In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the College of Humanities is spotlighting faculty, staff and students. This week, meet Omar Rodriguez, academic advisor for students majoring in Classics, East Asian Studies, French, Italian, Russian and Interdisciplinary Studies.
“Hispanic Heritage Month means recognizing all we have accomplished and our community’s sacrifices to help us get here. We have a large community that will continue to be successful and one that students can reach out to for help throughout their time here at UA. Growing up in the Midwest, 100 percent Mexican, and a first-generation college student, I felt very isolated, and it wasn’t until college that I realized that I was not alone in my journey to success.
“I connected with a Latinx staff member throughout my time at my alma mater who supported my goals and offered support in my academic journey. He helped me be successful and is someone I look up to as a source of inspiration because of his great work with Latinx students.
“I’m able to use my heritage to connect with Latinx students and help them on their journey to obtaining their diplomas. I encourage them to make however much time they spend here at the University worth it by getting involved and getting to know their professors, other advisors, etc. I believe it’s important to acknowledge the challenges Latinx students face and help them celebrate the successes they have along their journey.”