Francisco Rodriguez

I met Mr. Rodríguez in my second year of high school when I was at my lowest. Our school didn’t have a teacher for education and training until 2019, so when I entered his class I was surprised. At first I thought he was another substitute until he wrote his name on the board. He started the class off by introducing himself and explaining how he had come from another school, where he taught pregnant teenage girls who couldn’t attend public school. Rodríguez listed the degrees he had and I felt comfort of knowing more about him on a personal level. Usually, teachers are more closed off and don’t interact as much with their students. He then asked us interesting questions and told us funny stories about his younger days. Immediately in that first day, I knew he was going to become one of my favorite teachers. Time went on, and I started to struggle more with trusting others and opening up about myself to my classmates. Rodríguez made it easier for me by getting us to participate in fun class activities, like carrying a baby doll around the school to experience what it was like to care for a child. Additionally, he would have us tell our own stories and interact with one another. We would play Kahoot and watch YouTube videos that were educational. It got to the point where I knew who each of my classmates were. I often got from Rodríguez that I’m usually quiet but when it came to his class, I spoke more. Which was true. Rodríguez would remember each of our birthdays and congratulate us before we left the classroom. He would also bring in snacks and if we had anything like popcorn bags on us, he would tell us to get a pass and find a microwave from another teacher. I started to trust some of my new friends that I had made in that class as the year continued. I started to talk more and share interesting facts about myself and what I liked. This included kpop, which I was embarrassed to say that I liked out of fear of judgement. Before Christmas break, I made a decorated candy cane with a card and took it to Rodriguez. Immediately, he smiled and asked if he could give me a hug. Obviously, I agreed and told him to read the card later. Once we got back from the break, he explained to the class in a serious tone that he was planning to leave back to the school he used to work in. Before we could react, he assured us that he wasn’t going to go anywhere due to a change of heart when a student wrote to him a letter. Rodríguez got emotional as he said this, and so did I. I knew that letter he read was from me. Bad days turned to good days for me in his classroom. He understood the situations we were in where we couldn’t attend class or turn in work. Rodríguez would give us advice and offer comfort whenever he felt we were sad. In the entire year, I did not need to go to him for those reasons until towards the end of the school year. I had went through a hardship with friends and an old relationship that was taking a toll on me because of rumors and bullying. I couldn’t help but start to cry in his class. I had two of my friends with me who stayed by my side. What I didn’t expect was for Rodriguez to immediately notice. He quickly came by my side and asked me what was wrong. I explained to him how I didn’t want to talk about it, and he understood. He again, offered a hug and I agreed. That’s one of my favorite things about him. He is always so thoughtful and asks for consent for hugs. Knowing how the world is right now and the things that I’ve gone through, a teacher asking for consent to give hugs was extraordinary to me. The year continued until it was time for me to soon enter a state art competition. I got so excited to show him my art piece through my phone, and he added onto my excitement by praising my art skills. To this day, I still remember his words and actions. Until this year, I’ve had him as a teacher. He’s guided all of us down the right path to becoming teachers in his education and training classroom. But, he’s also guided us to becoming good people and having us face challenges we may find rough. I will not forget about Francisco Rodriguez for being an amazing teacher to my classmates and me.

Christina Vasquez