Graduating at age 16 from high school, Christian Martinez has higher education in mind

By Joe Olvera ©, 2012

Not too many students graduate from high school at age 16. On the average, many high school students finish school at age 18, some even as high as 20. Thus, for someone to achieve that milestone, it’s an important achievement. Christian Martinez is one such student, and he understands what it meant to  graduate from high school at such a young age. “I realized that it’s a great accomplishment,” said Martinez.

“It took a great deal of perseverance and a lot of studying. It makes a person feel good about himself.” Martinez also knows that to continue his education at a higher level means that he will be earning a substantial salary once he earns his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. According to statistics, depending on the career field, a college graduate earns about $20,000 a year more than someone with only a high school diploma. “My plan is to attend the University of Texas at El Paso for one year, then transfer to U.T. Austin where, eventually, I will achieve a Master’s Degree.” The well-spoken young man, who describes himself as being about 5 foot, seven inches, with brown hair, said he didn’t receive any scholarships to attend UTEP, so he will work part-time while attending school.

“I’ve got an interview with a company and if I’m hired, I will work full-time until school starts,” Martinez said. “I worked with my dad so I know quite a bit about being an electrician. That’s what my dad does and he’s very good at it. Once school starts, I hope to work part time only because the main thing for me is academics and making good grades.” His Grade Point Average in his four years at Americas High School, a part of the Socorro Independent School District is a respectable 88.7. He plans, eventually, to work in the green industry, or at some eco-friendly position.

His parents, Felix Martinez and Zoraida Martinez, are justifiably proud of their young son, not only because he graduated from high school at such a young age, but because he has a firm grip on his  future and on what he wants to do with his life. “I think they’re bragging a bit to friends and family for what I accomplished, but, I couldn’t have done it without their help and support. At some point I will  return to El Paso when I finish at U.T. Austin. This is my home and I love it here.” Martinez has an older brother, Christopher, 19,and a younger sister, Crystelle, 8. “I want to help my sister, and I hope she’ll follow in my footsteps.”