David Martin Jr.

Meet David

Pronouns: He/Him

Major: Kinesiology

Year: Second Year

Hometown: Manteca, CA

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU?

My favorite memory at SSU is witnessing our miraculous "campus comeback" and triumph over the adversity of the pandemic. The reopening of classrooms, clubs, dining, rec center, and much more was a great feat. I am proud of all those who worked hard to bring us back to normal and am glad for our entire community as a whole.

What made you choose SSU?

I attended a tennis summer camp at SSU back in 2017. Ever since then, I loved the campus and wanted to come back.

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it?

The difficulties of balancing school life and my mental health amidst the pandemic. It was easy to start having questionable thoughts of "can I do this?" or "will I make it?". Self-doubt began to creep up. Anxiety and depression began to knock. Being cooped up in my room most of the time with the large workload of classes began to bring me down. Over time, a victim mentality began to form, and I became my own worst enemy. However, I eventually realized that I had a choice. I could either focus on the negative and what was not in my control. Or I could focus on what was in my control and form ways to create positive change in my life. I chose to create. I chose accountability. I chose to take responsibility and focus on what I could change. The process of taking a bad situation and finding the fun to transform it into a good one is the lesson. Instead of blaming outside sources, I learned to point the finger at the person in the mirror, because we will always reap what we sow.

What have you been involved with at SSU?

SSU Male Success Initiative, SSU Black Student Union, SSU Intervarsity, SSU Bible Club, SSU Anime Club