Children of the revolution

Rick Rodriguez is a man with a story. Though he arrived on Monday morning sans candy bag and without fancy multimedia displays crackling over his shoulder, he held our attention. By example he proved a point. Tell the story, make it real and interesting, the people will listen.

Rodriguez is a Southwest Borderlands Initiative professor at the Cronkite School, and former ASNE president. He began his career in high school, when his teacher told him that his point of view, his experiences mattered. Rodriguez used this moment throughout his successful career.

Now he is returning the favor by teaching the coming generation to carry the First Amendment torch.

"They must get out into the local communities, report interesting news that is more vital to people," Rodriguez said. "Bring voices into the paper that wouldn't otherwise be heard."

Rodriguez came up reporting on Ceasar Chavez, a local story that gained national attention, and he has not forgotten the importance of local voices.

Adam Haller
Northwestern High School
Baltimore, Md