This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

Age: 18

KATY MULL | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM
Jamela Ramjohn

School and area of study: I attend Rock Valley College and am pursuing an associate degree in science.

Involvements and accomplishments: I graduated from Jefferson High School in Rockford with high honors in the top 25 of my class and was a National Honor Society member. My sophomore year, I began a program called Dual Credit, which allowed me to accumulate more than 30 Rock Valley College credits while I was still in high school. As of now, I will be graduating from RVC in spring 2010. I was on RVC’s dean’s list in spring 2008. Also, I am a RAMM and Taus scholarship recipient. A pianist for nine years, I’ve played at several nursing homes in the Rockford area, recitals, and church and community events. Also, I’ve donated my time to The Salvation Army, Hunger Connection, tutoring, churches, Atwood Park and Booker Washington Center.

What’s next for me: Once I graduate from Rock Valley, I’ll transfer to a university to pursue a degree in nursing. School is my priority at this time, but hopefully I’ll soon find employment. Once my summer semester is completed, I’d love to take a trip somewhere.

What I do for fun: I love to shop, but not excessively. My parents always taught me the importance of saving, so I’m a bargain shopper. I like to hang out with my friends, travel, watch movies, play the piano and, oddly enough, I love to clean! I’m very neat and organized.

City of residence/hometown: Rockford

Family: I have two wonderful, encouraging and understanding parents, Lindsay and Pamela Ramjohn, who have given me the strength, knowledge and courage to accomplish the things I’ve set my mind to. I have three older sisters: Korisha, Kasia and Tianna. They’re my best friends, and I couldn’t ask for better ones. I’ve been blessed to be the aunt to three handsome nephews: Kyaire, Kadin and Kierdan.

My biggest achievement/proudest moment so far: My biggest achievements are really quite simple. Of course, I’m thankful for my academic and vocational achievements. However, I’m more thankful and proud of keeping a good head on my shoulders, staying true to myself and what I believe, making wise choices and decisions, and not giving in to the temptation that goes along with becoming a young adult. Having strong morals and values pushes and motivates you to do your best.

I define success as: When I think of the word “success,” I think of someone trying their hardest to achieve a goal that they set their mind to. It is someone who hasn’t given up and did everything in their power mentally, physically and emotionally to complete a well-earned task. Once the task is completed, it’s rewarded by having their hard work called “success.”

Best advice I have received: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Being a woman means: Standing up to those who undermine the power and knowledge of just simply being a woman. She is the go-getter, the nurturing and kind-hearted species, and the backbone to every relationship. She’s the one who can express herself, understands how to be independent, takes constructive criticism and stands up for herself. She is clearly a superwoman battling her way throughout a male-dominated world.

My mama always told me: You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation.

A woman I admire who is not my mom: I admire all of my sisters. They are strong and inspirational women, and I’ve always admired them for that. When I was younger, I looked up to them as my role models. Even though I’ve grown up and matured, I still do.

No. 1 issue facing women today: Sexism. Women are still not taken as seriously as men in several situations and environments, and hopefully as time prevails, this issue will become extinct. As far as the younger generation, I would have to say teen pregnancy. It’s either an epidemic or contagious because the numbers are just rising and increasing as we speak.

Ten years from now: I hope to have a master’s degree and have a successful career as a nurse practitioner on track. I hope to have a family to come home to and raise. Truly, I just want to be happy and to reflect on life with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Something I have always wanted to do and learn: I’ve always wanted to be fluent in a second language. I had Spanish classes in high school and I’ve taken classes in college to hopefully become a fluent Spanish-speaking person. So, buena suerte a mi!

The best thing in my wardrobe: I’m a sucker for pumps and Coach handbags. I’m such a shoe and purse fanatic! If you were to look in my wardrobe, you’ll see every color that was ever invented.

The piece of technology I can’t live without: I could not live without my cell phone. I have a Palm, so I’m always texting, talking with someone or scheduling something in my calendar. So my cell phone is definitely a necessity!