Jesse Rodriguez – University Studies

Jesse Rodriguez - University Studies

Helping people is a challenging and rewarding path that East Carolina University senior Jesse Rodriguez has traveled for many years. Originally from Hammondsport, New York, Rodriguez is a nontraditional student who graduates this week with a Bachelor of Science in university studies.

In 2013, Rodriguez retired as a staff sergeant after 17 years of service in the Marine Corps. He shifted his career goals to teach high school and middle school, and in 2022, Rodriguez began working as an Occupational Course of Study (OCS) job coach, assisting students with hidden disabilities at West Carteret High School in Morehead City.

In North Carolina, the OCS program is a modified high school curriculum for students with disabilities that provides a direct path to employment and independent living after graduation. Students must complete required coursework, including English, math, science and social studies, along with work-based training in off-campus internships.

Rodriguez assists these students in their studies, and he defines students with hidden disabilities as those who may struggle with reading comprehension, language skills, processing speech or have a speech impediment, among others.

"Generally speaking, they are just normal-looking kids," he said.

One of the best life lessons Rodriguez has learned over the years is that instructors are human, too, and are willing to work with you when issues arise. For example, his ECU professors allowed him extra time to complete assignments while recovering from a minor concussion after a vehicle crash.

While working toward his degree at ECU, Rodriguez said Dr. Amy Shannon, director of the university studies program, was the professor who influenced him the most, and that the program advisors with whom he worked were wonderful.

"ECU is an amazing institution to be a part of," he said.

In advice to other students, Rodriguez said, "No one cares or loves you more than you. Keeping that in mind, make decisions in life that reflect that care and love."

After completing his undergraduate degree, Rodriguez wants to broaden his skills and pursue a master's degree in education. He plans to continue providing care and compassion to students with disabilities in eastern North Carolina school systems, serving them and, in turn, his community.

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