Gustavo Rodriguez

Associate in Arts

Gustavo Rodriguez began attending YVC as a running start during his senior year at East Valley High School. “YVC was a gateway to me. Without the running start program I’m not sure if I would’ve went to college,” stated Rodriguez. After graduating from YVC in 2010, Rodriguez transferred to Heritage University to pursue a master’s degree in medical studies. This fall he will transfer to Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. “Optometry is the pipeline to help medically understand people. There are many conditions that you can diagnose and a lot you can tell about someone’s overall health through optometry.  In the Yakima Valley there are a lot of people who are without access to such care,” stated Rodriguez. Ultimately, he hopes to return to the Yakima Valley and help low-income individuals maintain proper eye health.