Ian Widrick Martinez, the new Student Government Association president, also serves as the student representative on the Santa Fe Community College Governing Board. The 19-year-old brims with enthusiasm when it comes to representing SFCC’s students and finding ways to get students more engaged.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you decide to come to Santa Fe Community College?
A: I first got to know the college from taking dual credit classes through ECO (Early College Opportunities through Santa Fe Public Schools). I first started by taking Leadership class and then I started taking classes in Criminal Justice. I loved the dual credit classes. The classes helped me learn more about what my interests were and how to make the connections to move forward in getting a career. I graduated from high school a year early, in three years.
While I was at ECO, I became interested in leadership and was the class president there. Now, I want to pursue getting associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration. I hope to continue with a bachelor’s degree at New Mexico Highlands University through the Higher Education Center.
Q: What is it like to be a student worker at SFCC.
A: I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be a student employee. I work 20 hours a week, but everyone at the college understands that my course work is important so they are flexible with my schedule to make sure I can take the classes that I need.
I began as a student worker in the President’s Office. Everyone was so helpful in helping me gain the skills I need in the workplace. It was while working there that I discovered that I really enjoy office work.
SFCC Foundation offered me a new student employment opportunity and they welcomed me with open arms. It was eye opening how much they help students who need financial aid. It’s made me more aware of some of our students’ challenges. I’m grateful to be able to help those students. I found out that I love nonprofit work.
Q: What would surprise people to learn about you?
A: People are surprised when I tell them that I have a second-degree blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Everyone in my extended family enjoys physical fitness. My dad Alex Martinez is senior administrative assistant in the Office of Information Technology on campus and he also loves Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. My mother Debbie Widrick is a personal trainer who teaches fitness classes at Fort Marcy, so she has always been a role model for keeping fit.
Q: What are your goals for this year as president of SGA?
A: I want to get more students involved with SGA. I want them to know that they have a voice. I also want to energize the school spirit. I want students to be excited and thrilled that they are here! SFCC is great. I want students to be proud of their school.
I also want more students to fill out the FAFSA forms to be eligible for financial aid. Many students don’t realize there are a lot of different opportunities for them to get financial aid once they’ve filled out the form.
