Edgar Rodriguez

What is the most embarrassing moment you have had in high school?

Freshman year was an awkward year.. I'd say my hair in Sophmore year. I hated it. It was disgusting I dont know where that came from. 

What is your most memorable moment, either in or out of HS?
College Raza Day last year. It inspired me and really hyped me up. I had a lot of fun there. That evening I also opened up my acceptance letter to YCS. That was one of my happiest days in HS.

Can you tell me one of your happiest childhood memories?

I'd say first grade when I opened up my Christmas gift. It was my That's So Raven DVD I had asked for. I watched it with my family that night and I was jumping and screaming. It was one of the only presents I had ever gotten that I was that excited for. 

What has been your biggest hardship in life?

Bullying in elementary and junior high school. Feeling excluded and feeling like I don't belong anywhere. Feeling like I don't belong with kids my age. 

What are you proudest of? Why?

Latinos Unidos because I dedicate so much time to it and I have so much passion for it. I wanted to start a club like that freshman year and this came about that same year so I joined, I always wanted to be a leader within it though. The conference... Everything we do. All the time and effort, I regret nothing  from my participation in it. 

How has HS changed you?

It made me into the confident and outgoing person that I am. I was always shy and awkward, and ever since I got into HS I let loose and decided to show people who I really am and who I want to be. I finally felt at peace with myself. I became this independent, loud person. Someone who actually likes themselves. I began to ignore outside voices. 

Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?

Lady Gaga. I know it sounds cliche but she taught me how to love myself. I've never met her, yet through her music, style, fashion, and story she taught me it's okay to be different. Basically since I got bullied and maltreated in Jr HS, coming from a person who has so much success, she taught me to love everyone and to fight for equality. And be who you are. And I love her music and who she is. 

If you had the chance, what would you do differently in your life?

I'm not gunna lie I don't think I would change anything. Only because I really do believe everything happens for a reason. All mistakes and achievement brought me to where I am. Mistakes are made for a reason so we can learn and grow, we never really learn and grow without everything. I wouldn't change anything. We learn and grow like everyone else. 

What has been your biggest disappointment in life?

February 2013. 

What's your biggest fear? 

Death. I'm terrified of it. 

What do you feel the most grateful for in your life?

I'm a religious person, a very modern religious person, so the blessing I have in my life. I'm grateful for what God game me. I'm grateful for the strength and motivation I have, from peers and family. I'm grateful I'm still here today, that I was strong enough to be here. I'm a strong enough human that I can overcome anything, and especially that I can deal with things with maturity. 

What are you doing after graduation?

Start changing the world. See you in LA. 

How would you like to be remembered

As someone who should be praised as an icon yet never wanted to be. Someone who people should have a throne set up for yet has humility. As someone who said and did things that changed our worlds and society for the better yet stays humble. Known for great things but never lost his reason. That comes from a humble culture and home; who is still like everyone else but fought for people and stuff.