Graduate Spotlight: Luz Rodriguez

Luz Rodriguez discovered that social drama could really hinder success. 

So, when she joined the North Region Independent Study program and reduced the drama, she discovered she was a smart, mature individual who was able to focus on her education, building confidence through hard work and perseverance, one milestone at a time. 

And now she’s a high school graduate with her sights set on college and a goal of working as a crime scene investigator or in law enforcement.

She’ll be attending Palomar College in the fall and is participating in the Rising Scholars Program this summer at the campus to help bridge the transition between high school and college. 

What she found at JCCS was that she wasn’t defined by her past but only what she was capable of doing now and in the future. 

“What makes Luz a standout student is how open she is to learning and growing,” said North Region Independent Study Teacher Tammy Reina (pictured with Luz) “She’s already an incredible human being, strengthening and growing every day. She’s amazing to work with.”

Reina said that even when Luz was having a rough day, she remained super committed to her education. 

“The amount of thought and effort she puts into every assignment. She rarely turns in an assignment without asking a teacher to review it or give feedback,” she said. “She is always growing, always thinking, she’s engaged in conversation, open and wanting to learn.”

Reina and Escondido Community School Teacher Pam Berlinguette, as well as Natalie, a former school social work intern, made a huge impact on Luz. 

“By supporting me and never giving up on me, even though I gave up on myself a lot, they haven’t. Ms. Pam never gave up on me and motivated me to try harder. And Ms. Tammy, she supported me and motivated me a lot and I appreciate that,” Luz said. 

Reina encouraged Luz to find drive within and to accomplish things for herself – not for anyone else. It’s advice Luz would share with other students, too.

“Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to impress someone; they’re only a chapter or page of your book, of your life,” she said. “At the end of the day, graduation is only the beginning of your journey. Don’t give up. Remember when you get that diploma, not only are you going to make everyone proud but you’re going to feel the most proud of yourself.”