Being a first-generation college student means more to me than earning a degree, it represents the breaking of cycles, the lifting of burdens, and the beginning of a legacy my children and family can build upon. My name is Cezar Martinez, and I grew up in a home where education was valued but not always accessible. College felt like something meant for other families, families with guidance, stability, and financial security. Still, I knew that I wanted to be the one who stepped forward and took a path no one before me had taken. One of the greatest obstacles I’ve faced came when I was navigating adulthood while trying to support my family, serve my country, and pursue my education simultaneously. As a young Marine, a husband, and a father of two small children, I quickly learned that life does not pause for your goals. During this season, I was balancing military duties, late-night study sessions, financial strain, and the overwhelming responsibility of raising children while being present for my wife as she navigated pregnancy and postpartum recovery. The greatest obstacle was not simply the exhaustion, it was the internal battle of believing I could keep going. Around this time, I was waking repeatedly throughout the night to help with our newborns, handling the stress of demanding military responsibilities, and still trying to give my best in school. I often felt disconnected, drained, and discouraged. There were mornings when my mind wanted to give my all, but my body felt too tired to follow. I questioned whether finishing college was realistic for someone in my situation. Quitting was never an option. I reminded myself that my education was not only for me, it was for my family, for the example I wanted to set as a father, and for the legacy I wanted to build. I leaned into faith, discipline, and the support of my wife, who constantly reminded me of the bigger picture. I began restructuring my days, creating pockets of focused time, and developing better habits to stay consistent even on the hardest days. What I learned from this obstacle is that perseverance is not defined by ease, it’s proven in pressure. The season taught me how to lead myself before leading others, how to cultivate resilience, and how to stay grounded in purpose even when circumstances felt overwhelming. It also taught me empathy. Because I know what it feels like to balance survival with ambition, I now serve others, whether Marines under my leadership, children I teach at church, or younger family members, with patience and understanding. This experience impacted my life in a deeply positive way. It strengthened my character, sharpened my discipline, and revealed what I am capable of when I refuse to give up. It also solidified my long-term goal of becoming a Navy Chaplain and later a preacher, serving others spiritually and emotionally while continuing my education. I want to be a living example to my children and to other first-generation students that obstacles do not disqualify you, they develop you. Being first-generation means stepping into unfamiliar territory with courage. This scholarship would not only relieve financial strain but would also support the mission I am committed to: building a legacy of education, faith, and service for my family and community.

Growing up in Fresno, California, I faced challenges that could have easily defined my life. Gang violence, substance abuse, and family dysfunction were part of my daily reality, and the path forward often seemed uncertain and dangerous. Yet even in the midst of that chaos, I felt a quiet but persistent calling to rise above my circumstances. I knew that change would require courage, sacrifice, and trust in something greater than myself. It was my faith in God that gave me the conviction to believe I could break the cycle around me and pursue a life of purpose and integrity. As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse became a guiding principle in my life, reminding me to rely on God rather than my own limited understanding. At 19, I made the life-altering decision to leave Fresno and enlist in the Marine Corps. It was a choice rooted in faith, a trust that God would guide me through uncertainty and equip me for the challenges ahead. Military life was demanding, both physically and mentally, and there were moments when the rigor and isolation tested me deeply. Yet, it was my faith that anchored me, giving me the strength to persevere, to maintain discipline, and to focus on becoming the man God intended me to be. Less than a year after joining the Marines, I met my wife. Our relationship quickly became a source of encouragement, support, and partnership. Through our shared faith and commitment to one another, we built a strong foundation that would sustain us through life’s trials. Within five years, we were blessed with two beautiful children, a responsibility and joy that deepened my reliance on God and my understanding of stewardship, patience, and love. Faith was tested again in a profound way when an emergency arose, requiring me to take guardianship of my four nieces and nephews. They were vulnerable, and I felt the weight of responsibility for their safety, stability, and well-being. It was overwhelming, but I leaned fully on my faith, trusting that God would guide my decisions and give me the wisdom, patience, and strength I needed. That experience reinforced for me the truth that faith is not passive, it calls us to action, to courage, and to obedience, even in circumstances that seem impossible. Looking back, every major decision I’ve made, leaving a dangerous environment, committing to the Marines, building a family, and assuming guardianship of my nieces and nephews, has been guided by faith. Each challenge required me to trust God, step forward in obedience, and act with courage. My faith has been the foundation that allowed me to overcome adversity, find purpose, and build a life that reflects the calling I believe God placed on my heart.

