When Pamela Ramirez returned to Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth this August, she stepped into a new role at a familiar place.

A former Harmony student, Ramirez spent four years working toward her bachelor’s degree through Harmony’s Grow Your Own Teacher program. After graduating from university, she returned to HSI-Fort Worth as a full-time science teacher, bringing her experience as a Harmony student and aspiring educator into the classroom.

For Ramirez, the journey from student to teacher was shaped by hands-on experience, supportive mentors and the opportunity to learn what it takes to lead a classroom.

“Being an alum at Harmony gives me the chance to develop and grow my skills in the teaching field through the GYOT program,” Ramirez said. “This program has given me the opportunity to work alongside students, teachers and administrators in a classroom environment and learn what it takes to be a future educator.”

Through the program, Ramirez worked alongside mentors in HSI-Fort Worth’s English Department while developing her skills in an authentic school setting. That experience helped her build confidence as an educator, complete her university degree and secure a full-time position at the campus she once attended.

Now, Ramirez is helping students find their own direction, including one student whose writing journey she encouraged.

During the 2025–2026 school year, Ramirez taught English 2 and learned through classroom check-ins that student Kaleb K. had been working on a novel. Kaleb, now an HSI-Fort Worth junior, had spent years developing his story and was beginning to question whether he would finish it.

Ramirez already recognized his ability as a writer. When Kaleb shared his doubts, she encouraged him to continue and followed up with him regularly to help him stay motivated.

Although Ramirez was no longer his classroom teacher, she continued supporting his progress.

Kaleb ultimately completed and published Veins of Contrast, his first novel, after two years of work. The dark science-fantasy story explores themes of courage, loss, hope and the consequences of personal choices.

For Ramirez, watching Kaleb reach a goal he once felt uncertain about was a meaningful reminder of the impact a teacher can have.

She saw not only a talented writer, but also a student who had developed greater confidence, determination and belief in his own abilities.

That kind of connection is central to Ramirez’s own experience at Harmony. As a former student who returned through the Grow Your Own Teacher program, she understands the value of having educators who recognize students’ potential and encourage them to keep moving forward.

“This program was filled with support from so many people, and I couldn’t have made a better decision,” Ramirez said.

Today, Ramirez is building the next chapter of her own Harmony story in the classroom, helping students explore their interests, develop new skills and work toward goals that may once have seemed out of reach.