PRESS

#1 New Release Triumph: 73 Hours at the Top

Mere days after release, FORTITUDE soared to #1 New Release in Amazon's Self-Esteem category and held the top spot for 73 straight hours—a huge win for a teen's honest guide to building inner strength and fulfillment.

Congressional Recognition

Rodrigo had the distinct honor of receiving a personal letter from U.S. Representative John Rutherford (FL-5th District) congratulating him on publishing FORTITUDE and its remarkable success. The January 28, 2026, commendation praises the 17-year-old author's discipline, creativity, and perseverance, calling his achievement a noteworthy example for young people and expressing pride in recognizing such an outstanding student in the district.

Ponte Vedra Connection Spotlight

Rodrigo, gained prominent local recognition through a featured newspaper article chronicling his extraordinary journey as a first-time author. The piece explores his early passion for reading, struggles with anxiety and isolation, the spark from a transformative Utah hike, the intense writing and editing process starting in 2023, and the book's triumphant rise to Amazon's #1 New Release in Self-Esteem—capped by his celebratory October 15 signing event at The Link in Nocatee, marking an inspiring milestone for the young creator.

Hola (Bilingual) Media Feature

Hola News, a trusted regional Spanish-language newspaper serving the Hispanic community in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida (part of the established Norsan Media group), featured Rodrigo in a prominent bilingual profile. The respected outlet—known for its credible, community-focused coverage of local news, immigration, culture, and youth achievements—highlights his journey from anxiety and isolation to self-publishing Fortitude emphasizing the book's raw personal insights, practical resilience strategies, and empowering message for young readers in the Hispanic diaspora. This recognition underscores the widespread impact Rodrigo has had in such a a short time.

Featured in The Ponte Vedra Recorder

Rodrigo was featured in The Ponte Vedra Recorder, a trusted voice in the local community. The article highlights his book Fortitude and his mission to help young people build discipline, purpose, and resilience

On the Air in Los Angeles: First Major Radio Interview

Rodrigo called in to his first radio interview on KTNQ 1020 AM during Por la Mañana, a respected program serving one of the largest Spanish-speaking audiences in the United States, based in LA. For him, the moment was both humbling and energizing—an opportunity to share the mission behind Fortitude while appearing on a station with deep influence and credibility in the Hispanic media landscape