I, Sophia Rodriguez, am the daughter of Lawrence Rodriguez, a member of Local 630 here in Hawai’i. As an alumnus of Kapaa High School I was able to take initiative for my future by being a member of the National honor Society, student government, the Health occupations students of America, I have also taken college classes during high school, graduated as valedictorian, and have been a participant in many school sports. These experiences have taught me hard work and dedication, two traits that have shaped me into who I am today.

This upcoming year I will be a returning sophomore to the University of Hawai’i at Hilo where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. Along with my major, I plan to pursue a minor in agriculture and a certificate in energy science management. My goal is to one day preserve the biodiversity and natural resources located here in Hawaii alongside those all over the world.

I am deeply thankful to my father, the Local 630, and to the support of OPCMIA “Patrick D. Finley Scholarship Fund” in pursuit of achieving my goals, without them I would not be where I am today.