Rodrigo Estrada

"Four years of rigorous and open inquiry have left me with more questions than answers, which is a good thing. Exposure to multiple perspectives in the classroom has made me appreciate the multi-faceted nature of major debates. In sum, I've learned there is no such thing as a simple answer."

Rodrigo Estrada will graduate with a joint bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in international relations. Estrada served as the community outreach director for the South Side Free Music Program and as a youth engagement lead for the Illinois Region of the American Red Cross. On UChicago’s campus, he was a member of the Maroon Key Society, the Odyssey Ambassadors program and the American Red Cross National Youth Council. He also interned at the White House through the Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. He is also one of three Class Day student speakers. 

Estrada would like to remind students that there is no shortage of exciting opportunities to take advantage of at UChicago. 

“From dancing bachata for the annual cultural show to taking spontaneous study breaks to discovering new neighborhoods in Chicago, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and had fun along the way,” he said. “These four years will fly by, so try to enjoy them.”

Before heading to law school as a Truman Scholar, Estrada will be taking a gap year to support local COVID-19 economic recovery efforts as an economic development specialist for the Economic Development Administration under the Department of Commerce.