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.”
The University of Dallas is proud to announce another year of record-breaking enrollment. Record freshmen classes within five of the last seven years have contributed to this milestone. The Class of 2022, comprised of nearly 380 students, is one of the university's largest entering classes in its more than 60-year history.
+ Read MoreAs many as 100 classical school teachers will receive scholarships this year as the University of Dallas intensifies its efforts within the classical education arena. The university also plans to bring on two new tenure-track faculty members, each devoted primarily to one of two programs in the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts.
+ Read MoreNext week kicks off the long-held junior class tradition, Charity Week -- and as the UD community gathers on Monday, Oct. 15, Catholics around the world also celebrate the feast of St. Teresa of Ávila, Virgin, Doctor of the Church. Lasting through Saturday, Oct. 20, the entire University of Dallas campus will raise funds for two nonprofits that align with the university's Catholic identity.
+ Read More
