Citrus Student-Athlete Martinez Selected for Internship w/Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano

Glendora, CA -- Citrus College freshman swimmer Natasha Martinez has been selected to intern for United States Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano this coming summer. Napolitano represents the 32nd District here in Southern California and has an office based in El Monte.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity," Martinez said. "I have a passion for politics and getting people involved in their communities. I hope to gain the experience of working in politics. I'm still learning how government works, and this is a huge chance for me to experience it first hand with professionals who are working in the field."

Martinez has involved herself at a young age in her community and in leadership positions. Martinez served as a member of the Associated Student Body at Duarte High School, and was also a member of the Mayor's Youth Council in her home town. Martinez got the idea to apply for the internship via a job shadowing opportunity with a government relations worker at City of Hope.

"She told me to apply for an internship with a congresswoman, and that with my drive and interests, I would be a good candidate," Martinez said. "I applied for it on a whim with a cover letter and resume, and then later got an interview. I was really nervous during my interview with two of the congresswoman's representatives, but it went well. Six people out of over 100 applicants got interviews, and only three of those six got offered the job. I'm really looking forward to this experience."

Martinez's passion for politics and community involvement is a result of what she has herself experienced with her family. Martinez has a younger brother who is autistic, and a mother who has had to fight through the red tape of the system to get her brother the therapy and support he needs.

"My dream is to become a lawyer and an advocate for families with disabilities. My brother made me realize that if you have a child with disabilities, that it can be hard for them to reach their full growth and learning potential, unless you know how to navigate the system," Martinez said. "He has improved so much. My mom did a lot of research, and advocated for my brother. She attended lots of meetings. Her motivation in helping my brother to live a good life was a strong example for me and helped motivate me to pursue this path that I'm on."

Martinez has continued to stay involved during her first year here at Citrus College. Martinez became a member of the ASCC Activities Committee, and helped decorate and plan activities for Citrus College's 100 Year Centennial Celebration. She has also stayed active in the pool, where she has been swimming since she was three.

"I swam all four years in high school, and am really looking forward to our upcoming season," Martinez said. "I approach my swimming with the same tenacity that I approached this job opportunity and all my other activities. It's important for me to stay active and involved. I always say that if you have a healthy body, you'll have a healthy mind."

When Martinez is done at Citrus College, she plans to attend a four-year university and study law.

"I want to help families who don't know where to go for help, whether it's getting help with speech therapy, physical therapy, etc. I want to be a voice for those who don't have one, or don't know where to go."  

"It's always been a goal of mine to have an aquatics program that helps develop well-rounded student-athletes, both in and out of the water. Natasha is certainly a great representative of that," said Citrus College Head Swimming Coach Andrew Silva. "We are excited about her having this opportunity. Her hard work is evidenced by this chance, and we know that she will continue to be an excellent representative of our program."

"In the Citrus College Athletics Department, we want to mold our student-athletes to have an impact in competition, in the classroom, and in their community," said Citrus College Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Jody Wise. "Whenever we have a student-athlete that is rewarded for their hard work in a manner like this, it makes us all proud."

http://citrusowls.com/sports/wswimdive/2014-15/releases/20150330tj7568