We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
This is such a great question. I always find myself talking about “finding your purpose” with my friends and family. Let’s take it back to my childhood. I always loved to act, sing and just entertain in other words. I was always very animated and dramatic lol. My cousin’s and I would make up dances (which cousins didn’t do that growing up?!) haha such great times. We would reenact scenes from movies like “Halloween” and other thrillers. During this time at school I was involved in choir and plays. Since a young age, I knew it was more than just something that was fun to do with my cousins and friends but something that I truly loved and could express. In high school I was in musical thearte, choir ect. By the time it was graduation I had applied to multiple schools and was accepted to many. Originally, I was going to go to school for film, and ended up going to school for a “more secure major”. College was some of the best 4 years of my life, with many memories, experiences and some of my best friends till present day, I met during my time at Western Illinois University. Fast forward, I graduated and started working my “first big girl job” 9-5 job and had gotten accepted into graduate school to pursue my masters degree. I was doing everything I was “suppose to do”. Was I happy and fulfilled during this part of my life? Not really, but I don’t regret that part of my life because it made me realize those dreams I had as a young girl on becoming an actress was and always there. I knew in my heart, 150% of my whole being what my true calling and purpose in life was. I left my full time job, withdrew from my graduate program and began what God called me to do and what my purpose is while I’m here on earth. 5 years later and still going strong, not the easiest industry to say the least but absolutely LOVE IT!! I hope that one day I can truly inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter how hard it is, but to truly live with God called them to do. Our talents whatever they may be, are given to us by our Lord and Savior to use them to inspire, help, motivate others and make people feel something.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a SAG-AFTRA actress (Union Strong). I’ve been in feature films, t.v shows, commercials and some thearte. they’re many layers to acting which I love. I love that I get to live different lives through the characters I have brought to life and future ones. I love taking roles that are versatile and will challenge me. What first draws me to a script is simply what is the story? What is my character’s role in this story? What is their relationships with others?! I love acting with great actors who really bring so much and being around that is always inspiring and helps me as well. Working with actors when we feed off each other so naturally, organically and just raw talent is the best. WE HAVE FUN where we forget it’s “work,” Since there is Writers and SAG-AFTRA strike going on I am not able to talk about upcoming projects and when certain projects I was part of will air. To see what I’ve been part of, follow me on IG @thevanessarodriguez
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Being an actor takes A LOT of work, dedication and thick skin just to name a few. It’s a tough industry, and very competitive. You must work hard and always keep leveling up, remember you are going against thousands of others, you always want to be on your A game and stay ready always. You will have to sacrifice a lot, but if’s something you really want to do, it will be worth it. Advice for folks early in their journey-train!! You will always keep learning and keep that acting muscle going. Surround yourself with like minded people who support you, encourage you and are happy for you. You’ll have tough days and even moments but use those tough times to motivate you to keep going. Fight for your dreams and your dreams will fight for you! 🙂
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
With the strike happening it has really been a challenge for us all. It’s something that has to happen and I know once it’s over, fair contracts are given and everything we are fighting for is resolved things will get better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thevanessarodriguez
Image Credits
Christian Webb
