Inspired by her Mom

Emily Rodriguez grew up on the West Side of Chicago with her mom and older sister. She was always involved in sports growing up such as; softball and she danced classical ballet. Emily mentioned how seeing her mom and older sister pursue their dreams always inspired her education and independence. 

Emily is now a sophomore studying communication with a concentration in public relations at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Originally, she was studying as a political science major, but after taking a few communication classes, Emily felt passionate about brand awareness to bring social change through public relations. “I feel like I can make smaller differences in public relations. [For example] if there’s a small community that is trying to fix 3% pollution with water bottles, I can make a campaign to benefit from that change, I can do little things that make me happy and spread that [awareness].”

Before deciding on which college she would attend, Emily always knew she was going to pursue higher education because she wanted to follow in her mom's footsteps. “My mom [inspired me to pursue higher education] because she went to college, she’s successful and works so hard. Seeing her as a single parent and watching her work this amazing job and provide for three people is truly inspiring. I wanted to be just like her, and if that meant going to college, then that’s what I would have to do,” said Rodriguez. 

As Emily is navigating her sophomore year, she was transparent about the challenges she encountered her freshman year playing softball. “My first year of college I was on the softball team, and I had the worst experience. I did not want to continue going to any university because I associated all universities to be like the experience I had at WLC,” said Rodriguez. “ I came back because of the friends I made, and I also decided that I wasn’t going to play softball, and that drastically helped my emotional state.”

Although Emily had to let go of softball due to her emotional wellness, it allowed her to grow spiritually. “I  joined a weekly bible study and that helped my mental state being here. It helped me realize that I’m not here to play a sport, I’m here to get an education, make a difference in the world, and to Praise God. I give all my thanks to God and why I’m here and trying to finish my school education. The first year, I was lost and I didn’t have God and this year I do,” said Rodriguez. 

Through her obstacles, Emily has learned to lean on her support systems to keep her spirits high. “I learned that community is everything, and [Pursue Scholars] have been super supportive and nice to me. [By] checking in on me, sending me [care packages,], and I can honestly say that I have had friendships for many years, and they do not contact me as much as Pursue. [Pursue] is empathetic and I love it so much,” said Rodriguez. 

As Emily is still figuring out her transition to college and career goals, she has a passion for giving back and working hard like her mom to make the world a better place.

Stories like Emily are the reason we are grateful for partners like you. Your gift to Pursue Scholars today will be actively investing in young Chicago leaders and helping them embark on a journey that will truly lead to change.