My name is Otilia del Carmen. I am a Catholic singer, better known as Carmen Ramos in my community. I graduated from the Getting Ahead program in the first Spanish-speaking cohort in Frederick County in June 2025.
I gained valuable knowledge and a truly special and unique experience. If you ask me what the Getting Ahead program means to me, I will honestly say it was a powerful push forward for me. It opened my eyes and my mind. I discovered that there are many possibilities to achieve everything you hope for. The program provided us with tools that helped us grow in every area of our lives.
I discovered that there is much more beyond my environment and my comfort zone. To achieve your dreams, goals, and purpose, you have to take an extra step to reach them.
You may ask, how? With consistency, discipline, effort, optimism, and wisdom. By putting into practice the values that shape a person socially, culturally, emotionally, economically, spiritually, and in every area of life.
“There is no barrier that can stop me. Now that I am moving forward with strength and faith, I will achieve it.”
This phrase is part of a song I wrote about Getting Ahead when I finished my Getting Ahead training.
Almost one year after graduating, I continue with even more optimism. I am achieving my dreams, recording my music, and I have started my own business and continuing to reach my goals.
I invite anyone to consider being part of this program that can open new paths for them.
