IPO News

UMass Amherst student Jessica Rodriguez ’19

Student Perspective: Foster Children Abroad

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Jessica Rodriguez ’19 is a recently graduated peer advisor in the International Programs Office. She studied abroad at the University of Limerick in Ireland for the 2016-17 academic year. Growing up in Massachusetts and Florida, Rodriguez became a foster child during her teenage years; this provided a unique perspective on studying abroad. 
 
I spent the first 13 years of my life growing up around the central Florida area. I went to five different elementary schools and two different middle schools in Florida before moving to Watertown, Massachusetts (my mother’s hometown) in eighth grade. Constantly moving from place to place due to financial insecurity taught me to be adaptable and open from a young age, as I was always having to make new friends in new places.  
 
I went into foster care as a junior in high school. This experience forced me to grow up quickly and become very independent. It also motivated me through much of college. The percentage of foster children graduating from a 4-year college is below 3% (according to the National Foster Youth Institute). I have always been driven and college was my best ticket out of the low-income situation to which I had become accustomed. So, I double majored in chemical engineering and environmental science with the hopes of becoming an environmental engineer. 
 
I studied abroad for a variety of reasons. I wanted to travel outside of the U.S., experience new cultures, and challenge myself. Being a foster child, I figured that if I could manage to make going abroad for a year work financially and academically, then I could do anything I set my mind to! My study abroad experience was full of learning (academically and personally), growing, and adapting. 
 
Studying abroad is an important and valuable experience. Most foster children—or even students from low-income backgrounds or tough family situations—do not even think studying abroad is an option. I want other students to know that despite the hard times, you can create positive experiences and move forward and push yourself and try new things. These are some of the best steps you can take to break free and grow, even though it’s tough. 
 
I am continuing my studies at UMass Amherst this fall, pursuing a master of science degree in plant and soil sciences. Once I complete this degree, I will begin looking for a career in the environmental engineering field, with the possibility of a PhD in the future.