Teresa Rodriguez of Santa Ana broke into tears upon hearing that she had won the Women’s Opportunity Award from Laguna Beach’s Soroptimist’s chapter.
The single mother of a 5-year-old son is struggling to build a life for her son and herself. She is in second year working part time for the Extended Opportunity Programs and Service (EOPS) and studying to become a sonogram technician.
She has developed a strong work ethic while daily assisting other students in the program, giving back to the community and the college, said Sandy Vetter, the committee chair. “This young mom is independent, responsible, dependable and persistent. She is focused on the success of her family. These are the exact qualities that Soroptimist looks for in selecting a recipient for this award.”
Vetter, Mary Sausen and Nancy Lindsay surprised her with the $2,500 award, which has provided women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the resources to offset education-related expense.
Applications for next year will be accepted starting in August, check www.silagunabeach.org for details.
