Manny Rodriguez ’16 From Composing To Computers

Name: Emmanuel A. Rodriguez

Major: Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics

Current Occupation: Desk Assistant, Drummer in indie rock band

Hometown: North Bergen, New Jersey

Current Location: High Mountain East

Activities on Campus (when you were an undergraduate): Resident Assistant in High Mountain, Desk Assistant in Century

Fun Fact: Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

 Favorite Quote: “ Be the change you wish to see in the world”

When you meet Manny the first thing you might notice is his glasses or his smile. You’d see a regular student, nice and unassuming. But when you get to know him, as with almost anyone else, there’s more than meets the eye. A computer science major by day, rockstar by night this week’s celeb is sure to drum his way to fame. 

HC: When did you decide you wanted to be in a band?

CC: My second year in high school I was forced into chorus by my music teacher, Mr. Killian, because he saw potential in me. After realizing what I’d been missing my whole life, as cheesy as that sounds, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.

HC: Why did you choose computer science as your major then, if music is your true passion?

CC : Computer science had always been in the back of my head because my dad use to be a programmer on Wall Street. Practicality is in my nature, and music is a tough road to travel.  Because I consider myself a problem solver, first and foremost, it seemed natural to include math in my degree; being that it is the epitome of problem solving. On top of that, when I took a career aptitude test Computer Science was in my top 3 suggested result. The stars aligned themselves in that way for me it seemed.

HC: What plans do you have for after graduation?

CC: I am planning a full semester tour through colleges in the tristate area after I graduate. And concurrently I know a few people who work on Wall Street that can open up some doors that may be able to support me financially.

HC:  What do you consider your greatest accomplishment with your band as of yet?

CC:  It’d have to be when we established our venue in Hoboken at the basement of a church.