Ariana Rodriguez ’24 Pursues Life Dream of Becoming a Teacher at Iona University
New Rochelle, N.Y. — From pretending to play teacher with all her cousins and siblings as a child, becoming an educator has always been a dream for Ariana Rodriguez ’24. Now as an education major at Iona University, that dream is coming true.
“Student-teaching at Iona University has made me realize that being an educator is where I am meant to be,” she said. “Iona has given me a great experience of what my future will look like.”
A Long Island native, she said she decided to study at Iona due to its student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures personalized attention, as well as its close-knit community feel.
“I knew that my courses would be more one-on-one with professors,” she said.
In addition to completing student teaching requirements, Rodriguez wears many hats across campus as a member of the Iona dance team and as the senior representative for the Student Government Association.
“With Iona being such a close community, I can be involved in so much! Being involved on the Iona dance team really elevated my experience here,” she said.
We talked recently with Rodriguez to learn more about her Iona journey. Please enjoy!
Student Name: Ariana Rodriguez
Graduate Year: 2024
Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.
High School: Bellport High School
Major: Early Childhood / Childhood Education
Clubs: Education Club E-board, The Iona Dance Team E-Board, Gamma Lambda Rho E-Council, and Senior Representative for the Student Government Association.
Favorite Spot: Hynes Athletic Center
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I decided to attend Iona University due to its community-like feel. I knew that my courses would be more one-on-one with professors. Also, as a Long Island native, Iona is not too far yet not too close from my hometown. As a dancer, I grew up dancing in the city and in the Bronx, so it’s basically perfect to attend Iona.
What interests you most about your chosen course of study?
Becoming an educator has always been a dream of mine. From pretend playing teacher with all of my cousins and siblings, to the profession running in my family, I have a distinct memory of my childhood education.
I always wanted to fill my 6th-grade ELA teacher's shoes. She allowed me to realize my love for education and the desire to make an impact on students' lives, as she did for me. Children will always be the future.
What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
With Iona being such a close community, I am able to become involved in so many clubs across campus. Being involved on the Iona dance team really elevated my experience here at Iona.
Have you interned anywhere? If so, how did you find the opportunity? What did you enjoy most about your internship?
Student teaching at Iona University has made me realize that being an educator is where I am meant to be! Iona has given me a great experience of what my future will look like.
Tell us about your plans for the future. In what ways has Iona prepared you for the next step you will be taking?
My plan is to become the best teacher I can be! I hope to get a teaching job as soon as I can, while completing my master's program. Iona University has prepared me for a career in education by creating such a healthy learning environment. The education program allows so many on-site experiences into what being a teacher is actually like.
Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on your future that you would like to mention?
As an education major, I must pick a concentration. In my sophomore year, I chose to pursue a concentration in Spanish. Although Spanish is my family's native language, I was still overwhelmed by the fact that I would be taking these challenging courses.
However, Professor Caballero has created such a welcoming presence throughout the Spanish program. She is exactly what I want to embody as an educator from supporting my presentations completely in Spanish to joining end-of-the-year of the celebrations.
What clubs, organizations or service projects are you involved with beyond the classroom?
As a part of the education club e-board, The Iona Dance team e-board, Gamma Lambda Rho e-Council, and the Senior Representative for the Student Government Association, I’ve had the opportunity to give back to the Iona Community, all while I complete my student teaching.