EPISD Student Spotlight: William Rodriguez III, Austin High
(AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL -- Nov. 25, 2020) — Austin student athlete William Rodriguez III has been suiting up this fall for the football team, making the best of his senior year and his time in the Panther New Tech/Sandra Day O’Connor Academy despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In this edition of the EPISD Student Spotlight, EPISD Community Engagement speaks with the star athlete about his interest in a career in law enforcement and making the best out of a difficult year.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How are you staying involved in school during the pandemic?
WILLIAM RODRIGUEZ III: I am staying involved like most students. I am logging on for online school, I stay connected with friends and family through social media and I am fortunate to have an outlet because I play high-school sports.
CE: What advice can you give to succeeding with remote learning?
WR3: My advice is to stay positive and patient through all of this. Staying calm will do you good and keep you going.
CE: What are you doing to make the most of your senior year despite the pandemic?
WR3: I am making sure I stay connected with my friends and classmates. We have to hit those important parts of our senior year no matter what. Even though we are apart we have to enjoy our company and make memories.
CE: How has football been during COVID-19?
WR3: I play running back and linebacker for Austin High School. Football has been going great. I feel like this COVID situation has given myself as well as my team more time to prepare and be better.
CE: What have your achievements been on and off the football field?
WR3: I’m in the National Honor Society. My sophomore year, I received the Districts Defensive MVP for football along with being named 1st team All City Linebacker. My junior year, I received District Overall MVP for football along with being named 1st Team All District as both running back and linebacker.
CE: What advice would you give incoming freshman?
WR3: Surround yourself with people who will build you up and then try to build them up, too. Also, whatever it is you set out to do, never give up.
CE: Describe your experience with the academy and how it will help you with a future career?
WR3: I actually do not want to pursue a career in law, but the academy has thought me many things I know I will use in my eventual profession. Things like public speaking that will prepare me for the real world and real-life situations.
CE: What is the first thing you plan to do when the pandemic is over?
WR3: I plan to go out to eat with my family and a couple of friends to celebrate.