Edith Martinez

Name: Edith Martinez
Age: 19
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Weslaco 

Why UTRGV?
The professors at UTRGV are very helpful, particularly the professors in UTRGV’s excellent Communication Sciences and Disorders program. They encourage their students and prepare them to succeed in their careers by providing them with opportunities to help the community. UTRGV offers many resources that make college life easier, such as scholarships, advising, Learning and Writing Centers, and an excellent library. Overall, UTRGV has a lot to offer to its students to ensure that they succeed in obtaining a higher education.  

What made you decide on your current major?
I have a brother with Down syndrome who is my angel and my motivation. I noticed that my brother is capable of making a difference. With the help of his speech therapist, he is now able to speak more and make himself understood. Speech therapists have the opportunity to observe the improvement of the patient that has a speech disorder from the beginning to the end, enabling them to see how they have helped a person improve. I have had the honor to meet other people with disabilities and I do believe that these people can make a difference in the world. I really want to help these people become independent and speak for themselves, so their voices will be heard.

What are your plans after graduation?
After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I want to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UTRGV. My dream is to become a speech therapist. I really want to be prepared to help my future patients and make a difference to the people with speech disorders, especially in the Valley. I say in the Valley because now that we have the medical school, I believe that there will be more clinics opened to help as many people as possible. 

What are you involved in on and off campus?
I’m a full-time student and VAMOS Scholar, so I manage my time to focus on my studies and also help the community. Being involved in various activities at my school, community, and church has helped me become a strong leader and overall a well-rounded individual, as well as to know my strengths and weaknesses. 

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Being the first one to go to college in my family makes me feel proud of myself. It is true that with hard work, dedication, patience, and discipline, you will be rewarded in the end. College has not been difficult for me because my parents, my scholarship coordinator, professors, and advisors have supported and guided me to stay on the right path.

What advice do you have for future students?
Know your abilities, your strengths, and your weaknesses. The only person that can set boundaries is you, so don’t set any boundaries for yourself. Also, never forget who you are, where you come from, and where you are heading because the answers to those questions represent who you are.