Linda Marie Rodriguez

PROFILE: Linda Rodriguez knew from a very early age that she was born to be a life-long learner and to take what she learned and share it with others. “To that end, I awake each morning eager to seize the day,” she said. “For I know that something greater awaits me in the future and I must be prepared.” The Miami native has been living her impressive philosophy since she began living on her own at the age of 17. Linda is not afraid of accepting responsibility - she embraces it - and the more, the better. These qualities will serve her well in the future when she becomes first an attorney and later, a judge. During her two years at Miami Dade College, Linda earned a 3.97 GPA while she worked two jobs and co-directed the college’s Model United Nations squad.

INSPIRATION: In addition to her parents, Linda is thankful for the support given to her by Miami Dade College Political Science Professor Dr. Michael Lenaghan, whom she says opened her eyes to a world of possibilities.  

ASPIRATION: Linda hopes to attend a top law school once she receives her bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a special concentration in social justice. Eventually she would like to be a judge.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:   Linda says her academic and professional achievements thus far make her most proud. Living on her own at a young age with no financial support and no home, Linda almost gave up on her dream of attending college. “I promised myself that I would never let that happen,” she said. “That I would not only survive but do the absolute best I possibly could.”

ACCOLADES: Linda won the Miami Dade College Academic Excellence Award for Political Science, the Honors College Fellows Award, and was presented with the Florida Medallion Scholars Award.

INTERESTING FACT: Linda is a huge Twilight Fan. “It's silly but I'm in love with everything Twilight from the books to the movies, t-shirts, posters, just everything!”