May 24, 2025 3 min read

There is a famous but misquoted line that makes scholars of F. Scott Fitzgerald cringe: “There are no second acts in American lives.” But this sentiment – that we don’t have the opportunity for transformation – has been co opted and misconstrued for the sake of creating a pithy aphorism. In reality, the renowned author, whose works have become canonical in classrooms, actually wrote the opposite in a 1932 essay about New York, stating that its prosperity has proven wrong the idea that we don’t get second chances.

Every day, people across this country exemplify the intended meaning of this quotation. One of those people is Bethlehem-Center School District Art Teacher Sherrie’ Rodriguez, 2025 recipient of the Washington County Community Foundation’s Dr. Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator Award, which recognizes a local public educator who inspires children from all backgrounds and abilities.

“I’ve always loved art, and while volunteering in my own sons’ school, I was able to witness the elementary education environment firsthand,” Rodriguez says. “I knew from that experience that art could play a role in students’ learning, and I chose to go back to school to obtain my art education degree.”

Rodriguez’s second act as an elementary art teacher has had a profound ripple effect, making a measurable difference in the lives of her students and community. Since stepping into her new role, she has applied for and received more than $45,000 in grants focused on technology and creative programs.

“Combining my love of art and those aha moments when a student understands a concept is magic and truly what excites me as an educator,” she says. “I have the privilege of guiding students to develop new skills, gain confidence, learn problem solving, and share their personal expression through art. I really enjoy the hum of my classroom when everyone is working and creating.”

While Rodriguez loves her role as an educator, she recognizes and sympathizes with the reality that some students might struggle to show up with similar enthusiasm. For those students and their parents, she shares this incredible advice: Ask students what they love and use that to motivate learning.

“Can you learn the subject you are struggling with through the lens of your passion?” she asks. “Can you learn math through sports, baking, music, and art? After students think about it, you see a little light go on. School is a must, but how a student approaches it and uses their passions will make it easier for those who are struggling.”

This wisdom should resonate with all of us: How can we combine what we love with our daily work in a way that might make our lives an expression of our passions?