Martinez is a senior pursuing a triple major in agriculture (CAFNR), history and public administration & policy (College of Arts & Science).
Q: Why did you choose Mizzou?
A: Born and raised in Raytown, Missouri, I always thought I’d leave the Midwest the moment I graduated high school. It was a dream I had for years, but life, fortunately, took me in a different direction. Many thanks to the KCScholar Program, I was able to make Mizzou affordable for me without any financial burden on myself or my family; so, without ever stepping foot on campus, I made the decision to go. It was a huge step—being the first in my family to attend college away from home—and, honestly, a bit scary. But today, I can say with full confidence that everything is meant to happen for a reason. Staying in the Midwest was one of the best choices I’ve made. Mizzou has become more than just a school; it’s a place where I’ve truly grown into myself, and I’ve loved every day I’ve spent here!
Q: What inspired you to pursue your degree at Mizzou?
A: I always knew I wanted to go into law, so like a lot of future lawyers, I started off as a history major when I got to Mizzou. But pretty quickly, I realized I didn’t want to limit myself to just one area. I’m all about versatility, so I went to my advisor, Katie Ogan—who’s amazing by the way—and asked, “What can I do in CAFNR that really fits my interests and skills?” That conversation changed everything. I switched to agriculture with a focus on sustainability and added concentrations in agricultural business administration, leadership, and communication, and thanks to that conversation, I now know I want to practice environmental law.
Q: How do you identify within the Hispanic community?
A: My parents are from Mexico, and growing up, I was always switching between two worlds. I’d speak Spanish with my family in the car, and the moment my feet hit the ground, it was all English. That constant shift taught me a lot—not just about language, but about navigating different spaces and staying true to who I am. Being Hispanic means carrying the values of family, resilience, and culture with me, no matter where I am. It’s also given me a deep sense of pride in where I come from and a love for my community that shapes everything I do. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.
Q: How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
A: Only about 9% of Latinos have a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., and I grew up seeing that reality firsthand. Many of my cousins, hometown friends, and family members had to drop out of school to work long hours because of unaffordability, and it felt like the message was clear: perhaps we are not meant to receive bachelor’s degrees. But the hardest part was realizing that this idea is completely wrong! Our heritage doesn’t hold us back, it only makes us stronger, more resilient, and capable of tackling any challenge that comes our way! And we know this because of our ancestors who have worked so hard for us to be here. Throughout my life, I’ve drawn my dedication from the hard work I saw in my father. He taught me that with enough determination, any barrier could be broken. My heritage gives me the drive to push forward, not just for myself but for those who came before me and those who are following.
Q: Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
A: In Hispanic culture, family goes beyond just parents and children—it’s about the whole extended family. Growing up, one of the biggest traditions my family has, and one I absolutely adore, is how we celebrate holidays together. From Día de los Muertos to Mexican Independence Day, every holiday was a chance to learn something new, whether I was ready or not. Each gathering taught me the importance of respecting who we are, using my voice, and embracing the lessons these moments had to offer.
Q: Who are the role models or mentors who have influenced you or helped guide you?
A: My father is my rock; without him, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. He’s the reason I chose Mizzou, because he took the time to sit with me and weigh the pros and cons of college, even with his limited knowledge of America’s education system. He’s shaped me into the man I am now, and his ability to listen, communicate with anyone he meets, and work tirelessly until a job is done right has had a huge impact on me. My dream is to become a dad and give my future children the lessons that he has taught me.
Another great role model in my life is my friend Jorge Pizzaro, who has played such an important role in my life, especially when it came to joining my fraternity, Phi Kappa Theta. Jorge showed me that leadership can emerge from anywhere and that it’s okay to fail, learn, and grow. He became the older, wiser brother I needed. Without his encouragement and support, I wouldn’t have had the chance to join the fraternity, run for IDE officer, or eventually become IFC President. It’s the people we meet who have the power to transform our lives, and Jorge has been one of those people for me.
Q: What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
A: Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and has grown into a full month dedicated to recognizing the independence of Latin American countries. As a proud Mexican, this month means a lot to me. It’s not just about celebrating my heritage but also about sharing resources, educating others, and fighting for the recognition we deserve. At Mizzou, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), where I served as secretary last year. It’s kept me connected to my roots while far from home and helped me find a community that uplifts and supports each other. For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is all about community and celebrating where we come from. It’s also about recognizing the achievements of Hispanic Americans who paved the way, allowing people like me to sit in the same classroom, walk between the columns, and be in spaces that decades ago would’ve been a dream for my grandparents. The best part of this month is that it lives on forever because my culture is hard-working; we do not give up and celebrate each day to the fullest!
