Victoria Rodriguez, BS

University of Arizona
Educational Psychology
Graduate - Master of Arts
Research Assistant via AWARDSS Fellow

Last May, I graduated from the University of Arizona College of Education with my B.S. in Literacy, Learning, and Leadership with a minor in Psychology. Currently, I am in the first year of my master’s program with the U of A Department of Educational Psychology. While I am back on track today, my academic path was upset for several years when I was unexpectedly forced to take leave to address health issues requiring multiple surgeries, treatments, and extended recovery. Through my own experience with medical and psychological challenges, I have gained personal insight, empathy, and an understanding of the importance of a community of support. It was with my community that I accessed the strength to conquer my own barriers and discovered my desire to be a member of this community for others. My goal is to become a knowledgeable, capable advocate able to fight alongside others to overcome their own barriers so that they can experience the quality of life they truly deserve. I hope to meet this goal by pursuing research looking at artistic expression as a resource for overcoming communication barriers within vulnerable populations. This summer, I am looking forward to the opportunity to dive into this area of research as an AWARDSS fellow working under the mentorship of Dr. Shirai.