Achieving My Goals
By Marissa Martinez
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Business Management
May 2018
Attending college and obtaining a degree has been a goal in my life for as long
as I can remember. As I got older, I always strived to make the best grades and
do well in everything I did in hopes that it would lead me towards succeeding
in college as well. My parents always shared the importance of going to college, so
when the time came, I applied as early as possible and ensured I would be attending
right out of high school. Out of all the schools I applied to, Texas A&M University-Corpus
Christi (TAMUCC) offered me multiple merit-based scholarships that would allow me
to attend college at no cost. Although I originally applied to this college as a back-up plan
in case I needed to stay close to home, it quickly became my first choice and I knew
that I could not say no to “free” tuition. Knowing that I could attend college without the
weight of debt on my shoulders was a relief for my parents and me.
university and share my experience with
other prospective students. Many of these
students are Hispanic like myself, and grew
up with families who did not have much
or any experience with attending college.
Being able to help them with their college
application or financial aid questions
has been rewarding. One of my favorite
experiences was speaking with students
about scholarships and financial aid, and
seeing their faces when they realized that
attending college was an actual possibility
for them.
As graduation approaches, I am working
towards what my future will be after I obtain
my degree. Along with my classes, I am
currently interning in the development
department at the Texas State Aquarium,
as well as working in their guest services
department. Prior to my internship, I worked
with guest services for nearly a year, which
sparked an interest in the non-profit world.
Though it has only been a few weeks
since I started my internship, I have learned
so much and look forward to putting it to
practice in my career. I also look forward
to what the future has in store for me and
share my accomplishments with my
supportive and loving family.
College Beat
TAMUCC is only 45 miles or less away
from my hometown, but in order to have
a shorter commute I decided to move to
Corpus Christi with my grandparents. Both
of my grandparents are immigrants from
Mexico, and have always worked hard to
ensure that their children and grandchildren
would live a better life. Their life has paved
the way for us to achieve our dreams, and
no one (besides my parents) are more excited
to see me graduate this coming May. Living
with them has allowed me to learn more
about my culture, and even start to
understand and speak Spanish. I am
thankful for all my family has done to
support me in achieving my degree.
In my first year of college, I decided to
become an Island Ambassador at my
Marissa receives the Ambitious Award from
TAMUCC on December, 2015.
Marissa with Ashleigh Miller and Nicolas
Rodriguez working at their first Dollar Day at
the Texas State Aquarium. October, 2017.
Marissa with grandparents Miguel Sanchez,
Carmen Sanchez and brother Isaiah Martinez.
Marissa with her parents Adolfo Martinez
and Rosie Martinez at the Performing Arts
Center in Corpus Christi, TX. April 1, 2017.
LS
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