Best Friends Find Their Fit at the College of Charleston

^{Above (l–r): Jalen Evans and Manny Contreras-Ramirez (Photos by Catie Cleveland)}

Jalen Evans and Manny Contreras-Ramirez almost can’t remember a time when they weren’t in each other’s lives. 

They met in first grade in North Charleston.

“Jalen has a twin, which I found fascinating,” says Contreras-Ramirez, who had only just arrived from Mexico and was acclimating to life in the Charleston area. 

“We had both gotten out of the car line from our parents dropping us off,” says Evans. “I said, ‘What’s your name?’ and he said, ‘Emmanuel.’ And I said ‘That’s my middle name.’” 

Their instant connection led to a lasting friendship, including shared interests like video games and programming. Evans followed his older sister to the College of Charleston, already knowing he wanted to major in computer science. Contreras-Ramirez initially thought about becoming a teacher, but was drawn to technology and ultimately decided on the same major as his best friend.

Now, they’re preparing to graduate from the College with computer science degrees from the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics. 

Join the Club(s)

Both Evans and Contreras-Ramirez work hard at embracing all that college life has to offer, and both are now presidents of their respective clubs, the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Hispanic Latino Club (HLC). 

Exposure to the clubs started even before school began. 

Evans attended SPECTRA, a summer bridge program that helps first-generation students get an immersive, early look at university life. That’s where he met student leaders from the BSU, the club he now leads.

“I applied for the freshman representative position. Luckily, I got it, and that was my introduction to the Black Student Union,” Evans recounts. “From then on, I just kept aiming higher and higher, and now I’m the president.” 

As a student commuting from North Charleston, Contreras-Ramirez says he was looking for a way to fit in and embrace his cultural identity. That’s where the HLC came in freshman year.

“I think every freshman is kind of looking to see where they fit in,” says Contreras-Ramirez, who joined as a board member and now leads the club. “The club is my pride and joy. I think it’s really important that I help foster a community where you can meet people who look like you and have the same experience as you.”

Throughout this academic year, Contreras-Ramirez and Evans have uplifted each other’s clubs, holding and promoting joint events and collaborating with other multicultural clubs such as the Arabic Club at CofC and the Asian Student Association. 

“Our positions have allowed us to become better leaders and to be able to communicate more effectively,” Evans says.

Lessons Through Leadership

Those skills easily translate into their post-graduation plans. Evans plans to join IndySoft on Daniel Island as a software developer, while Contreras-Ramirez, who studied abroad in Spain during his time at the College, is considering his career options, including joining his family’s business. 

Both students are grateful for the opportunities they found at the university – and College of Charleston leaders say the pair, in turn, have enriched the College.

“What a privilege it has been to work with Jalen and Manny throughout their time at the College,” says Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs. “They are simply incredible students, leaders and humans. It has been an honor to watch them grow in their leadership and to see the lasting changes they have made at the College. I am going to miss them both very much.”

As their time at the College comes to an end, the best friends make time to hang out together, enjoying their favorite Charleston restaurants and talking about life as they make their way to the Harbor Walk facility, a high-tech playground that connects students to established tech companies and startups alike. 

Those talks go well beyond discussing homework, getting to the heart of truths discovered through leadership.

For example, this wisdom from Evans: “Even if you have a busy schedule, you still need time for yourself. Make time to relax and hang out with friends.”

And this from Contreras-Ramirez: “Everyone has a place at the College. Don’t be ashamed of where you come from. Embrace who you are.”