Combining Passions
Sophia Martinez, Class of 2024
Sofia Martinez, Class of 2024, loves experiential learning – she likes to connect theories to real-world situations in meaningful ways. She is also passionate about both science and art. At Grand Valley, those three things are coming together in ways that she feels will serve her well into the future.
“In my cell and molecular biology (CMB) program, I'm working with a team; we're trying to figure things out using our resources,” she explained, adding that, “It’s a lot of trial and error, and I love how hands on it is – it makes me feel more confident about my skills.”
Her skills grew a lot in her first three years, which meant she was ready to tackle a research opportunity with one of her professors. “My experience with Dr. Hamsher has been amazing,” she said. “She took me on her team to work with diatoms,” which are a group of microscopic algae that live in both freshwater and marine environments. “This work just really prepared me for being on my own in a more professional setting,” Sofia said. “I’ve gotten comfortable in a lab, and I’m learning how to fix my own mistakes.”
Like her biology research, her art experience allows her ample space to get things wrong, adjust her approach, and learn as she goes. While the connection between her CMB major and her studio art minor may not be obvious on the surface, Sofia is trusting that pursuing her passions will help shape her future in positive ways. “I decided to focus on science because I know it can be beneficial to me, but I also didn’t want to let go of something that I really love. And, in the future, I want to combine both science and art and become a science illustrator or medical illustrator – that’s my dream job.”
As she works toward that goal, Sofia is also using her gifts to give back, serving as a tutor in the K-12 Connect program. A donor-funded initiative, K-12 Connect provides academic support to students through a variety of high-quality, relationship-based tutoring services. For Sofia, it felt like the right thing to do, and she appreciates the flexibility of the program. “They make the tutors feel confident for their work with kids,” she said. “It’s also been great because I've been able to have a job on campus while managing my busy schedule.” Sofia knows that, because of donor support, she’s gaining valuable skills while also helping younger students thrive.
She’s also aware that her entire experience at Grand Valley – and all the ways she’s setting herself up for success – are possible because of the generosity of others. “I wanted to attend Grand Valley because it was far enough from home that I thought I could gain some independence, but I also just fell in love with campus. Something about it just felt right,” she said. Despite her certainty, it wasn’t until she found out she’d received a scholarship that she was able to confirm her decision. “Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to attend, and I would have had to take a different path” she said, “But being at Grand Valley is preparing me for the future and I’m really grateful for that.”