Teaching is more than just a career for Patricia Rodriguez; it is a role that has shaped her character. To her, the classroom is a space of great responsibility that encourages both personal and professional growth.
Rodriguez has been teaching at South for three years. In her first year, she began as a paraprofessional in the EL program, then transitioned into her current role as an art teacher during her second year.
“I have always been connected to art,” she said.
Long before arriving at South, Rodriguez earned her first bachelor’s degree in graphic design in Cuba and worked as a college-level art teacher for five years. Once she moved here, she continued in education, but she knew adapting to the transition from a college to a high school setting was going to take some time. “Over time, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be,” Rodriguez said.
She explained that “becoming a teacher has made me a more patient and responsible person. Educating young people comes with a great responsibility, and it has helped me grow personally and professionally while learning how to guide and support students more intentionally.”
When asked what she enjoys most about the students at South, she said she enjoys their authenticity, curiosity and diversity. “Many students at South are Latino or come from Latino families, and as someone who belongs to that community, it creates a meaningful connection.”
Rodriguez shared that she hopes to spark a love for art in her students by encouraging their curiosity and helping them feel confident expressing themselves. She hopes her students remember her as a teacher who helped them believe in their abilities and supported them in reaching their goals, whether academically or personally.
A fun fact about Rodriguez is that she loves photography because she enjoys capturing everyday moments with her camera.
“It’s another creative way for me to tell stories and see the world from different perspectives,” she explained.
Outside of school, Rodriguez enjoys reading, doing crafts and spending time with family, such as playing with her nephew. She also has an interest in technology and web development because she enjoys learning new digital skills and exploring how creativity and technology can work together.
Lastly, Rodriguez shared that the best advice she’s ever received was simply to be happy. She now passes down that same advice to her students, encouraging them to pursue a career that benefits their future and, most importantly, brings them happiness.
Clearly, the ultimate goal is to be able to say, as Rodriguez once said, “I knew this was exactly where I wanted to be.”
