Maria Rodriguez Vargas

Counselor, Dream and Arise Programs

Degrees:
University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Intensive Psychology and Minor in Education
University of Southern California, M.E.d Educational Counseling

Bio:
My name is Maria Rodriguez. I was born in Mexico and raised in the central valley—Reedley. I received my Master's degree in Educational Counseling from USC and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intensive Psychology and Minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. As an undocumented student I've had to face myriad of obstacles; such as, poverty, broken ties with family, and inadequate and unequal educational opportunities. In spite of these obstacles, I excelled and never lost sight of where I was going.

Advice for students:
"Don't ever under estimate your ability to succeed. You are worthy, you belong, and you will SUCCEED."