After taking a semester off due to COVID-19 and enduring masks and saliva testing, Ray Ray Martinez made up for it by student teaching abroad in Spain his final semester. Martinez is being recognized as an outstanding graduate of the Colorado State University School of Education, double majoring in family and consumer sciences and human development and family studies and earning teacher licensure.
Martinez chose to attend CSU for a change in scenery from Boulder, Colorado, where he is from, but more importantly because CSU was the best option for his success.
“It was more affordable than CU, I had been giving a great tour of campus, and it overall was the best option for me. I really lucked out,” Martinez said.
Before reaching graduation, Martinez explored several other major options before landing in family and consumer sciences. “I came into CSU undeclared, took a semester off due to COVID-19, had six advisors, and upon graduation will have completed 160 credits.”
Martinez reached his end goal by working hard in class and holding positions at CSU, persevering through hardship during this time.
“I have also worked nine different jobs throughout my time at CSU, which paid for my cost of living and caring for my younger sister. I pushed through family matters, a concussion, two stolen bikes, and an online semester of COVID-19, as well as the remaining semesters of masks and saliva tests,” he said.
Unwavering support
Now that Martinez has reached graduation, he knows that his journey was not possible alone.
“I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have without the amazing professors like Denise Apodaca, Dawn Mallette, Eric Milholland, Katherine Gerst, Eric Easley, Michelle Bigler, Antonette Aragon, and Jason Downing who made learning fun and motivated me to do better,” said Martinez.
Along with his involvement in family and consumer sciences, Martinez was on the CSU wrestling team where he competed at NCWA National Wrestling Championships in Texas. “I worked as a Ram Welcome Leader and Ram Welcome event assistant. I was involved in the Campus Connections and Caminos program. I helped Merry Gebretsadik run for ASCSU vice president. I worked at Rams Horn, The Foundry, and Campus Activities as well.”
Teaching in Spain
Over the last semester, Martinez has also been student-teaching in Valencia, Spain, teaching English in a public high school in an internship role.
“Student teaching in Valencia, Spain, has been amazing to say the least. I have formed strong relationships with the staff and students of IES Salvador Gadea through the lessons I taught, interviews with students, and the time spent there,” Martinez said.
“Teaching in Valencia has had an impact on me, seeing how valued I am in the class as a native speaker of English. Every day I was in a classroom, both the students and staff thanked me for being there. Even doing little things like reading aloud for the class, I saw how focused students were listening to each word I spoke and in return they actively participated. It felt good to know I made a difference and was valued,” he said.
Martinez returned from Spain on May 3 and is now preparing to walk across the stage and claim his degree.
Tested with a heavy workload, Martinez said “I am most proud of not failing a course and having a 3.3 GPA to go along with completing 160 credit hours. This accomplishment wasn’t easy. I am also proud of myself for taking on opportunities and being involved around campus,” he said.
Following graduation, Martinez looks to continue his educational journey and among his options, are an opportunity to return to Spain.
“I applied for some teaching positions in Colorado. However, I did get accepted into a program called NALCAP where I will teach English in Spain for a year and get paid, so I plan on returning to Spain to teach.”
Above all, he says teaching and helping people are in his future plans.
Family and Consumer Sciences is an undergraduate degree program offered by the School of Education, part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
