Donald Rodriguez, a graduate from the Xavier class of 2007, is our Grad of the Month for December! Rodriguez is a proud Nativity graduate from our second class of graduates, and has a lot of good advice for our younger students. Read up on Donald below!
Where did you graduate from high school?
Bancroft High School
Whether you recently graduated or some time has passed, how does it feel to be a Nativity grad?
It’s definitely been a while since I graduated from Nativity! Still, it gives me so much pride to be a part of the Nativity family. As a grad, I still benefit from this tight-knit community that has followed me and supported me throughout my journey. I know Nativity plays a similar role for many of us, and I am deeply grateful to all those who make the Nativity family possible. Being a Nativity grad also excites me for the future, as I know current students and recent grads are on the path to doing amazing things, both personally and professionally. I am excited to see that come to fruition!
Where are you going to school? What is the best thing about attending that school?
I am currently in my last year of medical school at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. The best part has been learning medicine and helping people recover from illness. It has been such an honor to help patients in some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
What did Nativity mean to you when you went here? What does it mean to you now?
When I was at Nativity, I saw the school as this place of safety and support. My family and I knew Nativity would allow me to be excited to learn, and that was super important in my growth as a student. When I think of Nativity now, I see it as a lifeline for me. If I had gone anywhere else, or ended up without the encouragement of everyone at Nativity, I don’t know if I would be where I am now.
What is your favorite Nativity memory?
Playing soccer on the hills of Holy Cross!
What are your goals, dreams and aspirations? Any accomplishments that you’d like to share?
Hoping to become a cardiologist! That way, I can help treat and prevent heart disease, especially among communities of color. I will be graduating medical school in June 2025, and I am currently in the process of applying to residency programs for Internal Medicine.
What advice would you give to younger Nativity students?
The biggest advice I have is to find your people. There have been so many people along the way who have helped me, mentored me, and challenged me to do better or try harder. Surround yourself with the people who build you up, whether those are your friends, your classmates, your teachers, other grads, family members, whoever! If you do so, you’ll go far AND you’ll be happy. Along with this, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t need to tough things out alone, especially when the full Nativity family has your back.
Thank you, Donald, and congrats on being our December Grad of the Month