Talia Rodgers

“Loud, honest, aggressive.” Those were the words classmates used to describe freshman Talia (Tali) Rodgers’ booming personality. Rodgers has always been the most outspoken person in a group; she always keeps the conversation going and encourages people to come out of their shell. Rodgers plays as a defensive specialist on the freshman volleyball team and is obsessed with her dog.

When asked what her biggest inspiration was, Rodgers said, “My dog.” If there's something in her life that always makes her happy it's definitely her dog Oakley. If she had a day to do whatever she wanted, she would “volunteer at a shelter all day and adopt as many dogs as possible.” This is just the start of her quiet kindness. 

When she was two, her family adopted a baby boy, Tegeny, from Ethiopia. This changed Rodgers’ life forever. She said, “Tegeny is my best friend and I wouldn’t know what to do if he hadn’t come into my life.” Rodgers’ little brother is a huge part of her life, she describes him as funny and a good friend. Rodgers and Tegeny are inseparable, her mom even says Rodgers was the main reason he is so outgoing and extroverted. When I asked her what causes the most stress in her life, she said, “school.” But when asked what causes the most happiness, she said “my family.” Even if you don’t know Rodgers well, it's clear that the people close to her are the most meaningful thing in her life. 

Rodgers loves the outdoors; she hates being stuck inside and loves going out with her friends. Although she likes to feel the sun on her skin, while she's in school, she loves English and art. English comes unbelievably easy to her whereas art is an escape from the world and a chance for new experiences. Before high school ends, she wants to work and meet new people. Rodgers has always been drawn to people who share her love of fun, as she is constantly surrounded by a bubble of happiness.