Osvaldo Rodriguez put his university plans on hold when his mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. He wanted to stay home and help take care of her, which led him to continue his educational journey at nearby Dallas College Eastfield Campus.
What started as one of life’s more challenging times has turned into a blessing in disguise for Rodriguez. His mother’s cancer went into remission after a series of treatments that spanned a year, and Rodriguez is on pace to earn an associate degree and walk the graduation stage in May. He’ll become a first-generation college graduate.
“Dallas College helped me balance going to my mom’s cancer treatments and spending those moments with her, and it allowed me to continue studying,” Rodriguez said. “Thankfully, my mom battled and overcame her cancer. The doctors were amazed because it was such a low chance (when she was originally diagnosed), but the tumors were completely gone. I’m so grateful she’ll be there to see me graduate in May.
“Graduating college means so much – it’s honoring my mom’s sacrifices and achieving something that makes my family proud.”
Rodriguez is still in the process of deciding his next step. He could stay at Dallas College and enter the bachelor’s of education program, pursuing his dream of becoming an art educator. However, he’s also leaving open the possibility to pivot into something else.
At the end of the day, Dallas College has provided a foundation for Rodriguez to pursue several paths.
“I’ll always be proud to say I’m a Dallas College graduate,” he said. “I learned from so many amazing professors who taught me to see art in different ways – history and all aspects of it.”
Passion for Art
Rodriguez has always had a passion for art. His parents tell him stories about how he’d draw on wood and stones all the time in his younger years.
“It sounds funny, but my mom said I’d grab a piece of chalk and start drawing on anything I could find,” Rodriguez said, smiling. “I’ve always been creative.”
In school, Rodriguez enjoyed submitting pieces for an art gallery event and competing in Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) competitions.
That passion has only been strengthened during his time at Dallas College. He described his style as mostly impressionism.
“My art can be serious but also fun,” Rodriguez said.
Praising Dallas College
Rodriguez only had positive things to say about his educational journey at Dallas College. He’s the latest on the list of success stories coming out of the college, particularly being a first-generation graduate.
Rodriguez would encourage current and future students to embrace everything Dallas College has to offer. For Rodriguez, that included taking part in Phi Theta Kappa honor society and utilizing TRIO programs.
“I’d recommend Dallas College for anyone because it’s a great starting point, especially if you’re not sure what you want to do,” Rodriguez said. “You can complete your basic CORE courses, explore different fields and decide on a career path before committing to a four-year school.”