Growing up in Fresno, California, I was born into a life surrounded by gang violence and poverty. The streets I walked as a child were filled with danger, and the sound of sirens was often louder than laughter in my neighborhood. Many of my peers were swept into cycles of crime and hopelessness, and opportunities for a better life felt distant, almost impossible. Despite these challenges, my parents instilled in me the importance of faith, discipline, and perseverance. They taught me that my circumstances did not define my future. Experiencing poverty firsthand shaped my values of resilience, responsibility, and service. I learned early on that success requires hard work, patience, and self-discipline, and I developed a deep empathy for those facing hardship. I also learned the value of family and community, how providing support, even in small ways, can change someone’s life. These lessons became guiding principles as I navigated school, extracurricular activities, and ultimately, my decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. Enlisting in the Marines was not just a career choice; it was a commitment to rise above my environment and serve something greater than myself. The Marine Corps has challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally, teaching me leadership, teamwork, and accountability. These experiences have reinforced the values I grew up with and have strengthened my determination to pursue higher education and create opportunities for myself and others. My background continues to shape my goals for the future. I aim to become a leader who can make a meaningful impact, whether in the military or in civilian life, and to be a role model for young people facing adversity. I am committed to using the lessons I’ve learned from my upbringing, resilience, service, and hard work, to pursue academic success and contribute to my community. I want to prove that no matter where you start in life, dedication and perseverance can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. In reflecting on my journey, I see that the hardships of my youth were not obstacles but the foundation for my growth. They have molded me into a man who values discipline, service, and the pursuit of excellence. I am driven not only by the desire to improve my own life but also to inspire and uplift others who face challenges similar to those I experienced. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education and further my ability to serve, lead, and give back, fulfilling the promise I made to myself and my family to rise above the circumstances into which I was born.

As I balance fatherhood, service, and school, I remind myself daily that every assignment I complete prepares me to be a spiritual leader, not just for my family, but for the Marines I’m called to serve. Life doesn’t slow down with two young children, a full-time role in the Marine Corps, and college courses to complete. But in the middle of that busyness, I’ve learned that discipline, consistency, and faithfulness in the small things are shaping me into the kind of leader I aspire to be. My current area of focus is Business Management at Western Governors University, but my long-term goal is to become a Navy Chaplain. I’m pursuing this goal by completing my bachelor’s degree as efficiently as possible while continuing to serve actively in the Marine Corps. This isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about preparing myself practically and spiritually for the next level of service. After my undergraduate degree, I plan to earn a Master of Divinity from a university like Liberty or Regent while remaining on active duty. These schools offer the flexibility and theological foundation I need to deepen my understanding of God’s Word and develop the pastoral skills required to minister to service members. The Chaplain Corps serves people in every situation, from deployments and combat stress to personal loss and crisis. I want to be fully equipped to meet those needs. My studies in business management are already giving me tools I can apply directly to leadership within the military and ministry settings. Courses in organizational behavior, leadership theory, and ethics have helped me sharpen my communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. I believe that to lead effectively, especially in the unique environment of the armed forces, a chaplain must have a strong faith and the practical ability to navigate the pressures of command structures and team dynamics. Every paper I write and every course I complete brings me one step closer to my calling: to lead, encourage, and spiritually support service members through the unique challenges of military life. I’ve seen what this lifestyle can do to a person’s faith, family, and mental health. I want to be someone who walks alongside others in those moments, not with all the answers, but with a steady presence and a compassionate heart. Ultimately, I’m not just working toward a degree. I’m working toward a mission that allows me to serve God and my country profoundly, personally. The sacrifices I’m making now are an investment in a future where I can minister to those who wear the uniform, offer hope in dark seasons, and lead with humility and conviction. I’m committed to the path ahead and grateful for every step that prepares me to fulfill this calling.

