Scholarship Helps Severo Martinez Realize a Dream

Coming from a small town, Severo Martinez never imagined moving away from Chimayo to pursue higher education. His dreams of attending college were fulfilled when he received a 2004 Endowed Leadership Scholarship through the Los Alamos Employees’ Scholarship Fund, which provided him with $2,500 per year for four years.

“My grandmother had a big impact on my life and influenced my decision to become a teacher,” said Martinez. She has been an educator for 35 years and we have shared a passion for education and I have drawn from her vast experience.”

Many doors opened for Martinez while attending the University of New Mexico. The experience, he said, led him to meet people that have left a positive impact on his life.

Today, Martinez is a first grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School in Albuquerque. His biggest reward is teaching his students how to read and write. He will graduate this month with honors, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in teaching English as a second language and bilingual education. After graduating, he will continue to teach and pursue a master’s degree in educational psychology.

In addition to his passion for teaching, he also has a love for music. Martinez has won several awards, including the 2007 New Mexico Recording Artist of the Year and recently released his second album. He also composes his own music.

His advice for Northern New Mexico students applying for a scholarship is, “There is no place like Northern New Mexico, but it is best to move away from home to find out who you really are as a person. Having your family 100 percent behind you is a great feeling, but venturing off on your own to find your individuality and test your ability to care for yourself is rewarding in itself.”

“By contributing money to this scholarship fund, donors allow students the opportunity to show people that great things come out of our state. Contributing also allows students the chance to see what other parts of our state or country have to offer,” said Martinez.