VCU news

By Global Education Office staff

World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that highlights students from around the world who enrich the VCU community. Luz Rodriguez is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

What should we know about your home country?

The Dominican Republic is the eastern side of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, and it’s considered the birthplace of the Americas – it’s the first place Christopher Columbus landed in the New World. The capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest city in the Americas, with historical sites like the first Catholic cathedral.

Dominicans are full of energy, love and happiness, and always open to help others – and to welcome them. We are the land of merengue, bachata and dembow music, and we share our culture worldwide, showing our happiness and love for art and incredible connection with the world.

What inspired you to study at VCU?

That sense of connection, and other factors like my family’s support, made me move to the U.S. more than six years ago – and realize how much more Dominican I am. With time, I also learned that America is a place that I can call home. When I met VCU, I knew it was the university I wanted to be part of because of the diversity around the campus and the high standard of education.

Tell us about a favorite memory or experience so far here in America.

At VCU, it’s having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn new things from their cultures and beliefs. I’ve “traveled” to different cultures without going outside the U.S.

Has there been a surprise during your time studying abroad?

I was not expecting that by living and studying in the U.S., I would feel the love I have for my country and the pride I have to be a Dominican girl, as I can do here every time I have the opportunity to represent my flag. Another thing I was not expecting was feeling part of the community here.

Share something about a significant achievement or project.

Being a college senior just one semester from graduation is something I am proud of. With four years passing, I can say that all I did – and am doing – matters, and nothing is impossible if you work for it.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I want to read novels and books, spend time with my family and friends, make phone calls to my loved ones back in DR, and spend time being myself to organize my ideas.

Give us a glimpse into your future.

I hope to find a job where I can keep learning while sharing my knowledge with others. Also, I have a personal goal of traveling around the world.

Any advice for international students just starting their journeys?

Most beginnings could feel or look like nothing makes logical sense, but once you find the way and see yourself close to the end, everything makes sense. Also, do not forget to enjoy your way along the university ride. The way to the end is also the goal.