“I believe that the reason I could balance extracurricular commitments, service, health, and my social life while at LMU was because I studied areas that truly move my spirit. I love studying and excelling in my classes because I am investing in my passions.”
With graduation upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s talented #LMU19 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world. In our We Love Our Grads series, we asked a graduating student from each of our departments to share some words about their time here, as well as their plans for the future.
Jeannette Martinez ’19
Majors: Art History and Theological Studies
Next step: Santa Clara University, Master’s Degree in Education
Tell us little about your time at LMU!
During my time here at Loyola Marymount University, I have challenged myself academically to graduate within three years as a double major in art history and theological studies. My ability to successfully accomplish my goal is a reflection of my passion for my majors. My final course at LMU will be a study abroad course, “Christian Faith and Visual Culture in Rome,” that incorporates both my majors.
What are your post-graduation plans?
When thinking about careers and the next steps of my education, I knew I wanted something that allowed me to live out my passion for art history and theology. I will be attending Santa Clara University for a master’s degree in education with a single subject credential in history. While enrolled in the program, I was hired at a Catholic school in Monterey Diocese where I will be teaching history, religion, and an elective of art history. I am looking forward to pursuing a career in teaching as being an educator at the middle school level will allow me to teach an overview of different subjects that I have studied here during my undergraduate education.
What is your favorite thing about LMU?
I have found that LMU’s location in Los Angeles has added a depth to my studies in art history and theology. I understand my majors as lenses for understanding and learning about people across cultures and historical periods. Being in Los Angeles, I have visited museums and sacred spaces that take learning outside of the classroom and into sensory experiences.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?
I believe that the reason I was able to balance extracurricular commitments, service, health, and my social life while at LMU was because I studied areas that truly move my spirit. I love studying and excelling in my classes because I am investing in my passions. I hope that underclassmen find what they love while here at LMU; everything else will fall into place.
Pictured above: Jeannette at the California African American Museum. Photo courtesy of Jeannette Martinez.
