ever even been to college before, and I want to finish that and do something with my life,” she said.

Studies show that college graduates in the United States earn far more over their lifetimes, as much as $1 million more, than those with high school diplomas. The payout for higher degrees is even better, at $1.3 million more for those with a master’s degree.

There is also a proven correlation between higher education and life satisfaction. The Pew Research Center found a correlation between happiness and college education, with job stability, higher income and reduced stress playing key roles in personal outlook and mental health.

Studies also show that people who grow up in poverty, particularly those who are African-American or Hispanic, are lucky to graduate high school, and even luckier to complete college.

In light of all that, Ruiz is unquestionably beating the odds as she looks at all the angles and heads for a rewarding life.

It hasn’t been an easy ride for much of her young life.

Ruiz was born in Puerto Rico to Rafael Ruiz and Luz Alvarez. When she was 18 months old the family, which includes an older brother, moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where her father worked on the oil pipelines.

They lived in a house with a yard, the schools were good, and Ruiz was happy. In fact, for Ruiz, these would turn out to be the best years of her life to date.

“It was so beautiful in Alaska. We had our own house and a big yard. It was home. It was literally heaven,” she said.

Things changed abruptly when she was 10. The family moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where an uncle lived. Her father was unable to find work, and they went through periods of living in a small camper that lacked both heat and running water. They also moved frequently, making stops in Worcester and finally, Springfield, where they found a home at Reed Village.

During those tumultuous years, Ruiz sharpened her dream and carved out a path that included college. Her certificate in cosmetology from STCC gave her a profession in a field she loves, but she knew she wanted more.

“I love making people look good and feel good, but I also love writing. I love being creative in that way,” she said.

AIC Professor Marty Langford and junior Yaribeth Ruiz, who lives at SHA's Reed Village Apartments.

AIC Professor Marty Langford and junior Yaribeth Ruiz, who lives at SHA’s Reed Village Apartments.

At AIC, she has learned computer applications for drawing, photography, and sound and video production. She has discovered a passion for video work, both behind and in front of the camera.

“I love doing hands-on things, and working with people. I’m hoping to combine all the things I like to do and find some great work when I get my degree,” she said.

Her academic advisor, Prof. Marty Langford, called Ruiz “a remarkable student” who has proven to be “an excellent employee, and a great kid.  Yari is a rare student who has an impact on each and every course she takes.”

On top of all that, she is co-founder and key inspiring force for a video production club called Communicating News Network and Media.

“If I had to create the perfect student, I’d start with Yari and probably figure out that I was already done.  She’s intelligent, engaging and a joy to have in class,” Langford said.

3633 days ago / Our Residents
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