Different Paths, Shared Beginnings

Robert Rodriguez, an architecture major who transferred in the spring of 2025, never expected what Northampton Community College (NCC) had in store for him. What was supposed to be a place he could go to get his general education courses under his belt, turned out to be the place he credits most for his success in his coursework. Now, his brother, Harolfy, will be following in his footsteps this coming fall.  

^{Robert (left) & Harolfy (right)}

Growing up, Robert love creating and building. He’d build houses with Legos and build birdhouses with his father. His father, who designed his own house in the Dominican Republic where he owns land, was a big part of his inspiration to pursue architecture. He encouraged him along the way. Robert started taking photos of buildings that he found to be beautifully constructed, hoping they would inspire future design. 

Robert's teachers in high school told him about the architecture program at NCC, so, he decided to enroll to get a taste for the major. He got so much more than he bargained for, building an unbeatable comradery and learning more than he expected from his courses. 

Robert joined AIAS, the architecture club, and he used the FabLab at NCC's Fowler Family Southside Center to create keepsakes, like laser cut bouquets for Mother’s Day, for club fundraisers. He valued his studio time with his classmates because he said it felt like he was in it with his family. “We put our minds together to really figure out our projects. The comradery was unbeatable.”  

When he transferred to Marywood University in the Spring 2025 semester, he realized something.  

“I thought maybe I'd be a bit behind, but I was well ahead of the students at Marywood. I was already well-versed in some of the tools used in the classroom. My journey at NCC prepared me beyond what my peers were learning at Marywood at junior level,” he says.  

Robert cites his knowledge of a program called Revit, which helps architects design layouts of spaces. He took a class dedicated to this software at NCC. He also had a work study assisting in a digital productions class at NCC that allowed him to further polish his skills with the software. This work and coursework positioned him to be one step ahead when he transferred. 

“Because of what I learned at NCC, I was able to help my fellow students at Marywood who were struggling with the program. That was incredibly rewarding,” he says. 

^{Robert's coursework}

His favorite project at NCC was designing a house for a site he was assigned, an Adirondack campsite. “We had to have certain amenities and practical elements, and I loved the look and feel of the site. So, it was exciting to design something I was passionate about producing. I still have the models from the projects I did at NCC.”  

Harolfy always admired his older brother. When he saw Robert’s picture on the side of a Lanta bus, he called him a local celebrity. Robert was photographed in class his second semester at NCC, and his photo was used in marketing materials, like the bus and enrollment center artwork, for the College.  

“I’m really proud of him. My mom always would say growing up I’d be close on his tail, interested in what he was doing. Even though we’re on different paths, it makes sense that I’d be coming to NCC after him,” says Harolfy. 

Harolfy starts at the College this fall, and he’s enrolled in the health sciences program, set on becoming a nurse practitioner one day. “During the pandemic, it hit me. I really liked making people feel better, more at ease, and I thought about becoming a therapist. Because of this, I want to get into the psychiatric side of healthcare.”  

Currently, Harolfy works in the Dementia Unit with Fellowship Community Senior Community in Whitehall, Pa. He says the highlight of his job is making his patients feel special and cared for, and when they remember his name, he knows he’s made a positive impact.  

Harolfy’s ambition is evident. After NCC, he plans to get his registered nursing (RN) degree with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and work in the emergency department before pursuing his master’s degree to eventually work in a psychiatric setting as a practitioner. 

Harolfy says he likes being able to help as many people as possible as quickly as possible in an emergency department. “It’s fast-paced, which I like, and it’s a good place to start to learn a little bit about everything,” he mentions, after his internship experience with LVHN during high school. 


^{Harolfy at his internship}

Now, Harolfy is excited for the first step of his well-laid plan. 

“Robert had such a good experience here [at NCC], and I heard a lot of good things about how NCC jump starts your college journey and career. I’m looking forward to starting in August,” says Harolfy. 

As one brother begins his journey, another is halfway finished with his college career. After he graduates from Marywood in 2028, Robert plans to start at an architecture firm and complete his hours required to pass his licensure exam. “I want to own my own architecture firm or construction company. I like seeing and understanding how things are put together and the materials that are used, so, for me, it’s not just the design, it’s the construction of that project.” 

Robert intends to complete his licensure hours at a firm or location in the Lehigh Valley, saying it feels like home to him.  

Reflecting on his time at NCC, Robert says, “I really enjoyed my time at NCC. The community here is really very good. There are days you’re stressed, but if you soak in your time here, it’ll pay off. I find I get nostalgic as I walk through these halls with my brother. I’m so glad that he’s coming here to experience what NCC has to offer.”