This month marked my second Veterans Day as a veteran of conflict, and I found myself reflecting on this national holiday. I see my uncles and grandfather, who have fought for freedom and opportunity for all Americans in every war since World War II. And I see my students, the unknowing beneficiaries of such sacrifices, growing into the leaders who will carry America into the future — if only they can first master their eighth-grade science concepts.
I’m not your traditional teacher. As an undergraduate student at UF, I understood that the world was full of opportunities, if only I reached out to seize them. I joined the Army ROTC to be a part of something extraordinary, and it was as I was graduating and embarking upon a new career with Amazon.com that I received my orders. Seemingly overnight, I went from a fresh-faced student to a lieutenant running convoy security in Afghanistan.
These experiences have colored the way I approach my life and career. When I returned from deployment, the private sector no longer held the same appeal. Like many veterans, I am dedicated to strengthening my country — so when I learned about the educational crisis happening within our own borders, I knew my next mission.
As I began my school year in Oklahoma, there were more than 800 classroom vacancies across the state, a statistic with alarming implications for the quality of education for thousands of students. Tapping into the enormous potential of each of my students requires talented and devoted educators who will stop at nothing to provide their students with an excellent education.
This fall, I joined Webster Middle School, part of Oklahoma City’s Southside community, as a Teach For America corps member. And while my past experiences may differ from those of my colleagues, I’ve found these experiences invaluable in the classroom. My military background has contributed to promptness and structure, which creates an environment of achievement. And my professional experience is used every day when my students and I practice tough love and leadership. I may be far from traditional, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Veterans have so much to contribute to our country. Our desire to serve doesn’t end with our military service, and our breadth of experience — from our multicultural work environment to our training in conflict resolution — is invaluable to helping shape America’s future leaders.
As we honored past contributions this Veterans Day, let’s also keep in mind all the ways our heroes continue to give. Regardless of the path to the classroom, serving in education is an indispensable contribution to our collective well-being and safety. I thank my fellow veterans in this mission.
Sergio Rodriguez is a 2011 graduate of UF. He is currently a teacher at Webster Middle School in Oklahoma City and a Teach For America corps member.
[A version of this story ran on page 7 on 11/17/2014]
