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Javier Rodriguez-Rivera

@javiiii_java

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Teacher | Passionate about Education, Dentistry, & Policy
Alumnus @ucla | Media: @javidia_ | Pomona Raised 🍊

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Science teacher staff photo dropped. Still can’t believe I get to be “Mr. Rodriguez.”

12 years ago, after losing our home and stability, my siblings and I started over.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I don’t just celebrate my identity (which I absolutely do). I also honor the fight to make sure no student ever has to ask: “What happens to a dream deferred?” taken in Los Angeles, California by @javiiii_java

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a year ago

Last year I experienced Dental Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. alone—so I returned with 7 future dentists with me this year. We made up 10% of the national delegation.

Thank you to everyone who made this a reality—not just to have a seat at the table, but to rebuild it for others.

To those who donated, reposted, sent kind messages: your love carried us.

And to the @ucla.lpds team: Karina, Diana, Viviane, Emily, Giselle, Michelle, and Stefania—this moment was possible because of you.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was a declaration that you do not need a white coat to care.

#fundoralhealth #dentaladvocacy #LPDS #UCLA #bruins #predental #dentistry taken in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. by @javiiii_java

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a year ago

I Fall in Love Too Easily, made famous by Chet Baker.

#jazz #chetbaker #ifallinlovetooeasily by @javiiii_java

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6 months ago

Hi friends 🤍

As my presidency with @ucla.lpds comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on how much this organization has truly shaped me.

Moving 6 hours away from home 4 years ago and coming to UCLA without knowing anyone was overwhelming. But LPDS became more than just a club, it became my community. It gave me mentorship, lifelong friendships, and opportunities I didn’t even know were possible as a first-generation Latina pursuing dentistry.

Through LPDS, I’ve had the opportunity to grow as a leader, serve underserved communities, and advocate for patients who are often overlooked in our healthcare system.

For the past two years, LPDS has traveled to Washington, DC for Dental Advocacy Day, where we speak directly with legislators to push for more equitable and accessible dental care.

This year, the work feels even more urgent.

New policies—like the “Big Beautiful Bill”—are placing caps on student loans and removing key funding options, which could make it significantly harder for students like me and so many others from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue dental careers. At a time when our communities need more diverse healthcare providers, these barriers are only growing.

That’s why advocacy matters.

If you’re able to support us in continuing this work and fighting for a more equitable future in dentistry and healthcare, any donation truly means the world 🤍

You can find our GoFundMe link in my bio or @ucla.lpds : https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lpds-attend-dental-advocacy-day-2026

Thank you for supporting not just me, but the future of diverse healthcare providers! by @javiiii_java

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6 months ago

Missing school team meetings to join a community drum circle was worth it 🪘 by @javiiii_java

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8 months ago

Back at Royce—part 3. It never gets old! taken in UCLA Royce Hall by @javiiii_java

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8 months ago

Being in community today reminded me that hope is something we build together. Grateful for the powerful conversation with @julissaarce, @writerreynagrande, and @mrrafaelagustin about undocumented love, healing, and people-centered dispositions.

Deep appreciation to Ms. Sanchez and the @ghscafecitoconlibros team for the intentionality behind their visionary work.

Now, more than ever, it is important to move with clarity, purpose, and genuine connection.

#gareyhighschool taken in Garey High School by @javiiii_java

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9 months ago

Zohran’s victory in NYC shows what’s possible when massive numbers of people refuse to accept the unjust conditions of the world. A man told he couldn’t win, told he lacked experience, proved that a movement of people tired of empty promises can make change.

I’ve heard it multiple times—even from people I love and care for: “You’re unrealistic. You can’t hold everybody’s hands. You don’t know what you’re talking about. The real world doesn’t work that way.”

All of that doesn’t matter. People don’t just need access—they need affordable housing, healthcare, dental care education, and more.

The real world isn’t rigid. We don’t have to accept systems that hurt others. We can do our part, alongside one another, and reimagine it.

The fight for a better world, where everybody lives a life of dignity, isn’t easy but giving up is never an option.

#zohranmamdani #betterfuture #notmeus by @javiiii_java

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a year ago

A short collection of my favorite photos I never got around to sharing from a photoshoot I had over a year ago.

By then, I had become fully confident in my voice—both written and spoken. I learned to trust my judgment. To smile. To enjoy the process. To give to others, even when I had little to offer. To care for others, even when I was exhausted. To show up for others, even when I was late.

I like to think these photos reflect that humility.

Up next: graduation photos!

📷 credits: @boyang_photos taken in Westwood by @javiiii_java

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a year ago

Friends,

I first met Steven during a time of deep distress. I had just transitioned to the UCLA pre-dental track my second year as an English major, worried that I was going to fail, and felt small next to many of my pre-health peers who already seemed confident, prepared, and adjusted.

In overwhelming and ridiculous class sizes, Steven was the first to change that for me.

He is one of the most hard working, loving, and caring people I know. I am inspired by his commitment to serving others. He shows up with purpose, offers what he can, and ensures that the people he serves are safe.

I’ve watched him show up to advocate for good causes again and again—not for recognition, but because that’s at the core of who he is.

He’s currently enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program so he can apply to medical school but like so many first-generation students, he needs our collective support to keep going.

Steven and I both understand something deeply: you don’t need a white coat to care. We can start before reaching that milestone. But still—our community needs more people like him wearing that coat.

Steven has modeled a love so profound in medicine that it cannot and does not go unnoticed.

Join me in supporting his GoFundMe. Let us do everything we can to help Steven step fully into the love-centered future he has worked so tirelessly for, a future where our kind of care leads.

Link is in my bio. ❤️ by @javiiii_java

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a year ago

Talking to the People at the Bernie / AOC Fight Oligarchy Tour.

S/o to @aodream for the vid inspo. Give him a follow, really inspired me 🙏 by @javiiii_java

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2 years ago

Royce Hall Chronicles: Part 2, ft. @ucla.lpds

📷 Credit: @stvfania taken in UCLA Royce Hall by @javiiii_java

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2 years ago