Aaron Rodriguez leads an active, purpose-driven life. Growing up in an immigrant family in Bradenton, Rodriguez’s parents taught him the value of hard work. He worked full time for his family’s automotive collision repair business before starting classes at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in January 2024. Now, he strives to be successful in school and a reliable support in the community.

“I remember it always being difficult as an immigrant family to trust people, and that’s why I make it my goal to be trustworthy for people to come to me for help,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez and his two older siblings are first-generation college students. He plans to graduate with an associate degree in business management and marketing from SCF in December 2025.

For Rodriguez, education represents more than a degree; it means the ability to apply his knowledge to his family’s business, so his parents can prepare for retirement.

“I would not be who I am without them (his parents),” Rodriguez said. “They have shown me what resilience, humility, discipline and kindness look like. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a college education, to show that my parents’ sacrifice was not for nothing and that with hard work, anything is possible.”

Rodriguez chose SCF based on its convenient Bradenton location and affordable costs. He has grown academically and socially through his many activities on campus. He participates in the TRIO Student Support Services program and Phi Theta Kappa international honor society and serves as treasurer of the Future Business Leaders of America club and vice president of the Student Government Association.

“SCF has fostered such a welcoming environment,” he said. “It has made me look forward to getting involved wherever I can.”

To thrive at SCF, Rodriguez uses the college’s resources, interacts with students and asks questions. He also credits the support of SCF’s staff, leadership and community.

“I’m able to rely on friends, a tutor or whichever community member whenever I don’t know the answer to something, which is a lot of the time,” Rodriguez said. “I can say that I would not be where I am today without the amazing help from TRIO, specifically Dr. Kristen Anderson, Leah Nusman and Dr. Raúl Fernández-Calienes. Dean Jaquelyn McNeil has also been immensely helpful. She makes me feel seen and heard whenever I speak with her, which I greatly appreciate.”

Outside of school, Rodriguez enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also serves as a lighting designer at Bayside Community Church and is active in Jiu-Jitsu, running, skateboarding and sewing clothing.

In the future, Rodriguez would like to visit Tokyo, a place and culture he has admired since childhood. His dream job is to travel the world developing schools and churches in less-fortunate areas.

At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.

Learn more about SCF’s business program at SCF.edu. Learn more about SCF’s TRIO Student Support Services program at SCF.edu.

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