04/25/2017
Heyhey 2020!
We hope your Week 4 is off to a great start!
For this week’s Spotlight we have Soto’s very own Martin Alcaraz Jr.
Name: Martin
Dorm: Soto
Bio: Martin is a first-generation, low-income, student of color at Stanford University from East Los Angeles, California. He is interested in majoring in Bioengineering and going to medical school to become a neurosurgeon. In his free time, Martin likes to watch history documentaries (another subject that he is passionate about), dance, or hang out with friends. Contact Martin at [email protected].
What is your favorite Frosh Council memory?
One of my favorite Frosh Council memories was when I assisted Anna (basically our FroCo mother) in selling banners during parent's weekend. Anna and I talked about FroCo, undergrad life, etc. But something that has stuck with me is how sympathetic and empathetic Anna is as I shared a lot about myself and she listened and was very receptive. I know that this moment meant a lot to me as Anna was there for me and she now has a special place in my heart.
Where were you when you heard that you got accepted to Stanford?
I was at the movies with my mom and two brothers - we were watching Batman vs Superman and the movie started at 2:30PM. I remember being anxious, not because Stanford was hard to get into, but because Stanford was my dream and I did not want it to just stay as a dream but become a reality.
I kept checking my phone every five minutes and my mom got mad because she said that they would think I was pirating the movie, but then I logged onto my portal at 2:59PM and clicked refresh. I saw the words that a status had been posted on my portal and I read that I was accepted.
I remember breaking down and my mom told me, "Don't cry if they rejected you. You have USC and Princeton already". But then I said, "NO, mom! I got in." And she hugged me, and I think everyone in the movies was wondering why I was crying, but then I went outside and called all my friends.
What is your favorite study spot on campus and why?
I really enjoy studying in my room because I am away from all distractions - I find the library too boring; I find outside to be full of social distractions; but I find my room to be a good balance as I have the ability to walk out of my door and talk to some friends, but also the ability to just close my door and study... that is if I ever decide to (RIP).
Stay tuned for more Spotlights this weekend!
Happy Week 4!
