Grand Day! My name is Derrick Martinez, and I am a first-generation college student that graduated last year from the University of Texas at Austin, where I received my Social Work degree from the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. I can proudly announce, I will continue my education at the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor to obtain my Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse and Management & Leadership. I was selected as one of 15 MSW students to participate as a Detroit Integrated Health Scholar.

I worked as a server throughout my time at UT Austin. My passion for becoming a mentor grew while I interned for Project MALES. I focused on mentoring Latino males and males of color to support their educational attainment and college-going competencies in these young men while also providing a safe space for these young men to discuss responsible manhood. I held multiple intern/volunteer positions, such as a Project Management Intern, School Social Work Intern, Peer Mentor, Educational Outreach Specialist, Community Engagement Officer, and Court Appointed Special Advocate. I traveled to London as a study abroad participant to deepen my understanding of social justice and explore the historical roots of social welfare and social work. After earning my undergraduate degree, I accepted a Juvenile Case Manager position, where I am currently employed, working on criminal and civil cases related to students and parents. After a year of providing case management, I recognized a need for mental health services for these populations. As a Detroit Integrated Health Scholar, I will be a Clinical MSW Intern providing outpatient mental health services to individuals and families for the Black Family Development agency.

In addition to being accepted to UM, I have been fortunate enough to receive generous scholarships to help mitigate tuition. I have been honored and accepted the Scholar Program Scholarship, Opportunity Grant, Dean's Mission Scholarship, and the DIH Scholarship from the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor. These scholarships have covered the majority of tuition. Unfortunately, the cost of attendance being an out-of-state student is very high. I greatly appreciate all in assisting me with this fantastic opportunity. My goal is to achieve $10,000 to help me pay the remaining balance of my tuition and travel expenses to move from Texas to Michigan. I know the final amount sounds like a lot, but I am only asking for your support, whatever that may be. Any amount and sharing this post is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and donation.