Guided by Father’s Words, Inspired by Daughter, Manor College Graduate Walks Again

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Rocio Rodriguez ‘13, ‘25 (Olney High School, Philadelphia) graduates with her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies

On her toughest days, Rocio Rodriguez ‘13 hears her father’s voice. 

“Tu tiene que hacer por ti, y hacer mejor que yo, y al final de dia, no tiene que depender de un hombre para survive.” 

The words from Martin Rodriguez, a Dominican Republic immigrant, translate to, “You need to do you and be better than me and know at the end of the day, you don’t have to depend on a man to survive.” 

“He told me that my whole life because he wanted to make us dependable and able to survive on our own,” Rodriguez said. “ I needed to prove to my dad that his legacy would continue, that I needed to do my best so I could to make him proud.” 

Rodriguez was a senior in high school in December 2009. At the time, her family owned a grocery store at the corner of 7th and Mifflin streets in South Philadelphia. 

The oldest of five children, Rodriguez had been putting her youngest brother to bed upstairs at the family’s home when she heard a sudden bang. She ran downstairs and saw Martin lying on the floor. She tried to give him CPR and got him into an ambulance. He died on the way to the hospital. 

After Martin’s passing, Rodriguez had to fill his shoes. She’d finish her classes, drive to South Philly and help her mom in the store, or would care for her younger siblings. 

The following Fall, Rodriguez began her career as a student at Manor College. She played on the women’s volleyball team and took classes while juggling three part-time jobs to pay for college. 

Rodriguez laughs now, “Even I don’t know how I did it.” 

She earned her Associate’s Degree in Pre-Radiologic Science in 2013. During her time at Manor, she served as a work study in Manor College’s Financial Aid department. In 2018, several years after graduating, she returned to Manor College as a Financial Aid Counselor. 

“I have had the privilege to see Rocio graduate twice during my tenure at Manor College,” Chris Hartman, Director of Financial Aid, said. “It is well deserved for her hard work and dedication as a student, employee and mother to her wonderful daughter, Elena.”

Her favorite part of the job is using her own experiences to help families navigate paying for college. 

“I like helping students, especially when there is a language barrier,” Rodriguez said. “A lot of what parents and students go through, I’ve gone through personally. Many of the students are first-generation and they’re navigating this without any help. Now, I’m able to give back to them.” 

Coming back to the Financial Aid department was “more than just a job” for her, it’s a family. Hartman, Senior Financial Aid Counselor Nicholas Zwarych and Rodriguez have been together since Rodriguez returned in 2018. When she needs help, Rodriguez isn’t afraid to ask Hartman or Zwarych for help. 

That atmosphere extends to Rodriguez’s own family. Elena was born ten days after Rodriguez walked in Manor College’s graduation in 2013. Manor became Elena’s second home. As she’s gotten older, it isn’t a surprise to see Elena playing in the office, giving out fliers at graduation or directing people where to go on campus. 

Now, as Rodriguez prepares to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Manor College, Elena is giving a new order – making Rodriguez walk in this year’s graduation despite being six months pregnant. 

“Mommy,” Elena told Rodriguez, “You walked with me in your belly. Now, you have to walk with me watching.”

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