The day I watched my mom break down in the kitchen is etched into my memory. She had just returned home from a long shift, balancing cleaning houses during the day and selling homemade tamales on the weekends. I was a kid, too young to understand the weight she carried but old enough to recognize what exhaustion looked like. That moment opened my eyes to what sacrifice really meant, and to how deeply rooted strength is in my Hispanic family. I grew up in a Mexican-American household where struggle was familiar, but quitting wasn’t. My father, once caught in the grip of gang life, spent time in prison. His absence forced my mother to carry the load of raising us alone for years. We didn’t have much, but what we lacked in money, my family made up for in resilience, faith, and love. My mother taught me that no matter what cards you’re dealt, you play them with pride and perseverance. That mindset is part of what has driven me in everything I do, from becoming a United States Marine to pursuing a college degree. My Hispanic background has deeply shaped how I see the world. In our culture, family is everything. It’s where we learn loyalty, respect, and the importance of community. I’ve seen how our people rally together, whether it’s to celebrate or to support one another during hardship. That sense of unity has taught me to value relationships and look beyond myself. It’s why I mentor younger Marines, teach kids’ ministry at my church, and step up at home for my wife and children. I also see the world through the lens of opportunity, because I know what it means to grow up without it. My parents didn’t have the chance to finish school, let alone attend college. My success is not just personal; it’s generational. I’m the first in my family to pursue higher education, and I do so not only to build a better life for my children, but also to honor the hard road my family walked to get me here. When I log into my courses at Western Governors University after putting my kids to bed, I’m reminded that this is about more than a degree. It’s about transforming a family legacy. Being Hispanic also means carrying the richness of culture and language. It’s in our food, our music, our faith, and our stories. It’s taught me to take pride in where I come from and to approach life with grit and gratitude. I believe my heritage has made me more compassionate, more resilient, and more grounded in purpose. Today, I’m a husband, a father of two, a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps, and a college student preparing for graduate studies in pastoral ministry. But at my core, I’m the product of a Hispanic family that endured much and loved deeply. That lens will always shape the way I lead, serve, and give back.

I grew up watching my mother do everything she could to keep us afloat, working long hours, selling homemade food, cutting corners wherever possible, while my father spent years behind bars. My dad was a gang member in his younger years, caught in a cycle that offered no real future. He didn’t have access to guidance, structure, or opportunity, only survival. My mom, meanwhile, was doing everything she could just to give us the bare minimum: food on the table, shoes that fit, and a roof over our heads. That environment shaped me. It lit a fire in me, not to repeat what I saw, but to rise from it. As a first-generation, Mexican-American college student, I am driven by the brokenness I came from and the hope I now carry. My parents didn’t get the chances I have today. My dad turned his life around, but not before the justice system took years from him. And yet, he encourages me every chance he gets, telling me, “Mijo, you’re doing what I never could.” My mom never had the chance to dream beyond survival. And now, I’m dreaming big, not just for me, but for them. When I joined the Marine Corps, I found the structure and mentorship I had craved growing up. The Corps gave me direction, a sense of belonging, and the courage to lead. I carry that discipline into my college education at Western Governors University while balancing life as a husband, father, and Staff Sergeant. It’s not easy. I study after bedtime stories and during lunch breaks. But I’m not just earning a degree, I’m rewriting my family’s story. Being a first-generation student means navigating unfamiliar systems and pushing past fear and doubt. I’ve had to figure out financial aid, juggle full-time military service, and fight to stay focused while raising two kids under two. But every time I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of where I came from, and where I’m going. I want my children to grow up with more than I had. I want them to see that our last name doesn’t define our limits. I plan to use my business degree as a foundation to pursue a Master of Divinity and serve as a military chaplain, providing spiritual care, mentorship, and hope to service members who, like me, may have come from hard places. My calling is to be a light where others feel lost. This degree means more than academic achievement. It’s my way of honoring the pain and perseverance of my parents. It’s proof that cycles can be broken. That a boy raised by a single mother, with a father behind bars, can stand tall in a cap and gown and say, “We made it.” Because I’m not just earning this for me. I’m earning it for my family, past, present, and future.