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Serena Rodriguez

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Bio

My twin brother and I were born 17 weeks early. Our parents were given the option to either institute lifesaving medical care or hold us in their arms while we took our last breaths. They chose life and our 122 day NICU journey began. We came so close to not making it, but eventually, we were able to go home. Years of therapy and special education services ensued. My brother has significant disabilities as a result of his extreme preterm birth while mine are less noticeable. I can still see the tiny scars from IVs, heel sticks, and surgeries. I have cerebral palsy, and I gained my distinctive voice due to a paralyzed vocal cord; a result of an injury during heart surgery I had when I weighed only a pound. I have overcome many of my early challenges, although my experience of being born prematurely has shaped my life in many ways. I help take care of my brother, who will require full-time care throughout his life. I want to pursue a career in either school psychology or ABA to support and advocate for students with disabilities. In addition to my work as a PCA, I have volunteered over 100 hours in a special education classroom at a public middle school in my city. Giving back is so important and my commitment to service is something I want to continue in college and beyond. I will be attending Assumption University in the fall of 2024. Receiving scholarships will help me pursue my college and career aspirations without putting an added financial burden on my family who will care for my brother throughout his life. Thank you for your consideration!

Education

Assumption College

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Notre Dame Academy

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Psychology, Other
    • Social Work
    • Education, General
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    • Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      School Psychologist

    • Personal Care Attendant

      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Swimming

    2018 – 20202 years

    Research

    • Statistics

      Researcher
      2024 – 2024

    Arts

    • Notre Dame Academy Literacy Magazine

      Design
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Local Middle School — Assisting students with disabilities
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy