Alfredo Rodriguez

Student

“I feel lucky to have gone to SMC. It has given me so much, and I’ve given a lot back to the college, too.”

In his mind, there are buildings taking shape and lives being transformed and lifted up. To Alfredo Rodriguez, a career in architecture is a powerful tool that he’ll be able to wield for the betterment of people. “I’m planning to get my bachelor’s degree in architecture and then go to UCLA for one masters degree in Urban Planning and another in Latin American Studies,” he says. “With two master’s degrees, I can create a company that’s successful here in America and then branch out to build affordable housing in Latin America.” Alfredo is a firm believer that environment affects people. And his opinions have been shaped largely by a unique SMC experience.

“I did an internship through SMC at Project Heavy West where I worked in Mar Vista Gardens projects,” he recalls. “And seeing how the people live… I mean, they built an iron fence around it, so it’s like a jail. The houses are made of blocks, there’s no wallpaper. It’s nothing. And I think by using different kinds of materials, different furnishings, you can give people who don’t have much a sense of at least enjoying their own homes.” But Alfredo’s desire to help hasn’t been deferred to some distant point in his future as an architect.

“Right now I’m tutoring math at Samohi in a program for youths at risk,” he says. “I owe a lot to Carlos Valverde in the Latino Center who helped develop this program. I’ve been a member of Mecha ever since I got to SMC. And I’ve always felt that it’s one of my responsibilities, my duties, to give something to the community.” And ‘community’ extends to his family as well. “I’m the first generation to go to college,” says Alfredo. “So I hope that what I do is setting a good example for my younger brothers and sisters.”

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