Bottom Line

Alumni Board Member – Cristina Rodrigues

Cristina Rodrigues a member of Bottom Line’s Inaugural Alumni Board. Cristina was born in Boston, is the daughter of Cape Verdean immigrants and was a first-generation college student. She first came to Bottom Line while attending Milton Academy and went on to enroll and graduate from Brown University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and Africana Studies. She then went on to receive a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from Harvard Law School. Today, Cristina is a public defender at the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Cristina is immeasurably grateful to Bottom Line for the huge role it played in her college and career success.

High School: Milton Academy
College: Brown University ’10 / Havard Law School ’13
Position: Public Defender
Company: Committee for Public Counsel Services

Why I am proud to be a Bottom Line Alum: I am proud to be a Bottom Line Alum because I believe so deeply in the mission and method of Bottom Line. Like most people, I was really overwhelmed applying to college. There were so many forms and so many decisions – and as extraordinarily supportive as my parents were, a lot of the paperwork was foreign to all of us. During that process, my Bottom Line counselor was supportive, patient and always willing to walk me through the paperwork. Bottom Line helped me not only get into college but also get a financial aid package that worked for my family. I appreciate all that Bottom Line did for me, my siblings and so many other first-generation college students. I believe first-generation students, students from working class families, students from immigrant backgrounds, students of color and other marginalized groups have a tremendous amount of talent, capability and priceless perspectives. Bottom Line is doing the amazing work of helping us all realize our potential – which is critical for both our personal success and the futures of our communities.

Cristina’s Advice for Bottom Line Alumni: Even with the biggest tasks, just take things one step at a time. Break things down into smaller pieces. Get done what you can today. Ask for help before you need it. Take advantage of resources and community. Be grateful. Plan ahead for tomorrow. Get done what you can tomorrow. And repeat.