LINDSEY BOERMA
Staff Writer
Senior Chad Martin has made himself known at Pepperdine. Whether you are a freshman, member of a fraternity or merely a student trying to earn Convo credits, chances are you have seen Kentucky-native Martin around campus.
Martin, a business administration major, is the epitome of a leader. He is involved with and active in a number of activities and obligations, both off-campus and on. Yet, despite his numerous leadership roles in such organizations as the Black Student Union, SGA, Sigma Chi and the Inter-Fraternal Council, Martin is says his main goal is to remain focused on God, family and the promising journey ahead of him.
So what activities are you involved with on campus?
Let’s see. I am a first-year seminar mentor, president of the Black Student Union, vice-president of the Inter-Fraternal Council, which presides over all the frats on campus, SGA off-campus senator, social chair for Sigma Chi, a special events intern at the Convocation Office and I sing in the Genesis Gospel choir. I am a baritone, in case you are interested. My demo is coming out soon. No, just joking.
Which activity of those is your favorite?
I like them all in very different ways because they all serve various roles in my life. It is like comparing apples to oranges because they are all so different, and I love them all so much. I will say this — I don’t do things I do not love to do.
You seem to take on a lot of leadership responsibilities. Have you always been that way?
Actually, it is funny because freshman year I did not do a whole lot, which was so weird because I was so involved in high school. And that is actually one reason I became a freshman seminar leader — to help them get plugged into what they want to do.
How did you choose business administration as a major?
I have been involved with business for a long time, and it can be applied to virtually any situation. Even if you are on the (Third Street) Promenade doing a little dance, that is a business.
So what do you want to do with that after college?
You know, I never wanted to be one of those seniors without a plan. So right now I am hoping to go to automotive dealer school for a yearlong intern program, then work for a year, then get my MBA on the East Coast in hospitality management. Next year I also want an internship in the entertainment industry, so if that works out, maybe I will stay there. Those are just some options.
Who has been your main inspiration?
My dad. He taught me how to “give back.” I mean, God has blessed my family in so many ways so that I am able to do everything, but my dad is one person who taught me to be involved and did a great job of balancing family, friends and success. His drive and determination are instilled in me. I am never content with what I do — I always want to do it better.
What would you say has been a key factor in your life as far as who you are and what you want to do?
Life. I am a firm believer in the quote, “I make plans and God laughs.” If you had asked me freshman year if I was going to work in the Convocation Office, I would have said no. If you had asked me in high school if I would go to Pepperdine, I would have said no. It is all about God and life and taking opportunities to just go for it. If it works, it works. If not, move on and go for something else. There are going to be good and bad days and you just have to let life guide you and make decisions as you go along. I believe in making plans, but I also believe in the detours. After all, it is not the destination — it is the journey.
10-05-2006