Cera Rodriguez

What is your favorite childhood memory?

When I was growing up, we had a fig tree in our back yard,. The fruit attracted starlings, an awful kind of bird. They would come in fleets, waking us up at dawn with screeching noises of several dozen. My mom tied several strings to the branches of our fig tree, attaching them to a loop in my windowsill. In the mornings, my family would wait for the starlings to arrive on the figs, and at the right moment, we would pull the string, watching what seemed like thousands of birds fleeing our shaking tree.

Why did you choose WSU?

I was attracted to the rolling hills, sense of community, and all of the opportunities I would have to participate in both the academic and social world.

What is your fondest memory of WSU thus far?

So far, one of my favorite nights has been one of Zoe's Open Mics, where many came from all different disciplines to share art and ideas. Getting to know people outside of the classroom, especially in such an intimate way as poetry, is amazing.

What advice do you have for new students?

Do what you love. If you do what you love, and love what you do, there can be no stop to your passion, and your potential.

What advice do you have for Cougar parents?

You must know, that it will all be okay. Your child is a force, a force that has not yet scratched the surface of their potential. But they are here, at Washington State University, and you are wondering where the time went. Love them for that. Love them without reason-without boundaries, because even though they are leaving, it does not mean they do not need you...In fact, they need you more than ever to support and love them as they go on a journey to learn how to be an individual. Be proud of your Coug, and have pride that you are one too!

My Favorite Movie?

Moonrise Kingdom

Favorite Band?

TV on the Radio

Involvement?

I work with a couple of organizations on campus, the Student Entertainment Board as the Arts Programmer, and Landescapes, and Undergraduate Literary Journal, as an Art Editor.