Wisconsin Grant Recipient Lives Marian’s Core Values
In the Fond du Lac Public Library’s Idea Studio, Zenaida Rodriguez was surrounded by third graders with boundless energy and curiosity, planting seedlings and working with modeling clay. This is DesignLab, a summer science and arts-integrated program. Zenaida, a volunteer teacher, is kind and attentive. The students are drawn to her infectious smile, and the personal attention she gives each one.
You could say Zenaida, a junior Early Childhood Elementary Education major at Marian University of Wisconsin, has teaching in her blood. “My mother is also a teacher so I’ve grown up in a classroom and know the time and effort that goes into this career,” said Zenaida. “I enjoy working with kids and appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to be in a teaching setting.”
The Wisconsin Grant Recipient was born in Appleton but grew up in Chilton and attended Roncalli High School. “Being a Wisconsin Grant recipient means a lot to me. It’s not just about the financial support,” said Zenaida. “It’s about the opportunity to continue pursuing my education without being limited by any financial burden and the constant stress of wondering how I’ll pay for it.”
She is deeply involved in many activities, which all touch on Marian’s Core Values of Community, Learning, Service, Social Justice, and Spiritual Traditions. Zenaida is Treasurer for the Self-Care Club, focusing on mental health awareness on campus. She is a Peer Leader for TRIO/Student Support Services. She was instrumental in planning Read for Life, which brought over 500 first graders to Marian University for activities that encouraged reading. And she volunteers with Campus Ministry.
Zenaida is also working in the Financial Aid office as a student worker. In addition to her major, she has a double minor in Spanish and Psychology.
Zenaida feels Marian faculty are invested in her success. “My instructors are passionate about teaching and as a result, they create an environment where I feel driven to be more fully engaged,” she said. “This Wisconsin Grant allows me to focus on my studies and future goals with more peace of mind. For many students like me, it makes a huge difference in achieving our dreams.”
Marian faculty recognize Zenaida’s potential. “Zenaida, is truly student-centered. Her face lights up when working with and talking about her students,” said Philip Johnson, Teacher Education Instructor at Marian. “Zenaida has an incredibly bright personality and the skill set not just to be a good teacher, but a truly, great teacher.”
After graduation, she wants to teach and simultaneously, continue her education and earn her master’s degree. “I’m pursuing education because of the impact my teachers had on me – I want to do the same for my students,” she said.
“The most important thing I’ve learned at Marian is that success is a journey,” says Zenaida. “It truly is about the experiences and lessons that happen along the way to reaching your goal.”
