Brandon Martinez

Brandon Martinez '16

Sociology

Brandon Martinez

Brandon Martinez is a junior Sociology major at Framingham State. He was elected by his peers to serve as the student trustee on the University’s Board of Trustees. Brandon is also a trip leader for Alternative Spring Break and an intern in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development (SILD).

What motivated you to attend Framingham State?

I’m from Framingham and grew up in the area. I didn’t really want to commute to school, but I came here because it was affordable. The first year was difficult because I didn’t feel very connected to the school commuting every day. Things changed when I got involved with Alternative Spring Break and went on the trip to Biloxi, Mississippi, to assist with the continued recovery from hurricanes and the BP oil spill. I found my niche in that group, and the following year I became a trip leader. Getting involved has been the most enjoyable thing about FSU for me.

Why did you decide to run for Student Trustee?

There were a couple of reasons. The first is that it’s a really good opportunity to represent the students. I feel like I’m able to do that well because I like to listen to everyone’s opinions and everyone’s views. I try not to let my personal judgment overrule the judgment of others. I also thought it would be a great learning opportunity to serve on my school’s Board of Trustees. I think it’s a pretty unique position that not a lot of other universities have. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of people across the campus because of it.

What has the experience been like?

It’s been a pretty unique experience. It’s hard at first to know what you’re doing because you don’t have anyone to talk to about it who can relate, except for previous student trustees. I was pretty nervous during the first meeting, but I think by the second meeting I got better at updating the board about what’s going on. I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable talking to the president and the other members, and I’ve started to discuss some of the things I’m hoping to get accomplished. We’ve had discussions about having more staffing for some offices on campus, including SILD and CASA (Center for Academic Support and Advising). With our growing student population, there has been a lot more demand on those two offices, so I’m hoping we can get them some more support.

What are you hoping to do after you graduate?

My initial plan is to join AmeriCorps (Corporation for National and Community Service). I would really like to work with kids who don’t necessarily think they can go to college, perhaps as a counselor or something along those lines. It’s important to me to help people who may have started at a more disadvantaged position than others. It keeps me grounded and aware of what’s going on in the world. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunities I’ve had in my life.