I am...

I am...Jeanette Martinez. I am a senior at the Gilroy Early College Academy. I will be graduating this May with both a High School diploma and an Associate's degree in Multiple Subjects. That’s what I am at the moment, but what will I be in the future?

I plan to take my Associate’s degree to the next level and get a Teaching Credential in Multiple Subjects so that I can also continue what I do now.  I am currently working for two non-profit organizations that provide Supplemental Educational Services to children from low-income households, Learning Ladder and Math Think. I started volunteering there when I was 15 and started working when I was 16. In one year, I rose to the role of Administrative Assistant. I have seen and been part of all aspects of the administration and tutoring. Because I’m aware of how it all works, I would like to one day begin my own SES Company and continue servicing children in the state of California. Because of my experience and knowledge of this job, I’m undecided in whether to major in Business Administration or English with an emphasis on Creative Writing. I like the idea of creating a business to help children, but it is also my dream to one day to become a published author. I have so many ideas in my head, but am never quite able to get it all on paper, and also always feel like there’s room for improvement. It’s a difficult process. I don’t know how people ever decide when their story is ready to publish! I love reading more than anything. Before I become an author, I also want to become a part of the publishing industry. I want to see and be a part of the making of those books that I love so much. I find the publication process a fascinating thing to learn about.

Many people know exactly what they want to be. They choose a career and pursue it. My plans are different. There are so many things that I want to be…one lifetime is not enough! But I am still going to try to make the most out of my lifetime. I don’t plan on working at one place my whole life. I would get bored. I want to have several different (well paying) occupations throughout my lifetime. I want to have options. That is why I want to continue my education. So I just might B.A. in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing, a Teaching Credential in Multiple Subjects, AND also go somewhere with this business idea of mine. I’m sure that will open plenty more opportunities in various occupations than just the ones I am aspiring for, and I am going to take advantage of as many of those opportunities that time will permit and be the best that I can be.