Three years ago, 8-year-old Valeria Ramirez arrived in the United States from Cuba with a suitcase full of dreams and hopes for a brighter future. However, she soon came face-to-face with a challenge familiar to many immigrant children: learning a new language while adapting to a new school, culture, and a way of life far away from everything she had ever known.

For her parents, Eilys Pacheco Rodriguez and Osnier Ramirez Alea, leaving Cuba meant starting over, but it was a sacrifice they were willing to make to give their daughter greater opportunities.

“We really wanted to come to this country in search of new opportunities, like most people do,” Pacheco said. “We wanted to give our daughter a better future.”

Determined to help Valeria succeed, her parents chose Spring ISD after learning about its bilingual education program, which helps students develop English proficiency while continuing their academic learning.

That decision marked the beginning of Valeria’s educational journey at Beneke Elementary School. But despite her excitement, adjusting to her new school was not easy. 

“I remember when I first came here, I was insecure,” Valeria remembered. “I didn’t know what to do. I felt so lost. Instead of leaving me behind, my teachers actually showed me that I could do more.”

Like many parents eager to help their children adapt to a new country, Valeria’s parents initially wanted her to attend English-only classes, hoping she would learn the language faster. However, with guidance from Sydney Price, Beneke Elementary’s English as a Second Language (ESL) clerk, her parents learned how the bilingual program could help Valeria continue learning in Spanish while gradually developing her English skills. 

It was an uphill battle, but her parents worked with her on English grammar and homework, practicing together every evening after school. With support from her teachers, principal, and parents, she gradually adjusted to her new environment.

“Eventually, Valeria completed the program and passed the required assessments,” Pacheco shared. “Thanks to that support, she now has the English skills she needs to communicate confidently and successfully academically.”

Julie Smith, principal of Beneke Elementary, remembers Valeria fondly and says she could see the potential in Valeria.

“Valeria stands out from the very moment you meet her,” Smith said. “Valeria is a very self-motivated learner and self-driven to be the best student she can possibly be in every aspect.”

Smith also acknowledged the level of commitment she saw in Valeria’s parents when it came to their daughter’s education. The family and school worked together to ensure Valeria had all the support she needed to succeed, including encouragement from her teachers to participate in school activities and explore new opportunities.

“They helped me when I was at my lowest points,” Valeria said. “They told me I could accomplish anything, and they supported me. They have been such an important part of my journey.”

Smith believes her willingness to try, even when the outcome is uncertain, is central to her success.

“She faces every challenge with a positive attitude and a willingness to try,” Smith shared. “She wants to be the very best, and although she doesn’t always win, she learns from every challenge and strives to do better the next time.”

One significant achievement came unexpectedly when Valeria entered the Spanish Spelling Bee. Since she was already fluent in Spanish, the competition seemed like a logical choice. 

In her first year, she won at the school level and advanced to the Region 4 Spanish Spelling Bee in February 2025, where she finished fifth, becoming the last Spring ISD finalist in the competition. She has since gone on to become a two-time district Spanish Spelling Bee champion.

Perhaps the most powerful example of Valeria’s transformation so far came when she was invited to speak at this year’s Spring ISD’s Convocation in front of over 5,000 educators, district leaders and staff. Admittedly, standing before an audience that size was a challenge for Valeria, who has a fear of public speaking. There too, she persevered, reminding herself that fear did not have to prevent her from doing something important.

For her parents, seeing Valeria speak in front of a large audience of district leaders, educators, and Board of Trustees was an emotional reminder of how far Valeria had come in such a short amount of time.

Now attending Roberson Middle School, a 2026 Lone Star Ribbon School, she continues to explore her interests in STEM with greater confidence than when she first arrived in the United States. She also has a clear vision for her future: becoming a teacher. 

“I want to help children who don’t believe they can accomplish something,” Valeria said. “I want to show them their potential.”

Valeria’s goal underscores her understanding of the role education and support have played in her life. As for her parents, they want to encourage immigrant families who are on a similar path to learn about the programs that are available to them through their schools, and stay involved in their children’s education.

They believe that being bilingual is not an obstacle to overcome but something to embrace. Through their experiences at Spring ISD, they learned that a child’s success is strengthened when families and schools work together.

“When kids receive that kind of support, they notice it,” Pacheco said. “It gives them greater confidence, and as a result, they achieve better outcomes.”

As her journey continues to unfold, the girl who once felt lost and unsure has learned that asking questions, trying new things, and facing her fears can open unexpected doors. With so many accomplishments under her belt, Valeria’s message to her fellow students is simple: