Meet the Class of 2022: Soccer Player Leads Pro-Life Movement
Date published: Oct. 2, 2018
Ever since he was little, Jose Fernando Martinez, BA ’22, has been part of the pro-life
movement. Yet, his experience has not been the typical one: His grandmother is the
founder of the movement in Honduras, so he has followed her example in upholding the
dignity of life.
“During my time there, I’ve seen incredible things and heard incredible stories, but
I’ve also been to the streets fighting for life,” said Martinez. “Not so long ago,
feminist groups were trying to legalize abortion in Honduras. We as a movement fought
and won. It was a very hard battle.”
In the fight to protect the lives of the unborn, Martinez watched as his grandmother
went to news and television stations, urging the people of Honduras to value life
from conception to natural death. He reflects that the experience was at once intense
and immensely rewarding, especially when mothers and families would come to thank
them for encouraging them to keep their babies.
“Those moments are the best, and it really inspires me to keep fighting and to keep
pushing so that one day life is available to everyone,” he said.
In addition to helping with pro-life endeavours, throughout high school Martinez also
participated in Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides free
surgeries to children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other
dental or facial conditions.
“I was deeply involved in this club because I love helping people in need,” he said.
“I made my college essay about my experience with this club because it really changed
my life and made me see how lucky I am.”
Outside of school and volunteer work, Martinez played soccer both for his high school
and a club team, and he notes that he decided to attend UD in order to join the soccer
team here. He also listed the strong business program and deeply Catholic environment
of the university as his other deciding factors.
A business and economics double major, Martinez is not entirely sure what he wants
to do after graduation. He might take his skills and use them in the business world,
maybe as a CEO or CFO.
But for now, Martinez plans to make the most of his time at UD: “I’m looking forward
to playing with the soccer team and being an important factor on the team. Also, I’m
looking forward to getting good grades, meeting people and hopefully having a great
freshman year.”