Angela Rodriguez: An Alumni Profile in Success

An interview by Dean Jonathan Howle

 

Ms. Angela Rodriguez

 

Ms. Angela Rodriguez, a 2013 BBA graduate of the Patient Information Management program, has left a legacy at Plaza College.

As a student, she was beloved by her professors. As a friend, she was adored by her classmates. As a leader, she made her mark with several campus organizations. As an employee of the college she has proven invaluable to our graduates.

Now, she is living the dream with a new, exciting job in the health care profession. Since September 2013, she has been the Medical Records Director for Long Island Care Center in Flushing, NY.

Luckily for all of us, she still works part-time at Plaza College as well.

Mr. Charles Callahan IV, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the college, says it best: “Angela Rodriguez has become an essential member of the Plaza College family. She is a truly driven professional who puts her heart into every task she takes on. We are extremely proud of the person she is today.”

Her journey as a student and the mother of a son serving overseas in Afghanistan will touch and inspire everyone.

She recently spoke with Seasons. Read her story below:

SEASONS: What drew you to Plaza College in the first place?

RODRIGUEZ: My sister-in-law and I were looking to attend college for business. We started to search for different colleges, and we both agreed that we did not want to attend a huge college and feel lost. Then, we found Plaza College.  I called and made an appointment.  We both met with Ms. Lopez, who at that time was an Admissions counselor.  Today, she is the Dean of Admissions.

SEASONS: What were your three greatest successes as a Plaza College student?

RODRIGUEZ: WOW, three, that’s all I get? Too many successful things have happened since I was a student. 
So my greatest successes would have to be: earning my Associate’s/Bachelor’s degrees; being part of Sigma Tau Delta, and helping our community through the Book Dive, Spelling Bee, and Blood Drive; earning all of my certifications, CPR, Billing and Coding, Phlebotomist; and winning the 2012 Plaza College Leadership Award.  (I know, I know, you said three.)

SEASONS: What is your current role with Plaza College? How did you get this position?

RODRIGUEZ: My current role with Plaza College is working part-time in the Loan Department as a Student Loan Specialist.  I first started working with Plaza College in the Admissions Department helping with the incoming students.  I worked there for about 6-8 months until I was promoted to the Loan Department.  Mr. Callahan III and Mr. Callaghan IV felt I had the devotion to help students and just knew I would fit in the Loan Department, which was fairly new to Plaza College.

SEASONS: What is the most rewarding aspect of working at Plaza?

RODRIGUEZ: There are so many rewarding aspects.  I love to help our past, present, and future students when it comes to their student loans.  I love to give them the knowledge and the understanding of their loans.  I have prevented numerous  students from defaulting on their loans, just because they did not have the knowledge of how to protect their loans.  So many students have left my office in tears, happy tears, because I helped them with their loans.  I LOVE to change a student’s life, one student at a time.  Knowledge is power. 

SEASONS: Tell us about your son in the military. Where has he served, and for how long?

RODRIGUEZ: My son is actively serving duty in Afghanistan; this is his second term serving in Afghanistan.  The first time he served, I was a full time student at Plaza College in 2012, earning my Bachelor’s Degree.  My son EJ is a brave, fearless man and is very tough. However, at the same time, he can be a big teddy bear.  He  is currently serving 400 days, which is a little over a year.

Ms. Angela Rodriguez		Ms. Angela Rodriguez (r.) and Ms. Maggie Ali (l.)

SEASONS: What is it like being the mother of someone serving overseas? How do you handle it personally?

RODRIGUEZ: EJ is my first boy.  I taught him how to walk, talk, eat, etc.  I was always there to protect him from harm. It is not easy being a mother, or anyone who has a loved one serving overseas.  I worry so much about him every second, every minute, every hour, and pray that these days come to an end. I worry that I am not there to protect him, but I have learned to have faith, and he will return to us.  I pray a lot, and speaking to my family and friends helps me cope with it a little better. I have made friends with a lot of military moms, so that’s a huge help. They know how I feel.  I have two other boys, Edison and Brandonlee, so I have to be strong for them and for myself. 

SEASONS: What are you passionate about? What makes Angela Rodriguez - Angela Rodriguez?

RODRIGUEZ: I have a passion for  helping, caring for and loving people.  I love to see that my words and my knowledge can change someone’s life.  That makes me feel complete; it’s an enjoyment that words can’t express.  Knowing that I can return what I have learned in my personal life and at Plaza College is a great feeling; at times it feels better than winning the lottery. It is what’s called being a human.

SEASONS: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

RODRIGUEZ: No matter where life takes me, I will always be part of the Plaza College team.  I would love to see myself opening a shelter and helping families in need, helping them and their family with food, home, education. I want to teach them that life can be beautiful, and it is not where you are from, it’s where you are going. 

SEASONS: You are considered to be a leader and role model by everyone in the community. People look to you for so many things. What advice do you have for those who are struggling to make ends meet, stay in school, raise a family, etc.

RODRIGUEZ: Life is tough, and it surely did not come with instruction on the how’s and what’s.  We all struggle in life, but those are the struggles that define us.  We have to stay determined and focused, and always remember that struggles are just temporary; passions and determination are forever.  A smart woman once told me “You learn though other people’s mistakes.” I really did not understand what she meant until a light bulb turned on. See your surroundings, study your surroundings. Do you want to stay where your surrounding are, or do you want to see the world?  If you want to see the world, you will need your EDUCATION. Stay focused, stay determined, and you will see the rainbow.  I have a powerful saying that I will share with you “STRENGTH FOR TODAY- HOPE FOR TOMORROW.” You only have one life, so reach the sky.

SEASONS: In what way have you changed most significantly since you first came to Plaza College?

RODRIGUEZ: I learned to appreciate education, and learned that knowledge is power.  Don’t let your mind go to waste. Use it every day and do yourself a favor:  learn something new every day!