Park Scholarships welcomes Sylvia Rodriguez to the Park community as the program’s graduate assistant. She is a student in NC State’s Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program.
What most excites you about working with the Park Scholarships program?
I am excited to meet and work with the Park Scholars! This is an amazing program with equally amazing students and I look forward to learning about them, witnessing their development and of course assisting along the way. Since graduating in 2021, I have not had many positions where I am highly student-facing. Because of this, I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am to meet everyone.
Why did you choose NC State for your master’s program?
I am pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and what I value about the program here at NC State is the flexibility to explore many courses and experiential learning opportunities. For example, many of the graduates have shared their ability to change their graduate assistantship, pick up an internship, or take a class at a nearby college. This, to me, shows that NC State is a campus that shares knowledge and provides opportunity to explore other institutions. These factors were foundational to my decision to attend NC State.
What do you bring to the Park Scholarships team?
First, I am incredibly humbled and honored to be a part of this team. I come to the Park Scholarships team with experience in the President’s Office at the University of Houston-Downtown and with the Global Health Technologies Institute at Rice University. These positions have made me a consummate professional because I have learned to remain adaptable and pivot, the value of feedback and critiquing our own work, how to listen, and most importantly how to work with others.
What volunteer/outside organizations are you part of outside of work?
I am originally from Houston, Texas and back home I worked with Three Little Pitties and Houston Humane Society. Although I am a dog-lover first, I fondly accept the name “crazy cat lady.” I love animals and look forward to volunteering in a similar way here in North Carolina. I also love to bake, cook, read and sing. I am currently reading “Mindfulness” by Ellen J. Langer for my health and “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll for enjoyment.
Anything else you’d like the Park community to know about you?
I remember being a first-year student and all the feelings that come with it. I also remember being a new professional after graduating. I think it’s really important for folks, in every season of life, to find their support network and as much as you can, lean in and find the courage to reach out to those groups.
Welcome to the Park staff, Sylvia!