Trinidad and Tobago to Texas to the Ivy League: A Story of Reinvention

At 27, Rachel Rampat is proving that success does not have to follow a straight line. This fall, the San Antonio College (SAC) alumna will begin studying economics at Dartmouth College, an Ivy League university known for its tight-knit community and rigorous academics. But her journey to this moment was anything but traditional.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Rachel came to the United States at 18 to study acting at the New York Film Academy in California. After several years in the performing arts, she joined the U.S. Navy and later moved to San Antonio with her husband.

While in the last year of her service in the Navy, Rachel started working for Bridgeline Construction and realized she wanted to study business.

Rachel initially tried to enroll at a four-year university, but delays with transcript evaluation made the process frustrating. She turned to San Antonio College, which offered the accessibility and support she needed to start fresh. “UTSA had too many barriers for someone like me,” Rachel explained. “SAC opened the door and said, ‘Let’s get to work.’”

At SAC, Rachel pursued a degree in business administration while balancing part-time work at Edward Jones and Bridgeline Construction. She also became an active member of the Honors Academy, eventually serving as treasurer. That experience helped her connect with mentors and peers, build leadership skills, and find a community that celebrated her unique path.

As a non-traditional student, Rachel admits she sometimes felt unsure about returning to college at 27. “I was nervous about being older than my classmates,” she said. “But I realized that my perspective was an asset. Life experience matters.”

When it came time to transfer, Rachel, who decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in economics, had several impressive options, including Yale, Cornell, and Amherst. She ultimately chose Dartmouth for its welcoming environment, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and strong support for veterans and adult learners.

Her long-term goal is to become a CFO and help start a nonprofit that helps immigrants transition to the U.S., blending her leadership skills with the solid foundation she built at SAC.

Rachel credits San Antonio College with helping her gain the confidence to pursue her dreams.

For others who might be considering a return to school later in life, she offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t let age or circumstance stop you. SAC showed me that being different is a strength.”

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