Rolando Estevan Rodriguez was born in Chicago’s Logan Square community and raised in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico.   His family returned to Chicago where Rolando attended Steinmetz High School.

Although Rolando was  a very popular student who enjoyed sports, he was forced to drop out in his junior year to work full time at a fast food restaurant to help support his baby daughter, Evelyn.  He returned to Steinmetz to try to finish his high school education but missed most of his senior year due to illness. 

‘I became sad and depressed. My baseball coach Renato Roldan suggested I apply to ASPIRA’s Antonia Pantoja High School to finish high school.  I didn’t think they would accept me but two weeks later I got called in for an interview.’

Rolando began his classes at APHS on January 30th and in just a few days he met other students who had experienced the same problems he had. ‘They became my friends and they were the best to me.  I played on the basketball team and I was chosen Captain of the softball team.  I was also elected Prom King. I felt like a leader.’ On graduation day Rolando received a leadership award.

‘I was proud and so was my family. Before I started at ASPIRA I promised my grandma I would become a leader and change my life. And I made it happen!’

After graduation Rolando got a summer internship with Alderman Roberto Maldonado of the 26th Ward.  At the Alderman’s office under the supervision of Lorna Amill-Morales he works on distributing informational material, data entry and helping Humboldt park become a better community. ‘I have had a positive experience through this and wish it was my permanent job. Helping others is something I like to do especially the Latin American community.  I want to thank ASPIRA for getting me to where I’m at.’