Being close to home, Rodriguez helped out with her family, including watching her older sister’s young children and helping them with their studies. She enjoyed working with the children’s teachers and looked for ways to help the children succeed, especially her nephew, who in kindergarten had been diagnosed with autism.
“Seeing how much dedication and hard work was put in by each of his teachers to make sure that his needs were being met and that he could succeed in school was a life-changing experience,” Rodriguez said.
“Within a week of having learned about the BCLAD, I was more convinced that my purpose in life was to be a teacher, but to also share the gift of language that was passed down to me from my parents and the generations that had passed.”
Rodriguez switched to a teaching credential with the BCLAD authorization. The credential ultimately led her to teaching first-graders in English and a second language at Jefferson Elementary.
“I love my career and everything that it brings,” Rodriguez said. “My journey is far from over, but I have enjoyed every moment of it as of now!”