If you’ve ever had the pleasure of hanging out with Michael Martinez, better known as Miami Mike, on campus, you know how often the man gets stopped. It definitely seems like he knows everyone at Fordham, and when you find out how many activities he’s involved in (like Campus Ministry and NSO), it’s no surprise. He’s warm, welcoming and passionate about what he does, plus he brings that extra bit of Miami flavor to campus.
What year are you? Junior, FCRH Class of 2013.
What is your major? Philosophy and psychology with a concentration in American Catholic studies.
What activities are you involved in? Too many to list…
Favorite movie: I love too many movies, but I am going to have to go with The Godfather II or City of God.
Favorite musician: I know this might sound ironic in relation to all my other answers, but I’m going to have to go with Eminem or Jay-Z.
Favorite book: Most powerful book I’ve ever read in my life: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis.
Favorite TV show: Used to love both “24” and “Lost”, but now I don’t watch TV.
How did you decide to come to Fordham? Two things: 1) it was a Jesuit University (and I love the Jesuits) 2) it was in New York City (one of the best cities in the world, except in the winter). What more could I ask for?
How did you become involved with Campus Ministry? God called me on the phone, and he said “You want a job?”
Do you have any tips for students who are trying to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other obligations like internships? I know sleep might seem low on the priority list (trust me, I am not one to talk), but if you sleep sufficiently it will positively affect all other areas of your life.
What’s your favorite thing about NY? The “people watching”, never a boring time anywhere you go in the city.
What’s your least favorite thing about NY? The lifestyle — too hectic sometimes. I wish it was more layed back every now and then. I’m looking forward to studying abroad next semester in El Salvador. Totally different atmosphere.
Do you have a favorite Fordham memory? My entire Fordham experience…From the first day of arriving on campus to put my stuff into Tierney with my parents, to sitting in front of my laptop in Walsh answering these questions. I ♥ Fordham!!
Do you have a favorite NYC memory? I can’t decide whether it was the Eminem and Jay-Z concert at Yankee Stadium or the 6th row seats at the Watch the Throne concert in Jersey. Enough said.
What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at Fordham? A philosophy course called “The Problem of Evil” with Fr. Brian Davies. Intense, but it blew my mind every time.
What’s your least favorite class you’ve taken at Fordham? Sorry Professor Kelly, but Structures of Computer Science.
Where’s your favorite spot on campus? The Spellman Hall chapel is beautiful if you haven’t visited.
If you could give one piece of advice to a Fordham collegiette™, what would it be? Balance activities for the mind, body and spirit — There’s more to education than just grades.
What’s your dream job? I want to become either a high school teacher or university professor.
What’s on your NYC bucket list? Meet a super famous actor, actress or musician walking down a street.
What do you think the best part of a Jesuit education is? “Finding God in all things,” including a boring math class.
Who is your favorite professor at Fordham? My “Christ in World Cultures” professor Sister Elizabeth Johnson was an incredible teacher. She made me ask the big questions about my faith and challenged me every class.
What’s one thing everyone would be surprised to learn about you? I can rap!
Hey collegiettes™, check out this vintage clip of Mike rapping in high school! It’s his campaign body for high school VP – can you say aw?
Pick one!
Bronx Zoo or Botanical Gardens? Botans, so peaceful.
Arthur Ave/Fordham Road? Fordham Rd., way more exciting.
Cafeteria or Grille? Grille, Buffalo chicken wraps? Come on
Conway or Dr. Jay’s? Never been to either.
RamVan or Subway? Subway, love people watching.
Duane Reade or WalGreen’s? WalGreen’s is closer.
Met or MoMA? Met, such a magical place.
Hot Dog or Bagel? Hot dog, even without the baseball game.
Broadway or Off-Broadway? Broadway, can’t knock the originals.
Radio City or Madison Square Garden? MSG for sure. Although I saw Cirque du Solei in Radio City and that was spectacular.
Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge? Central Park, an underrated but very spiritual place.