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“Dalton State helped me discover what I really wanted to do, what my mission in life is.”
For 27-year-old Azucena Rodriguez, attending Dalton State has been like being sprung out of “a little box,” opening her up to a whole new world, a world that includes a framework for a satisfying career.
“Before, I couldn’t get out and explore the world because I didn’t have the tools,” says Rodriguez, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in May. “But now I feel like I can go and contribute to betterment of world and do many things that I’ve always wanted to do.”
Years ago, growing up in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, the one thing that Rodriguez knew for sure is that she wanted to continue her education.
As the third of eight children, Rodriguez begged her folks to let her attend high school, but because her hometown didn’t have one, her parents had to pay to send her to a school near by. When it came time for college, she knew that they could not afford to send her.
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I came to Dalton to live with my father and older sisters after I finished high school and I went to work,” she recalls.
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Working for years in carpet mills, Rodriguez never gave up on the dream of coming to college. However, the language barrier and the costs seemed like insurmountable challenges at the time.
Encouraged to enter Dalton State as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student, Rodriguez enrolled in 2000 and spent two years mastering the language. She then entered the College as an associate degree seeking student, eventually declaring social work as her major.
“The barrier of not knowing the language was the most difficult to overcome, but once I became comfortable with the language, I became more confident in my classes,” she says. “There was a lot of support for me from my instructors and from my classmates, especially those in the social work program.”
She finds social work to be a good fit for her interest and skills, and she feels particularly called to help students who are faced with challenges like the ones she faced.
“I really believe that community can make a big difference in the world. I have discovered my desire and determination to contribute to the betterment of my community. I want to contribute to the betterment of world where I live. I want people to see the benefits of education, as my family has now seen, and I really want to motivate other students to become interested in getting an education.
“I realize there’s lots of work to be done,” she continues. “So many students drop out of high school, especially Latino students. I want for them to see how important it is to continue their education and how they can become successful community members.”
Rodriguez expects to work for the Department of Family and Children Services after graduation, and looks forward to using her bachelor’s degree in a lifelong profession.
“One thing that I have learned is that I will be always seeking learning opportunities. I can learn something new everyday! Eventually my goal is to see seek a master’s degree in Social Work.”
While beginning her career is just around the corner, her more immediate concerns are preparing for her role as commencement speaker for Dalton State’s spring graduation ceremony. The graduating senior, who has earned a 3.62 grade point average overall, will be only the second student in the College’s 40-year history to have the honor of addressing the students, their families and friends as the featured speaker at graduation.
“What I have learned in College has changed my life. I have learned to value cultural diversity. I have learned to defend human dignity, and I have learned that I have the mission of helping others in making their dreams come true.
“And I’ve learned that no matter how hard it is seems to accomplish one’s dreams and goals, and no matter how many barriers there might be, believing in those dreams is what will make them come true.”
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