Hispanic Heritage Month Student Spotlight: Nico Martinez, MS-1
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and runs through October 15, the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University will highlight some of its students, faculty and staff who will share what being Hispanic means to them.
Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and influences of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture and achievements in the United States. Throughout the month, which began on September 15 and runs through October 15, the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University will highlight some of its students, faculty and staff who will share what being Hispanic means to them.
NICO MARTINEZ, MS-1
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Heritage: Puerto Rican and Colombian
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It means remembering where you came from and how far you’ve come, Martinez said. When he was growing up, “it was easy for me to push away my Latin roots and try to conform or blend in with those surrounding me.” He said: “Now, I’m surrounded by a lot more Latinos and it is easier for me to connect because we have common ground.”
What’s your favorite family memory?
Martinez remembered going to Puerto Rican Day parades in Chicago with his family. He recalled dressing up in Puerto Rican clothes with his cousins to show off their pride in their heritage and he felt so comfortable in those surroundings. He said it was great “just being kids,” eating good food and listening to music.
Who is your biggest inspiration in medicine?
“Why don’t I have more people that look like me in medicine?” Martinez asked aloud. “I hope that one day I can be that for someone else.”