Emily Martinez

Emily grew up in the beautiful state of Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a degree in theatre performance from the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. With the help of a FOCUS missionary and the blessing of being cast as Joan of Arc while in school, she discovered what it meant to have a personal relationship with Christ, and it changed everything. Today, she is in her fifth year with FOCUS. On campus, she served as a missionary and then as a team director at New York University. She is currently a member of the FOCUS Recruitment team, speaking to students across the country about the impact young adults can have within the Church. She loves The Mighty Ducks, Shakespeare and pickles. In that order.

I Thought I Had a Plan

Here I am Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people...

The Art of Starting Over

Four years ago, I lived 20 minutes away from downtown New York City, where a new skyscraper had been built at the site of a national tragedy. Two years ago,...

The Most Humiliating Moment of My Life

Around this time last December, my team and I were on an offsite in Boulder, Colorado. Most of our team worked remotely, so it was a gift any time...

“Fr. What A Waste”

He was normal. He was so genuine. He was charismatic and kind. He looked you in the eyes when he spoke, and he made a true effort to listen. No, I...

Something to Remember When It’s Time to Move On

“I’ll have the Chicken Pad Thai, please.” “Hot spice?” “NO! Err, sorry. No. Miiiild. Mild spice! Thank you!” I had had the hot spice before and literally started crying in the restaurant....

The Mission Trip Moment that Taught Me the Beauty of Brokenness

“You. Come with me.” That was the beginning of the end. “Spray, scrub, iodine, cream, then wrap it up. Go.” The Sister spoke in broken English as she quickly demonstrated,...