Member Spotlight: Aaron Rodriguez
Aaron Rodriguez is a senior Biology major, Medical Humanities minor on the Pre-med track. As AED’s VP of Service, his “favorite thing…[has been] coordinating all of the volunteering and service that was done”.
Though, initially, the responsibilities of the VP of Service “seemed like...just sending a few emails and making a few phone calls”, Aaron recalls how “in person, it was really amazing to see how these small efforts were manifested into the good of another person.” Beyond the emails and phone calls, Aaron’s “experiences as the VP of Service gave [him] just a taste for the true reward of living a life of servant-leadership…[that he is] excited to continue within the next chapter of [his] life”. One of the ways he has been able to see the efforts of his dedication towards service is during his time in the Dominican Republic on AED’s medical mission. During this time, he had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Frias, a family medicine specialist, and observe her passion for serving others and connecting with patients at both “a physical and emotional level”.
“Reflecting upon this experience, I want to create similar relationships with those that I serve and have a significant impact on my community through my work as a physician. Through Dr. Frias, I have witnessed the true reward of being a physician: knowing that I play an important role in somebody else’s life and I have the ability to significantly impact them. I remember seeing how fulfilled she was with her work because of these close ties, despite her meager compensation. Her heart is pure, motivated by a passion for serving others; a priceless trait to have, especially for a physician working in a free clinic. This passion is something that I strive to strengthen as I continue to volunteer in my community and to emulate in my own future practice.”
When asked about his classes at Baylor, Aaron “100% recommend[s]” his favorite class, anatomy with Dr. Parizi. Though it was “a little challenging”, it was “definitely worth it” especially since Dr. Parizi is “very friendly, approachable, and wants to see you succeed”. It was in Dr. Parizi’s class that he truly “felt like an actual future doctor.” Through instruction on general anatomical information, reading X-rays and CT’s, and answering clinical presentations, he believes that he is better prepared for what medical school offers.
As a graduating senior, Aaron is currently deciding between medical schools with the plan to go into pediatrics and specialize later on. He encourages the members of AED to “find ways to enjoy life outside the classroom” as it is easy to “get caught up in trying to be the perfect graduate school applicant”. Some of the activities he enjoys outside of class are hanging out with friends, sneaker trading, stock trading, and working out. Aaron reminds his fellow AED members that while volunteering, shadowing, research, as well as achieving a good GPA are all components for success, “it is also important, if not more so, to find time for yourself and enjoy your time as a college student. Years down the road, you're not going to remember spending hours on end in Moody preparing for exams. You will, however, remember the great times you spent with those that you love and the relationships that you have built during your time at Baylor.”
AED thanks Aaron for his leadership and heart for service and wishes him the best as he pursues a career in medicine.