Wendy Martinez, Alum (2008)

I had the fortunate experience of becoming a part of the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute when I was a sophomore in high school. Fourteen years later, I continue to be highly connected and committed to AGUILA as an organization and to the people who make it what it is - a family committed to the next generation and their families in every way possible. I wholeheartedly believe I would not be where I am today nor would I have as strong of an understanding of my purpose had I not had AGUILA supporting me in my journey. I went from being a high school student with no idea what path life would lead me down, to a graduate of St. Mary's University with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies, to a graduate of San Diego State University with a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Student Affairs, to a Residence Director at Syracuse University, and most recently returning to St. Mary's University as an Assistant Director for the Office of Residence Life. I share this journey because this journey is as much mine as it is AGUILA's. AGUILA invested in me, in my family, in my history, in my achievements, and in my moments of growth, all while always reminding me of my why.

My accomplishments, my journey, and my life are possible because of the sacrifice and decisions of the generations before me. As a product of AGUILA, I learned to understand my worth, the value of an education, and the importance of being grounded in my roots. Month after month I was tasked with different projects, assignments, and experiences that challenged my frame of thinking, encouraged opportunities to expand my understanding of the world and people, validated my experiences, and constantly brought it all back full circle. Because here is the thing - one cannot enjoy the richness of life and the meaning of it all without acknowledging and thanking those that have come before you. This world is made up of the decisions that people make and whether or not we have control of them, they impact us individually and as a collective. And this is why AGUILA has been and continues to be such an important part of my life. AGUILA is committed to every single part of me, my journey, my story, and my past, present, and future because it is all connected. AGUILA is about more than getting one to college. It is about knowing who you are, having the village you need to get there because no one can do it alone, and being grounded in your roots so that your future is filled with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Having a deep understanding of what had to happen and what decisions had to be made by those before us gives a whole new meaning to self-actualization. My family's history gives me meaning and AGUILA helped me understand it all and prepared me to thrive in this world. I cannot thank AGUILA enough for what it has given me. It has filled my heart with a commitment to others.