Former Stagg Line editor in chief Lissette Rodriguez visited the place where she began her journalism career.

She brought a bit of inspiration with her as she spoke to the current newspaper staff. Now attending college 2,000 miles away from home at Northwestern University, she is majoring in broadcast journalism. Along with taking classes, she is also interning for ABC News and Downtown Chicago. She will also be in New York for most of her summer working for Brian Ross Investigation.

Aside from responsibilities and hard work it wasn’t always easy for this college junior. The transition to move 2,000 miles away from home was tough on her. She had to learn how to take care of everything on her own, but she does not regret it. If she hadn’t first gone to Northwestern she probably wouldn’t have been able to make it in Barcelona, Spain, for three months. The challenge has made all the difference.

“The cold builds character,” Rodriguez said, describing Chicago winters.

As she talks about her experiences in foreign countries she leaves the students with this message, “Do not be afraid to look outside your circle.”