AV����̳

Making the Most of Every Lesson: Xochitl Martinez

The UAF College of Liberal Arts proudly honors Xochitl Martinez as one of the 2024–2025 Outstanding Students in Anthropology. A senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in creative writing, Martinez blends intellectual curiosity with a belief in the surprising, enduring value of every lesson.

“One piece of advice that I would share with future students is that nothing learned is useless,” they said. “The knowledge that you pick up in one class is potentially applicable in a completely different class… and applying [that knowledge] outside of school is always really exciting.”

This interdisciplinary perspective—where creative writing and cultural study inform each other—is exactly the kind of connection CLA champions. Martinez's commitment to exploring ideas across subjects embodies what it means to study within the liberal arts: drawing from many traditions to think deeply, adapt thoughtfully, and contribute meaningfully.

Martinez's academic journey didn’t begin with a 4.0 or instant accolades. In fact, after completing an Associate of Arts degree, they took time off before returning to pursue their BA. That’s why a specific moment at UAF still stands out. “A moment at UAF that made me feel especially proud of myself is when I made the Dean’s List my second semester here,” they said. “I wasn’t a great student with my AA, so I was just chugging along with my grades… I didn’t realize I was doing any good until I got an email in my inbox telling me that I was.”

It was a turning point not just in performance, but in confidence. Through hard work and renewed dedication, Martinez found their stride and developed a deep sense of academic pride.

Another moment that left an impression came during one of Fairbanks’ signature deep freezes. “Last winter, it was like negative 30—probably a little lower,” they said. “We all got an email in our inbox from the dean, kind of congratulating us for being at school and continuing to do that. It really kind of threw things into perspective… most people don’t go out if it’s negative 30, and none of us really thought twice about it.”

That resilience and grit—hallmarks of life in Fairbanks—resonated with Martinez as part of the culture at UAF. In an environment that often tests its students, they found not only academic growth but also a profound sense of community.

The Outstanding Student of the Year Award recognizes students like Martinez who have demonstrated excellence, engagement, and growth within their department and across the college. At UAF, anthropology students explore the richness of human experience—from cultural systems to historical perspectives—and often combine their studies with other disciplines like Martinez has done.

As they prepare to graduate, Martinez continues to believe in the quiet power of persistence. Their academic path is proof that success doesn’t always come quickly, but that meaningful learning often unfolds in unexpected and powerful ways. “Always keep an open mind about what you're learning, and how to use it,” they said.