Daniela Martinez

Daniela Martinez

Name: Daniela Martinez
Age: 22
Major: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
College:
College of Sciences
Hometown: Edinburg, TX  
High School: Edinburg High School

Why UTRGV?
I chose UTRGV because it is close to home. I know the goal is to pursue our career and become independent, but UTRGV still provides many opportunities to pursue a great career and gain independence, while still being able to go home to my family. I get to see my little brother grow up and serve as inspiration for him to attend college.

What made you decide on your current major?
Growing up, I was fascinated by math and science. During grade school, I did well in both subjects. When I took my first chemistry course in high school, I fell in love with the subject as it incorporated both of my favorite core subjects. I did great in that class, and since it is one of the recommended paths for a dental student, I decided then to pursue a degree in chemistry.

How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It was a stressful time, however, with a great support system, I was able to pull through and finish up some of the hardest classes in the chemistry degree plan. Along with my support system, relieving some stress through dance helped me bring some normalcy into this unprecedented time.

What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges? 
I believe I am a strong-willed, caring, independent person. With everything that has happened this past year (pandemic and personal), I feel that I have grown up much faster than I would have. I may not have chosen to do this, or experience these events, but sometimes I am glad my life took this turn. I am glad because I was able to overcome challenges to finish school, and to support my mom and little brother.

What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
After I complete my degree, I would like to pursue either pursue a master’s degree in chemistry or obtain a dental hygienist certification. I am not sure which to get first, but while doing either of those I would like to be a high school chemistry teacher to inspire more students into the STEM field, especially chemistry.

What do you like most about UTRGV?
I like the sense of community we have. It might not be the same as other universities, but it feels like home. I feel like everyone, one way or another, helps each other out and it is nice to see that in today’s world.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
It means being proud of being who you are and who you will become when you accomplish your goals, big or small.    
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV helped me find a passion for teaching through the UTeach Program. I like what the program stands for and I cannot wait to have my own classroom and apply all the inquiry-based strategies I learned in the program. Along with staying on track with my academics, I was able to audition and become a part of the UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, a feat I never thought I would have accomplished if it were not for the confidence the UTeach program here gave me.

What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
You got this! I know it is stressful, and you want to give up, but please do not give up. It will be worth it in the end.