M³ Spotlight
The M3 Spotlight – a new feature in the newsletter – will pose three questions to a student, parent, instructor or staff member connected with our institutions who has an inspiring story to share.
For our debut, we’re excited to introduce you to Marcelo Martinez, a videographer and “supergraduate” who earned degrees from MPS, MATC, and UWM. Martinez currently works at UWM and has extensive and varied experience in his field from work with the Milwaukee Film Festival and other nonprofits to an award-winning documentary at the Splice Film Festival in New York.
Name: Marcelo Martinez
High School: Graduated from MPS Alexander Hamilton High School
Degrees: Associate’s degree in TV and video production from MATC; Bachelor’s degree in film, video, animation and new genres from UWM
What inspired you to become a videographer?
I grew up watching a lot of films as a child. It was my escape. I watched a lot of (grown-up) films at a young age. I felt like it was just a window into a different life, different cultures, and different ways of thinking. It helped open me up and really gave me an open mind. It showed me different points of view, that my way wasn’t the only way of living.
What’s the biggest takeaway that you learned from your time at MATC and UWM?
That making connections is really important. It’s not just about getting an “A.” It’s about encompassing everything that you do at school. Getting involved is really important because that’s where you’re going to make your connections. That’s where you’re going to learn a lot about life.
What advice would you pass along to an MPS student?
I did really well in high school. I graduated with a high GPA and was involved in a lot of things. It would have been nice if there was a program like M3 College Connections when I was younger. In terms of the transition between high school and college, I wish there was something like M3 to help with my study skills. I really want to get my nieces and nephews involved in it when they get older.
Also, don’t be afraid to go to college. I think going to college is such an incredible experience. It’s not only important for an education, but the socialization and again – the connections you make. It’s worth your time.