For his final blog entry of the year, Hector Martinez director of college guidance, The Webb Schools (Claremont, CA), penned a reflection for Webblogs sharing insight into some of the great parts of his job as a college guidance counselor.
He warmly paints the relationships and connections that continue throughout the life of a member of the Webb community.
Yes, Mr. Martinez is clearly accomplished in his field. Holding a leadership role in college admission, he’s a member of the Executive Council Members for Guidance and Admissions with The College Board.
Even as an accomplished administrator he stays so grounded and connected never losing site of what’s meaningful. He continually returns to the importance of human relationships- in all of his roles- as admission counselor, as admission professional among peers, as Webb faculty member talking to alumni.
Martinez relishes and seems to cherish his interactions and relationships as they grow and change.
“There’s nothing like spending time with Webb alumni because I’m always impressed with not only what they are doing with their time and talent, but also with how articulate and passionate they are about doing good things with their lives and making a difference in the world. I enjoy hearing their stories of life after Webb and how much they are learning and experiencing.
…Yet, to me they still are “my Webb kids,” the ones that sat nervously in my office in their junior year in high school hoping that I would tell them they had a good chance to get into a good college. Their gestures, laughs, and mannerisms are as I remember them when they were at Webb, but their goals and dreams have matured.
….Young alumni attending college or working 3,000 miles from Claremont, a familiar college/university in a world famous city like New York, or the new Dean at Pomona are all important to Webb and especially important to me and my efforts. I am getting the word out that The Webb Schools are worth knowing and appreciating. The fact that along the way I make new friends, share some nice meals, and enjoy some great laughs are the sweet parts of my travels that make my long days and nights away from home worth all my efforts.”(Webblogs)
Every student should be so lucky as to have a Hector Martinez in their life.
