Apr 29, 2008 9:53 am US/Eastern
Wheelchair Bound FIU Student Reaches Milestone
Ileana Rodriguez Tried Out For Paralympics In China
Hopes To Put Her Own 'Spin' On World Of Architecture
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Overcoming challenges has become a passion for a South Florida woman who recently tried out for the Olympics in China.
Ileana Rodriguez, who graduates from Florida International University of Tuesday, says even though she's in a wheelchair nothing is going to hold her back.
An architecture student, Rodriguez wants to one day design buildings for people like her in mind. At the age of 13-years old, Rodriguez lost the use of her legs due to a spinal malformation. Wheelchair bound, Rodriguez said she remembers how swimming helped her stay in school in Cuba.
"Typically a person in a wheelchair would stay home and not go to school anymore," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez took her passion for swimming to the U.S. when she arrived in 2000. In 2008, she tried out for the Paralympics.
Andrew Phillips has coached Rodriguez at FIU at no cost because of her fierce determination.
"I think Ileana can be an inspiration for so many people with or without disabilities that don't have self esteem and discipline," said Phillips.
Phillips says he's received calls from other physically challenged swimmers who want to meet with Rodriguez.
Rodriguez holds the American record for the breast stroke, but that event was canceled from the Paralympic games in China in 2008.
After graduation, Rodriguez plans to have a career in architecture which she plans to add her own twist too.
"When you are in a wheelchair, you interpret things differently than when you are walking," said Rodriguez, "I thought I had a chance there."
Rodriguez says she plans to work for about a year after graduation and then head back to school for another degree.
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