I am sitting here in Greyhouse Coffee thinking of what I could possibly tell the people of Purdue about Alex Rodriguez. I suddenly I hear “I’m siiiiiiiingin’ in the rain” and realize that the song is in fact Ms. Rodriguez’s ring tone. Nothing could describe this musical loving, coffee drinking, curly-headed best friend of mine.
An avid singer of Disney tunes and quoter of YouTube videos, “ARod”, as known by her friends, not only tries to not take life too seriously but dominates everything she does with confidence. In her time here at Purdue, she has accomplished more in four years that I couldn’t do even with the help of super powers.
From extreme involvement in Boiler Gold Rush acting as a part of the SOC (Student Orientation Committee) to being a Homecoming Candidate in 2011 to dancing the night away as a committee member of Purdue University Dance Marathon for a number of years, it’s surprising that this girl gets any sleep!
On top of that, Alex is in her last semester of English Education and is starting her student teaching in the Frankfurt school system with 7th graders. After graduation, she is considering Teach for America and exploring her options.
This past summer, Alex had the privilege of studying abroad in Florence, Italy for 6 weeks. Having done the same program, I encouraged her to have the experience of a lifetime and as per her word, Italy did not disappoint. Right before she was set to leave for Florence, the busy-bee was on her way to an exam and broke her foot.
Alex had to wear a boot on the international flight and for a few weeks while in Italy as well. Let me tell you, those cobblestones are not easy to walk on even without a broken foot! She toughed it out and took in every second regardless of a minor setback.
Alex came back with more stories than a children’s book and decided she wanted to spread the word by becoming a Study Abroad Ambassador for Purdue’s Office of Study Abroad.
You can find her on campus most of the time promoting one of the many organizations and causes she is involved in!
Social butterfly is an understatement when it comes to this girl. When walking through campus with her, one needs to allot a few extra minutes for the number of times she stops to talk to people she knows. Ask anyone and they will tell you that Alexandra is one of the most genuine and positive person they know.
She takes great pride in the friendships that she forms and tries to make people smile even if she is having a rough day herself. It has been a privilege for me to have known this Boilermaker for 3 years and I know she will represent Purdue University well in anything that she does!