By MOLLY LANGHORST, COLLEGE RELATIONS
CHADRON – Chadron State College Student Ashley Gonzalez Rodriguez of Marquette, Nebraska, is the November Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month.
Gonzalez , a Social Work major, said she chose CSC primarily due to its reputable social work program.
Originally interested in physical therapy, Gonzalez said her cousin, Paula Rodriguez, a CSC alumna, sparked her interest in social work.
“I knew I wanted to help people,” she said,” but I had never thought about going into social work until my cousin told me all of the different things I could do with it. I was immediately inspired, and I am excited to see where my degree takes me.”
Gonzalez Rodriguez plans to use her degree with young school children.
“I’m hoping to work with children in a school setting,” she said. “I want to serve as someone students can look up to and talk to. I want to do whatever I can to help all kids know they’re not alone in this world, no matter what they’re dealing with.”
Gonzalez Rodriguez said she always knew she wanted to work with younger kids because of the feelings of joy they bring her when working with them. She attributes these feelings to being the oldest child, helping with her younger siblings when they were younger.
In the spring of 2024, Gonzalez plans to travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to complete her field practicum, a requirement of CSC’s social work program. She plans to work at a children’s home that houses young children with behavioral issues. She plans to assist in providing activities to help children improve in certain skills. During this time, she will fulfill her learning contract and be evaluated by herself as well as a field instructor to make sure she is meeting her goals and competencies for graduation.
After graduating from CSC, Gonzalez plans to obtain a master’s degree in social work before pursuing her full-time career.
Her favorite class is Diversity in the Rural Environment with Dr. Lorie Rodriguez Fletcher, an online adjunct faculty member. She enjoys learning about different skills to work with diverse populations by observing the environment and diversity in different cultures, something she feels is important.
Gonzalez is involved in Student Senate, Familia, Social Work Club, and Zeta Alpha Kappa (ZAK) on campus.
“I ran for Student Senate because I wanted to give myself a different experience than what I am used to and force myself to be social and interact with people I wouldn’t typically interact with,” she said.
She is grateful for the formation of Familia as it has provided her with opportunities to practice her Spanish speaking.
“Joining Familia has been really important to me because I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to speak Spanish in college. I used to speak fluent Spanish and I grew up in a Spanish speaking home, so I really like being able to freshen up on it while I’m here,” she said.
Retention Specialist Amanda Lewin recognizes Gonzalez passion for helping others and qualities that positively impact the people around her.
“Ashley's commitment to making a positive impact on society is inspiring,” Lewin said. “Her empathy, compassion, and dedication to helping others are invaluable qualities that will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of many.”
Gonzalez said she finds it rewarding to help people and she feels confident that social work was meant for her.
“I have always wanted to help people, and I find it really rewarding helping people make small changes in themselves,” she said. “It is rewarding for them when they realize their changes, and that’s really rewarding for me.”
When Gonzalez isn’t involved on campus, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
“I love traveling because each place has something new and different,” she said. “In a different place, you’re a new person there every time; it’s like a fresh start and you’re a new person even if you’re only there for a short period of time.”
Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment, and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first-generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low-income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.