Topper Alum Feature — Elizabeth Rodriguez, '19
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Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409
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Topper Alum Feature
Elizabeth Rodriguez, CHS ‘19
Interview and Write-Up
by Rebecca Fullerman, CHS ‘24
Content Development Specialist
Elizabeth Rodriguez, CHS ‘19, exemplifies the journey of a 4Es-driven Hilltopper through her art profession that was once just a dream. Since high school graduation, Rodriguez has pursued the pathways of Enrollment, Entrepreneurship and Employment.
ENROLLMENT
Initially, Rodriguez set out on the path of Enrollment, aspiring to be an art therapist. Attending Kent State University, Rodriguez majored in Studio Art and minored in Psychology where she earned the First Year Art Scholarship and The School of Visual Arts Outstanding Student award from three professors.
COVID brought some changes to the way her college art classes were presented, which inspired Rodriguez to add an additional minor — Arts Entrepreneurship.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
After three years, Rodriguez graduated Summa Cum Laude and was planning to attend graduate school.
Rodriguez shared, “However, a few weeks before beginning [graduate school] I had a realization. More school was not the answer for me, I was ready to try on my own. I knew I owed it to myself to take a chance on me and see where God would lead, so I embarked down the path of Entrepreneurship. In August of 2022, I began Eza Arts, a business where I can share the healing, stillness, and freedom found through the art-making process.”
Through Eza Arts, Rodriguez hosts art events, sells her work, and commissions in a variety of media including oil and acrylic paint, ceramics, and airbrushing. In our community, Eza Arts collaborated with the CHS volleyball program for a team-building exercise this past fall.
Rodriguez stated that Eza Arts reminds her of the joy she found in high school art classes. According to Rodriguez, CHS teachers Erik Hauber and Christina Blaschke helped her discover this.
She stated, “Christina Blaschke taught me to express myself through art and to see it as a form of communication. Erik Hauber gave me the freedom to be myself and planted my passion. ”
EMPLOYMENT
This past summer, Rodriguez was Employed as a high school art teacher at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin, getting the privilege to inspire the next generation of artists.
Rodriguez added, “There are wonderful possibilities behind each of the 4E’s paths.”
A LOOK BACK / CHARDON MENTORS
As a CHS student, Rodriguez participated in volleyball, indoor and outdoor track, and National Honor Society. In addition to Mrs. Blaschke and Mr. Hauber, she cites Coach Eric Bartley, math teacher Joe Ricci and English Language Arts teacher Dawn Weaver among her most significant mentors:
Coach Bartley
Taught me that determination, consistency, and hard work will take you farther than talent alone.
Mr. Ricci
Provided life lessons that helped me to realize if my roots are grounded in faith, I can withstand any storm.
Mrs. Weaver
Gave me the courage to speak in front of others and realize that my voice deserves to be heard.
Best wishes, Elizabeth, on your journey. Thank you for sharing your 4Es story!
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