ASUCI President Ethan Martinez’s Message to New Anteaters

Oct. 3, 2024 - Ethan Martinez is a biomedical engineering senior and leads the 37,000-strong undergraduate student body as president of the Associated Students of UC Irvine (ASUCI). 

What would you like to say to new Anteaters?

I encourage them to join something and find community. I’d also like to encourage them to not be discouraged after a setback. It’s our first time doing a lot of different things. As a first-year student, I wasn’t perfect and failed in a lot of ways. We have time here to try again. 

I also think it’s really important students do things with a purpose because ultimately in times of challenge, we can look back on our purpose – on why we’re here. For some, that may be following in our parent’s footsteps, getting a degree or just being our best version of ourselves.

What are your insights into leadership?

Communication is a really important skill to have. A lot of problems stem from miscommunication. I’ve also learned that it’s not about myself. My role is to serve the undergraduate body – being a guide, positive influence and resource to them.

Tell us about ASUCI, the undergraduate student government at UCI

There are many ways to be engaged. We have different events throughout the year, for example, all the Welcome Week activities, upcoming debates and community-based events. Students can apply to internships, run for office (e.g. each school has Senate positions) or attend our office hours about questions on student affairs.

What other university activities are you involved with?

I used to drive the Anteater Express. It was really fun. It was nice to take my friends to school and be able to practice hospitality and talk to people. I also go to Crosslife Christian Fellowship, a Christian group on campus.

How has your faith influenced you?

In the lens of leadership, it’s prompted me to stay humble in the positions I’ve taken on and to focus on serving other people. Sometimes leaders can be aggressive or harsh, but through reading the Bible, I'm inspired to grow in servant-based leadership. I see myself as any ordinary student but with the opportunity to advocate and support my peers at a higher level. 

Why did you choose biomedical engineering?

I wanted to go into health care or premed and I saw BME as a fusion between math and biology. I love how broad it is – as small as cells and as big as prosthetics and health care. In engineering, there’s a big emphasis on problem solving, which has also helped me in leadership.

What are your career inspirations?

My goal after college is to find a biomedical engineering job. I’d like to eventually go into health care management or project management and get an MBA because I also love business innovation and entrepreneurship.

Fun Fact about yourself?

I’m a triplet.

What’s that like?

It was really neat having built-in best friends growing up. We were in the same sports teams. During the pandemic, we would cook and bake together. Nowadays, we golf and go fishing together.

How has your Hispanic heritage influenced you?

My Hispanic heritage has positively shaped my work ethic. Growing up, I witnessed the dedication and resilience of my parents who worked tirelessly to support my higher education goals. I heard stories of my grandparents, who built the foundation of their lives in the U.S. after moving from Mexico and learned the importance of perseverance and discipline, which has allowed me to create a better future for myself and my community.

What would you like to say to fellow Latino students?

To my fellow Hispanic Anteaters, I encourage you to celebrate our culture, reflect on our unique stories and have gratitude toward the Hispanic-Serving Institution we attend, UCI!

- Natalie Tso