By Austin Birchell (B.A. ’20)
Martin knew she wanted to stay in Georgia to take advantage of the HOPE Scholarship and made sure to do her homework when deciding which university was right for her.
As she toured college campuses around the state, Martin focused on the programs and what the facilities had to offer. But she also looked for a level of authenticity that appeared to be rare.
“While I was taking these tours, I noticed how easy it was for a university to pick and choose a diverse space and show it off,” Martin said. “But when I got to Georgia State’s campus, I actually saw and felt the diversity.”
It wasn’t just the colorful student body that attracted her. She was moved by what the university was doing to support its students.
“I got back home and dove into my research on the university and realized that Georgia State had both a diverse community and did things to make sure that the community succeeded, with offices such as the Multicultural Center, the Office of Black Student Achievement and Latinx Student Services and Outreach,” Martin said. “But the assistance is not just based on diversity. The university also helps people of different socioeconomic backgrounds through the Panther Retention Grant and other student success initiatives.”
As a Panther, Martin has participated in a number of student organizations, including the Chemistry Club and the People for the End of Animal Cruelty and Exploitation, and volunteered as a campus tour guide at the Welcome Center.
“As a tour guide, I’ve had such a great experience and been able to network with so many other great people,” Martin said.
When planning out her career path, Martin drew on inspiration from her mother, who is a nurse.
“I thought I wanted to be a nurse, and then I thought I wanted to be a doctor,” Martin said. “But then I came across the pharmaceutical field.”
To work as a pharmacist, she knew she’d have to major in chemistry or biology.
Once she enrolled in an organic chemistry class her sophomore year at Georgia State, she knew she’d made the right call picking chemistry.
She credits the Department of Chemistry with helping prepare her for her career and future. She’s been able to assist with research and make connections with faculty, which have proven invaluable. One of her professors is even helping her apply to pharmacy school.
As her graduation date inches closer, Martin is looking ahead to several more years of studying in pharmacy school. She’s ready and excited.
“I know it’s a lot, but I really look forward to it,” she said. “I love school.”