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Olivet Nazarene University
Breaking Free From Stereotypes by Thaliya Martinez
I am an an American who comes from a rich blend of Afro-Latina, Afro-Hispanic, and Caribbean. Puerto Rican and Spain from my mother’s side and Trinidadian from my father’s side, with ancestry that includes European heritage from both sides, while my Indigenous and Caribbean roots are exclusively from my mother’s side. It's not uncommon for people to question why my last name is Martinez or why I don't fit their preconceived notion of a stereotypical Puerto Rican, especially due to my darker skin tone. However, what they fail to see is that my entire name reflects my Spanish background, and it's disheartening when my name is mispronounced. Puerto Rico itself is a vibrant and diverse place, encompassing a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. It's essential to understand that Puerto Ricans come in various shades, including those with black ancestry, as well as black individuals from Spain. People often express surprise when they see my family, unable to believe that we have different skin complexions. But ethnicity is not solely defined by appearance. It's a multifaceted concept that encompasses heritage, culture, and personal experiences. It's disheartening when people make assumptions based on superficial judgments. We should all remember that diversity exists in every corner of the world, and it's our duty to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes. Instead of allowing others' perceptions to define us, let's proudly embrace our unique backgrounds and inspire others to celebrate the beauty of diversity. Together, we can break free from the limitations of societal expectations and create a more inclusive and accepting world.
ONU Women’s Cross Country
Thaliya Rosa Martinez demonstrated exceptional dedication and athleticism throughout her collegiate career, competing on the Olivet Nazarene University women’s cross country and track and field teams. As a newcomer to running, she faced challenges that required considerable effort to overcome, including redshirting her freshman year. Each year, her cross country team participated in a summer camp; however, prior to her junior year, she was unable to attend due to her commitment to army training.
After successfully completing her training and graduating from the advanced camp for the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, it is a 30-day rigorous training program where cadets from around the nation undergo intensive training to prepare them to become future army officers. Martinez shifted her focus back to excelling in cross country meets. Her hard work paid off when she earned a position on the national team in 2022, which was based in Tallahassee, Florida, proving that anything is possible with God.
Although she did not have the benefit of summer training, her rigorous army training equipped her with the skills necessary to compete effectively. In addition to her responsibilities on the women’s cross country team, she was an active member of the Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team, a strenuous competition designed to test cadets both physically and mentally while enhancing leadership development and fostering team cohesion. As part of this nine-member team, she contributed to their first-place victory, helping bring home the trophy. Simultaneously, she achieved significant success in both disciplines, earning a spot at cross country nationals and aiding her Ranger Challenge team in their first-place triumph.
Despite facing challenges with low iron levels, Martinez persevered and secured a spot on the national team in 2023, located in Seattle, Washington, as an alternate. During this period, she managed to participate in both the women’s cross country and track and field teams while also training for the army. Her ability to balance multiple athletic commitments exemplifies her unwavering pursuit of excellence and determination to succeed.
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