Sophia Rodriguez
PSJA Early College High School, Class of 2023
Plans to Attend: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Architecture
Awards/Honors
⏺ (2022) Rotary Club December Student of the Month
⏺ (2022) Kiwanis Club December Student of the Month
⏺ (2021) PSJA ECHS National Honor Society
⏺ (2022) South Texas College President’s Honor Roll
⏺ (2021) South Texas College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
⏺ (2022) PSJA ECHS Cheerleading Academic Queen
⏺ (2022) UCA All-American Cheerleader
⏺ (2020) PSJA ECHS Cheerleading Top 20 Finalist in Texas UIL competition
⏺ (2022) PSJA Cover Girl Representative Top 10 Finalist
⏺ (2022) Superior Ribbon and 1st place in Medium Convenience shop project
⏺ (2022) STARR Grand Champion Showmanship in age division
⏺ (2021) Reserve Breed Champion Market Rabbits
⏺ (2021) 1st Place Photography in Elements of Design
⏺ (2021) Senior Agricultural Issues 1st place Citrus Valley District
⏺ (2020) Senior Radio Broadcasting 1st place Citrus Valley District
⏺ (2019) Greenhand Radio Broadcasting 2nd place Citrus Valley District
⏺ (2022) Floriculture 1st place Citrus Valley District
⏺ (2022) Floriculture 5th place Area X Competition
⏺ (2022) Floriculture High Point Individual Area X
⏺ (2022) Floriculture Texas State Competitor
Tell us your story! What hardships or challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today?
From as early as the age of 9 years old, I wholeheartedly knew that I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. In a 3rd grade classroom full of future doctors, teachers, veterinarians, etc., I stood solo as the only young student who dreamed of pursuing a career in architecture.
Throughout middle school and high school, I have still remained one of the only students who aspired to major in architecture. To learn the most that I could about my future career, I took the initiative to enroll in a Principles of Engineering and Design class, one of the many career-specific courses offered at PSJA ISD. As soon as I stepped foot into my classroom on the first day of school, I quickly realized that I would be the only girl taking this course during that section.
Being the only young woman in class had definitely had its own challenges, however, I did not let this intimidate me. Throughout the 3 years of taking engineering courses, I have only grown stronger as a future woman in STEM. Staying constantly motivated and optimistic reminds me of my biggest goal: fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming an architect.
I strive to accomplish this occupational aspiration of mine at the collegiate level. With the lessons and experience I learn in college; I plan on bringing the knowledge that I obtain back to my hometown and PSJA Community. I hope to serve as a role model and mentor to encourage the next generation of women in STEM to aim towards achieving their biggest goals.
How have the opportunities offered at PSJA ISD, including the PSJA Early College Program, impacted your life?
I am beyond proud to have been a member of the PSJA family for 14 years. Carman Elementary, Austin Middle School, and PSJA Early College High School have all helped shape me into the young woman that I am today. PSJA ECHS and PSJA ISD have not only provided me with my education, but also so much more. I am so thankful to PSJA ISD for offering college classes to all who qualify. Not only am I given the opportunity to take college classes, but as students we are also provided with a wide variety of resources that allow us to succeed. This includes college textbooks, transportation, technology, and so much more. Through working hard to obtain an associate degree, this upcoming May I will be graduating from South Texas College with over 60 college credit hours prior to graduating from High School. The rigor of not only my college courses, but also my Advanced Placement classes, has helped me push myself to my fullest potential academically, allowing me to better prepare for college.
Being a well-rounded student is something I have learned to balance throughout my 4 years at PSJA Early College High School. I have learned time management skills and strong work ethic by attending early morning Varsity Cheer practices and feeding, raising, and caring for my livestock projects through the Future Farmers of America Program. In addition to my extracurricular activities, giving back to my community is my biggest passion. Through the National Honor Society, I have been able to give back to my Tri-City Area, which I so dearly love.
What, if anything, would you say to your PSJA Family?
Words cannot describe how grateful I am to all the staff and teachers at PSJA Early College High School. Since the beginning of my freshman year, Dr. Elias, the assistant principals, teachers, and security guards always made the effort to know me by name. I am truly thankful to these caring and supportive staff members and teachers for the positive and meaningful impact they have made on my life. Coming back from the pandemic was very intimidating for many, but the staff and faculty at PSJA ECHS welcomed us with open arms to not only ensure our safety but our well-being as well, to which I am very appreciative.
PSJA Early College High School has always held a special place in my heart. Both of my grandmothers are graduates of PSJA and I will soon be a 3rd generation PSJA ECHS graduate. It is from my grandmothers that I found my love for being a PSJA Bear. It is they who taught me the words to the fight song from as early as I was an elementary student. I take great pride in being a student at PSJA ECHS, especially knowing that I come from a legacy of PSJA graduates. There is no place else I would rather be than at PSJA Early College High School. I am forever grateful to PSJA ISD for shaping me into the person I am today.
