Jeanette Martinez's journey to graduation didn't follow a straight line—but it followed
a path of fierce determination, selflessness, and quiet strength.
Back in high school, Jeanette was already setting her sights on a meaningful career.
As part of her school's Vocational Education program, she spent half her day learning
in the classroom and the other half gaining real-world experience at a local attorney's
office. That opportunity planted the seeds of a profession that would stay with her
for decades. When she graduated, she stayed on at the attorney's office—and started
taking classes at Odessa College. Her employer believed in her so deeply that he offered
to pay for her education. Jeanette would work part of the day, then head to OC full-time.
But, as life often does, everything changed in a heartbeat. Around Christmas, her
boyfriend came home on military leave. Two months later, Jeanette found out she was
pregnant. She put her college dreams on hold so she could work full-time and prepare
to raise her child. When her daughter Alyssa was born, Jeanette’s purpose became clear:
“Alyssa became the most important thing in my life.”
Alyssa remembers that time well. “Raising me as a single full-time working mother
never stopped her from attending everything to support me throughout all of my school
years,” Alyssa says. “She made sure that I never went without her love and support
in every aspect of my life.”
Jeanette spent 21 years as a paralegal and then went on to work another 20 years with
the City of Odessa Fire Department. She built a full life but never forgot the path
she once started.
In 2023, at a family gathering, the conversation turned to college and that lighthearted
moment sparked something serious. She enrolled in a class she thought would be easier—something
online to help her ease back into school after so many years. “It was after COVID-19,
and I really enjoyed it,” Jeanette said. “So, I decided to keep going.”
Her original plan was to earn a degree in teaching. But when she realized she couldn’t
fit student teaching hours around her full-time work schedule, she pivoted. That didn’t
stop her drive—instead, she doubled down. Jeanette took four classes every 8-week
term, plus Maymester and summer courses.
She earned not just one degree, but three.
In Spring 2024, she completed her Associate of General Studies. In Fall 2024, she
added an Associate in Entrepreneurship. And now, in Spring 2025, she graduates with
her ExxonMobil Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship from Odessa College.
“I’ve done a lot in my life, and my biggest accomplishment is my daughter,” Jeanette
reflects. “In going to college, I’ve surprised myself. I’m more outgoing, I’m more
expressive of my thoughts and opinions. When I’m around others who have gone to college,
I think, ‘I’m educated, too.’”
“And most importantly, it’s made a difference to me!” she adds with pride.
Jeanette Martinez is proof that it's never too late to rediscover yourself, to follow
through on unfinished dreams, and to do it all with heart. Her story is one of generational
impact, personal growth, and the kind of love that inspires a legacy.