Jacob Martinez
Name: Jacob Martinez
Age: 20
Major: Marketing
Class: Senior
College: Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Pharr, TX
High School: Hidalgo Early College High School, Hidalgo, TX
Why UTRGV?
The main reason I chose UTRGV is that after several visits to different universities, UTRGV was the one that felt the most like home. Fortunately, I knew an alumnus from UTRGV who was able to connect me with existing staff and faculty which only allowed me to get a better/deeper connection with the university.
What made you decide on your current major?
I originally started off as an accounting major and although I demonstrated exceeding potential in that field, after taking several marketing classes I fell in love with the whole concept of being the one having to identify the target market and how one will strategically campaign that to potential customers. In sum, I believe marketing allows me to display both my creative and strategic skills.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
One of the things I plan to do beyond my degree is to give back to my community and university. To elaborate, I hope that one day I can start an organization/foundation that will teach students and young adults not only the importance of furthering their education but also showing the impact it has had on them.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
Besides all the amazing professors I have had the privilege to meet, I would have to say that the thing I love the most about UTRGV will have to be the opportunities that are offered at the university. Besides the UTRGV Career Center that has not only helped me tremendously and others acquiring an internship, but I am also part of a student organization called Enactus which has allowed me to network with top employers which has led me to land great internships.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero means not believing in limits and turning obstacles into opportunities. On top of that, being a Vaquero also means having confidence in your next step due to the great staff and environment that the university has to offer.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
One of the opportunities that the university offered toward giving back was through Enactus, which is not only a national award-winning organization but is also a life-changing body. Through Enactus I have had not only the opportunity to help autistic individuals obtain a summer internship but have also helped increase the financial literacy rate throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
What advice or words of encouragement do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
Make sure you get on the correct bus, and I do not mean the bus that one takes to go to the university. You may not know the way but He who has made you will show you the way. Stop living in the future and embrace every moment that you have in the present, whether it be doing homework, going to class, or simply living life, don’t take it for granted. When you learn to live in the present there is where you will see His beautiful plan.
What’s in your playlist right now?
The current song that is on repeat all day would have to be “Como No Voy a Creer” by Bethel Music. The reason why I choose this song is because I have seen God not only work through my life but also through others and one of my passions is to preach to others that he is real, and he can do the same for you.