Angelina Rodriguez: Balancing Modeling and Animal Science with Purpose

Her journey has taken her to the fashion capitals of LA, Paris, and New York, where she’s graced the runways for incredible designers during Fashion Week. Yet, Angelina’s story is not only about her success in modeling but also about her passion for animal welfare and her dedication to finding balance in two demanding worlds.

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

My name is Angelina Rodriguez, and I’m a sophomore in college studying Animal Science in San Diego. Alongside my studies, I’m a runway, print, and e-commerce model. I started modeling about 2-3 years ago, and it’s been such an amazing journey. Recently, I’ve been focusing on runway and have had the incredible opportunity to travel to fashion capitals like LA, Paris, and New York for Fashion Week shows. It’s been a dream come true to walk for such incredible designers and be part of the energy and creativity of Fashion Week!

What inspired you to pursue both modeling and animal science?

What inspired me to start modeling is my love for bringing a designer’s or photographer’s vision to life. There’s something so special about collaborating creatively and helping tell a story through fashion. As for animal science, I’ve always had a deep passion for animals and their well-being. One day, I hope to open or work at an animal rehabilitation center to help care for and heal abused animals. Both paths are close to my heart, and I’m grateful to be pursuing them simultaneously.

What has been the biggest challenge for you in this business?

The biggest challenge for me in this business has been balancing school and work, especially during Fashion Week. There have been times when I’ve had to do homework while getting my hair done or waiting for a shoot or runway show to start. It’s definitely a lot to juggle, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively. Luckily, my teachers have been very supportive when I need to fly out for work, which has made a huge difference.

Another challenge has been maintaining a self-care routine amidst the chaos. Prioritizing the gym, proper nutrition, and rest has been essential to staying grounded and performing my best in both school and modeling. It’s all about finding balance and being disciplined, which has helped me overcome these challenges and continue pursuing both passions.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated through self-care and seeing the results of my hard work.

Taking time to prioritize my health—whether it’s going to the gym, eating well, or getting enough rest—keeps me feeling strong and focused. Seeing the progress I’ve made, whether it’s walking in a new show, landing a campaign, or achieving a goal in school, reminds me why I started and pushes me to keep going. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the effort I put in is paying off, and that drives me to keep improving and striving for more.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your journey so far?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to bite off more than I can chew. It’s so easy to take on too much, especially when you’re passionate and want to excel. I’ve learned the importance of setting realistic goals, prioritizing, and knowing when to say no. It’s better to give your best effort to a few things than to spread yourself too thin and risk burning out—especially with the constant drives from San Diego to LA. This lesson has helped me stay focused, balanced, and more effective in both my modeling career and my education.

Photographer – Go2pix – MUA/HMUA- nadiafacetoface_beauty – Clothing- Rockstar Original DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACE OF THE WEEK 

How do you define success?

I define success as achieving balance and fulfillment in the things that matter most to me. It’s not just about reaching goals or milestones, but also about staying true to myself, finding joy in what I do, and making a positive impact. For me, success means pursuing my passions—whether it’s modeling or animal science—while maintaining strong relationships, practicing self-care, and continually growing as a person. It’s about working hard, learning from challenges, and feeling proud of the journey, not just the destination.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to experience as much as I can in modeling—walking in iconic shows, traveling to amazing places, and working on exciting projects that I can one day share with my future kids. After that, I want to dedicate myself full-time to working with animals, whether it’s opening or being part of a rehabilitation center to help those in need. Above all, I want to be able to take care of my parents and give back to them for all the love and sacrifices they’ve made for me. It’s about building a life filled with passion, purpose, and gratitude.

How has faith or spirituality played a role in your career?

My faith and spirituality have played a significant role in my journey. I’ve explored Catholicism, Christianity, and Buddhism, and through these experiences, I’ve found a deep sense of fulfillment with God. My faith has been a source of strength and guidance, helping me navigate challenges and stay grounded in both my modeling career and personal life. It gives me perspective, reminding me of the bigger picture and the importance of gratitude, humility, and purpose. Faith has truly been a cornerstone in helping me grow and stay resilient.

Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?

My biggest inspiration is my mom. She served in the military for thirty years and is still working on base. She’s an incredibly hardworking woman and has always been my role model.

Beyond that, she’s also my best friend, and I admire her strength, dedication, and resilience. Her unwavering support and work ethic motivate me every day to keep pushing forward, whether in my career or personal life. She’s taught me so much about perseverance and the importance of hard work.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

My friends and family are a huge part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They provide me with love, support, and encouragement, which helps me stay grounded through the busyness of work and school. Spending quality time with them allows me to recharge and keep perspective, reminding me of what truly matters. Their support helps me stay motivated and focused while also ensuring I don’t lose sight of the importance of self-care and personal connections.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in modeling?

If you’re just starting out in modeling, my advice would be to stay patient and persistent. The industry can be tough, and it’s important to remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on building your confidence and finding your unique style—embrace what makes you different. Network and connect with the right people, but also be selective about who you work with. Don’t let rejection discourage you; instead, use it as a learning experience. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and your values. The work may be demanding, but with dedication and the right mindset, you can go far.

What is one thing people often misunderstand about modeling?

One thing people often misunderstand about modeling is that it’s just about looking good in front of a camera. While physical appearance is important, modeling is also about hard work, discipline, and the ability to bring a designer’s or photographer’s vision to life. It requires mental focus, creativity, and adaptability. Many people don’t realize the physical demands it can put on your body, such as long hours, traveling, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s not all glamour; it’s about resilience, professionalism, and constantly learning and growing in the industry.

What is the most rewarding aspect of modeling for you?

The most rewarding aspect of modeling for me is bringing visions to life. Whether it’s a designer’s concept, a photographer’s idea, or a creative team’s collaborative work, being able to embody and express those ideas through my movements, expressions, and presence is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a chance to contribute to something bigger than just myself and be part of a creative process that results in something beautiful and impactful. Seeing the final product, whether it’s a runway show or a campaign, and knowing I played a role in that vision coming together is truly rewarding.

ABOUT DIZZYDIDDY+MAG FACES:

“Celebrating Impactful Achievements Across Various Fields”

DIZZYDIDDY+MAG has launched a new initiative called “Face of the Week,” which aims to showcase the achievements of men and women who are making an impact in various fields, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, education, communication, and more. Each week of the year, from January to December, a new face will be introduced to the public through DIZZYDIDDY+MAG’s platform.

Many of these faces of the week will also be honored at the Crownys, which are the DIZZYDIDDY+MAG Awards and where all the faces and people who worked or partnered with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS will be celebrated. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to give recognition and exposure to individuals who are making a positive difference in their respective fields.

The initiative will culminate with the release of a printed magazine in December for the Face Of The Year.

By highlighting the achievements of these individuals, DIZZYDIDDY+MAG hopes to inspire and encourage others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.