Christopher Rodriguez, a name synonymous with success within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), is living proof that the seeds of inspiration can be sown within the very classrooms where they germinate. A former Say Yes Cleveland scholar and now a dedicated math teacher at his alma mater, John Marshall High School, Rodriguez embodies the power of perseverance and the importance of community support.
Rodriguez’s journey began as a typical student, unsure of his future. However, a pivotal encounter with his high school math teacher, Ms. Sien Van, ignited a passion for education. “I would always be the one who…understood what was going on in the classroom,” he recalls. “And so I took that opportunity to help my classmates…to share my knowledge with students.” This experience, coupled with a successful internship under Ms. Van’s guidance, solidified his decision to pursue a career in education.
Then came the unexpected: the Say Yes Cleveland announcement of free college tuition. “I’m like, ‘What?’ I don’t believe it until I actually see it, right?” Rodriguez recalls. For a first-generation college student like himself, this was a game-changer. “College was never an option for me because I would have never been able to afford that,” he admits.
The road to college, however, was far from smooth. The pandemic disrupted his senior year, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. “I didn’t have anybody to contact. You know, we were all at home, right? And so I was overwhelmed with, you know, who do I contact? What resources do I have?” he recalls. Fortunately, College Now, a partner of Say Yes Cleveland, stepped in, providing crucial guidance and support. “She helped me apply for scholarships, make sure that I was good and secure with Say Yes… She guided me through that whole entire process. It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Say Yes in college now giving me those resources to help me navigate through such a really difficult time during 2020 and the pandemic.”
Rodriguez’s journey back to John Marshall as a teacher has been deeply fulfilling. “Some people recognize me when I was like a student, right?” he shares. “I was still connected with CMSD, with John Marshall, even during my college years.” He emphasizes the importance of community support and the resources available to students today, such as the on-campus College Now office. “Who doesn’t want an opportunity, a once in a lifetime opportunity to better themselves, to get a college degree and potentially come back and help their community and become a leader, right?” he asks.
For aspiring students, Rodriguez offers this crucial advice: “Use your resources and network. Because without any of that, without the skills of networking, without the skills of communicating and reaching out to people who are very knowledgeable about things, I don’t know if I would have made it here.” He highlights the importance of mentors, emphasizing the profound impact of his own mentor. “Building strong relationships with mentors can significantly impact your journey and provide guidance when you need it most.”
Christopher Rodriguez’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community support like Say Yes Cleveland, and the transformative impact of education. As he continues to inspire the next generation of students at John Marshall, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, support, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.
