Yailenne Rodriguez

As a first-generation student, navigating the academic landscape has been an uncertain journey as the absence of a roadmap has made it difficult to navigate the complexity of pursuing higher education and creating a life path which I was expected to follow at a very young age. Embarking on a road trip in a big lime green RV was one of the first steps I took in my journey of self-discovery; a journey that I can proudly say I am no longer scared of following. Currently, I am working on finishing my bachelor’s degree in biology and I plan on attending grad school to pursue anesthesia. I aspire to motivate young people like me, who are not certain of what the future holds, to let go of their fears and overcome obstacles to reach their greatest potential, just as I have learned to do.