Of all the speeches given during Curry College's New Student Convocation, one in particular stood out among the rest.

Student Government Association President Amanda Ramirez not only genuinely and whole-heartedly welcomed the Class of 2013 to the Curry campus, but she also simplified things for them, knowing that the first year away at college can be a sometimes overwhelming venture.

Her 'Top Ten Pieces of Advice' for the freshman class brought much laughter from the hundreds of incoming students in attendance, discussing among other things which Milton area Dunkin' Donuts was the easiest to walk to, and how judging people is now "so high school, and we're all past that."

Ramirez also stressed getting involved in everything Curry has to offer.

The San Antonio, Texas native was the SGA President in her senior year as well as a member of the Honors Program, Criminal Justice Honors Society, Alexander Graham Bell Society, and Student Ambassadors.

"Curry is a place where anyone, from anywhere, can get involved right off the bat your first year," said Ramirez.  "It's one of the reasons I fell in love with this school from day one."

Her original plan was to try Curry out for a year and then transfer to a bigger school.  But because of the intimacy and the sense of community Curry offered her, she decided to stay.

Hear Amanda talk about her transition moving to New England from Texas in the 'Your Home Away from Home' video...

Ramirez graduated with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice & Sociology and also had one of her papers published in the Levin Library.  She credits one of her CJ/Soc advisors, Professor Peter Hainer  for keeping her grounded. 

"Professor Hainer was always available, and when I got stressed about work or the state of the job market, or whatever, he was there to reassure me," said Ramirez. "My advice to others is to talk to an advisor, an RD, an RA.  They are here for you…always."

She also liked the fact that Curry is a stone's throw from downtown Boston, which is a hub of activity and opportunity for thousands of college students.

"It helps that Curry is so close to the city.  Boston is a great resource to have, especially for making contacts and networking."

In 2008, Ramirez made lots of contacts, working for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.  At one point, she also went west to the City of Worcester and did an internship for State Senator Harriette Chandler.

In her spare time, what was left of it, Ramirez was a 'Bridge to Success' and 'Elite Peer' Mentor, and one weekend a month volunteered her time with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters in nearby Hyde Park.

Ramirez plans on becoming a social worker and hopes to get involved in the policy-making process as well.  But first, she will attend Boston College in the fall of 2010 to pursue a master's degree in social work.

"College is what you make of it.  You can do as much or as little as you want while you're there, but my recommendation is to go at it 100% and never look back."