Starting this new school year, Vanessa Rodriguez will teach animal science, floral design, and veterinary medicine Before coming to Canyon, she worked at Clint High in El Paso. “The kids are just so awesome and motivated,” Rodriguez said. “I love it, I’m very excited for what’s to come this year.”
What led you to work at Canyon High?
I brought some of my students at my previous school three years ago to do a contest here at Canyon High. My sister and a couple of those students are attending WT; we all just fell in love with Canyon. Canyon stayed pinned on my GPS, and it was just kind of meant to be. So when I started looking for job openings, I saw there was an opening in Canyon ISD, so I applied.
How’s your experience with Canyon High so far?
It’s been really good. Everyone’s been super helpful, super welcoming. The administration has been there to support me in any way they can so far, and all the teachers as well.
What made you want to pursue agriculture?
My family has always been very involved, and it just seemed like the right thing to do. We all depend on it, so it would be my way of making a difference.
What part of agriculture are you drawn to the most?
I feel like I’m drawn to everything, it’s so hard to pick since every aspect of it is so good. If I really had to pick I think it would be the animal science part of it. I love plants and things of that sort too, but I feel like there’s just so much more to the animal side.
Where did you go to college and when did you graduate?
I attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine. I graduated in December 2020.
What will be your responsibilities this coming school year?
My responsibilities will be teaching advanced animal science, veterinary medicene, floral design, and also helping with the Career and Leadership Development Events this year. Anything I can do to help you, feel free to come ask.
How is our FFA Chapter different from El Paso?
I would say the motivation and drive I see in the kids. In my previous school, I really had to push for my kids to try things, just because they didn’t have that support. But you guys are so driven to do things, and you really want to excel at what you do, it’s really inspiring.
What is your favorite thing about our FFA Chapter here at Canyon?
The students here for sure. It’s a huge difference from my previous school. Like I said, you guys are so motivated and way more involved than we ever were.
How will you want to positively contribute to our FFA Chapter this year?
I really want to help the rabbit program continue growing. I also would love to have more Spanish FFA Creed speakers. Last year Klose said we had one, but this year we have quite a few, at least four interested. I just want to contribute to that aspect of success y’all have been doing.
