Department Chair, Counseling

Alicia Martinez

Alicia Martinez

Department Chair
Counseling Department
(408) 855-5039
alicia.martinez@missioncollege.edu
Office Location: SEC-139

Connect with Me

Alicia Martinez serves Mission College students in the Counseling Center and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Motivated by and inspired by her students, she states that a "college education education transformed my life. I feel privileged to be in a career where I can be a resource and provide support to help students achieve their educational goals."

Although Alicia has a graduate degree, she encountered challenges that could have prevented her from succeeding. According to Dr. Victor Rios, At-Promise students already possess the tools necessary to succeed in school, but just need support and assistance to utilize those tools. Some of Alicia's challenges included the following factors.

  • First-generation
  • Low-income immigrant family
  • English was not my first language

Education

  • M.A., Family & Child Counseling
    • University of San Francisco
  • B.A., Psychology
    • Minor in Spanish Literature and Teacher Education program
    • University of California, San Diego

Privilege Acknowledgement

Privilege is an unearned advantage that is highly valued but restricted to certain groups.  Everyone has some form of privilege.  Acknowledging your privilege does not mean you believe you are better than others.  It is a way of demonstrating gratitude for an advantage you have and acknowledging that those without the advantage experience the world differently than you do.

According to Alicia, "One of my privileged identities is that I am college-educated and are now, as a grown up, part of the middle class. The benefits of college education have transformed my life and made this possible. Education has provided me with opportunities that would not have been possible without it.

Coming from a low-income family has made me have a greater appreciation for what I have now and what I can now offer my family. Education has impacted my career choices and I’ve found a career I enjoy and find very rewarding. As a counselor, I can also be a guide and resource for students so they can also achieve their educational goals and enjoy a more fulfilling life."


Fast Facts

When she is not working, Alicia spends as much time as possible with her family. A travel lover, she studied abroad in Spain for a year as an undergraduate which offered her the opportunity to make lifelong friendships. She loves music and attending lectures.