When Ronnie Ravancho became a student orientation leader at Miami Regionals, his message to new students was succinct: “Make the big place feel small.”

“The best way is to make friends, get involved, get connected with each other,” said Ravancho - known as “J” - a commerce major who graduated in 2020. The message resonated with Ravancho, who arrived at Miami four years ago feeling isolated and exhausted. So once he learned to get involved, he resolved to help others confront the same feelings, serving as one of the regional campuses’ student orientation leaders. In 2019, Ravancho started All About You, a student group to advocate and raise awareness of student mental health issues.

Supporting students who feel isolated

Ravancho, who earned the President’s Distinguished Service Award in 2020, started his master’s program in student affairs at Miami in fall 2020. He hopes to pursue a career providing support for students with disabilities and other vulnerable groups as a career. And he still remembers those feelings of isolation he has overcome.

“You don’t really have to have a mental health problem to seek help,” he said. “As I talked to people, I realized that I’m not alone. There are others with me. It gave me a sense of community. Miami opened my eyes to a lot of things. I feel like I became a better person at Miami.”

About J Ravancho

• Three facts I would like to share: I am the President of Turning Point USA. I am an adventure seeker. I love political classes.
• My goals: I would like to graduate with a GPA of at least 3.6. I would like to have a major and a minor. I would like to have a salaried position straight out of college. I would also like to open and run my own restaurant.
• Achievements at Miami: I was on the President's List and earned a 4.0 GPA in 2017. I am an Orientation Leader for Miami Regionals.
• How I would describe myself: An extreme extrovert
• My personal motto: If it won't bother or affect me tomorrow, don't worry about it.
• Person I admire: Nelson Mandela