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Extra time, extra work pays off for Stockdale graduate

Teresa Martinez says she doesn’t have the natural smarts that some people do.

To make sure she made the grade in her advanced placement classes, Martinez had to work hard and at times, stay up until 4 a.m.

“For me, getting good grades meant putting in long hours,” she said.
The long hours paid off, however. Martinez starts at UCLA in the fall as a business/economics major.

This 2006 Stockdale High School graduate used every single minute to manage all the things in her life, which not only included school and homework, but also a job and volunteer work.

“Teresa is very hard working and a leader among her peers. A lot of students look to her for direction,” said Paul Garcia, community counselor at Stockdale High.

Among her accomplishments, Martinez helped organize a large number of community service projects, including the Hispanic Youth Conference, Garcia said.

“What makes her standout from the crowd is her school involvement,” he said.
Martinez also stands out by being the first in her family to attend college, Garcia added.

Martinez has not only been independent when it comes to figuring out how to make it to the next step in education, she has also basically supported herself through high school.

“We don’t have much income because my dad is on disability,” she said. “I have worked all four years of high school and it has been really hard, but if you want to do it, then you can.”

Martinez buys her own clothes and was also able to purchase her own car within the first two years of work during high school.

Martinez’s mom, Aida Martinez, couldn’t be more proud of her daughter as she sets the example for her two older brothers and a few cousins.

“We are so excited and proud of her.  Words can’t even explain how I feel about her going to college,” she said. “She is doing something I didn’t accomplish, and she is doing it for a lot of us.

Martinez said her parents are excited to see her go off to college and nervous, too.

“They want to see me go on and find better things for myself,” she said.

“I look forward to expanding my horizons and experiencing new things. I am ready to move along and see what else is out there and take advantage of the educational opportunities.”

Martinez hopes to be able to give back to the community by helping the Latino youth make their way in life.

“One of my fondest memories of high school is being in the MEChA Club and doing the various community service events,” she said. “I love being a leader and showing people that I am really passionate about this.”

Hanging around with friends at Stockdale High is something Martinez will miss.

“There is so much to take advantage of at that school,” she said. “But, now I am heading off to college — and I am doing this for all my family, to make them proud.”

Name: Teresa Martinez
Age: 18
School: Stockdale High School
College: UCLA
Career: Business/Economics
Community/School Involvement: MEChA president; Business Club vice president; Kern County Student Leadership; Leaders in Life Organization and Annual Conference; tennis team.
Message to Family: “I just want to thank you for all your support and for believing in me.”