Author: Martionna Salinas

There is a superwoman that I know here at the University of Mobile, and her presence has made such an impact on my life.

Lawrencine Mason is director of Career Services in the Student Success Center at the University of Mobile. She manages and directs all responsibilities directly related to career-oriented services, including the responsibilities of student leaders and work-study, intern students and upcoming graduates. 

Mrs. Mason is not only my boss, but she is a very understanding mentor to me. Although I have known her for only a year, I am glad that she is a part of my college journey. 

When I met her in the Spring semester of 2022, it was when I was interviewing for a part-time job as a career coach. Career coaches are student workers who assist in the career services department. We started talking and instantly connected. I didn’t know we would be as close as we are now because I didn’t know that I was going to get the job. I am so grateful that I did get the job! 

I quickly learned that Mrs. Mason has a strong desire to get to know students and work with them to help in their career preparation. She is the most kind, caring and sweetest lady ever! She always makes time for a joke or two to keep the mood going for everyone else around her. She makes sure that everyone is doing well. She even attended the Miss UM pageant that I competed in, which shows that she is big on being supportive. 

As a first-generation college student to graduate in my family, I really appreciate the support. One of the things that has been a support on my journey is the RamLegacy meetings when different people who have graduated from UM take the opportunity to tell their stories to us as encouragement. The RamLegacy pinning for seniors was a bittersweet moment. My mom attended as well as Mrs. Mason. At the pinning ceremony, seniors received flowers as a token of love from the RamLegacy director Mrs. Barbara Brousseau, associate professor of French. 

To be the first person in your family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree is such a blessing and inspiration. It means so much to me to have mentors to support me throughout their busy schedules. 

Not only does Mrs. Mason work here at UM, but she also graduated from UM. She told me, “I loved it here. It made me feel like I was at home, accepted and that I belonged here.” 

With a mentor like Mrs. Mason, you can experience the feeling of being at home, accepted and that you belong here at the University of Mobile.

Martionna Salinas

Martionna Salinas is a senior at the University of Mobile, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing with a minor in English. Martionna is currently gaining experience as a student intern with the university’s marketing department. She also works as a career coach on campus at the Student Success Center. She likes writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

When I first came to the University of Mobile, my favorite quote that the school displayed was, “Know and Be Known.” My understanding of it was to know who you are in order to get to know what your purpose is. I have always had a love for writing, and I knew in my heart that it was my calling. 

UM has paved a vision for me in my career. I have had many opportunities in expanding my writing skills and even getting feedback in helping me to become a better writer. Criticism is not always taken as a bad thing. It can help you along the way to become better at what you do. 

I’ve learned that God gives us all a vision to see what calling we are supposed to fulfill. Some people may not understand your purpose, but it is your journey. You can be great at different things in life, but it is that one thing that makes you happy or stand out. 

If you don’t know your calling just yet, it is okay. That is where growth takes place for you to blossom into who or what you are created to do. So, don’t give up!

Be different. Be true. But, most importantly, be you. 

Martionna Salinas

Martionna Salinas is a senior at the University of Mobile, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing with a minor in English. Martionna is currently gaining experience as a student intern with the university’s marketing department. She also works as a career coach on campus at the Student Success Center. She likes writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

As a creative writing major at the University of Mobile, I have a million ideas floating in my mind throughout the day that need to come into reality. In my mind, a brain fog comes often, but that is when I look for inspiration to my literary role models, Maya Angelou and Tyler Perry. They are two successful African Americans that I wanted to take time out to notice in honoring Black History Month. 

I have a love for poetry, and so did Maya Angelou. As a senior here at the University of Mobile, I have taken classes in the College of Arts and Sciences that consist of poetry, novel writing and screenplay writing. In studying poetry, I have come to have an even deeper appreciation of this famous inspirational poet.

The multi-talented Maya Angelou had a flow and rhythm of poetry that was direct, with the use of metaphors, similes, alliteration, repetition and more. One of my favorites is one of her most famous poems, “Still I Rise.” A line that means so much to me is, “But, still like air, I’ll rise.” As a metaphor, it explains the confidence of overcoming obstacles. Although things happened, she didn’t let it bring her down. 

I think of that line and apply it to my life as a college student. Sometimes the due date comes so quickly in turning in assignments, that I procrastinate and lose motivation. I’ve learned to stay ahead in my assignments and remember to stay motivated, because giving up is not an option!

When I had to write a 30-page script, I did not know where to start. I thought of Tyler Perry and how he has inspired me by writing about real life experiences, as he does in one of his shows, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne.” I thought about my own life and experiences. I went from there and started typing my fingers away!

Tyler Perry is multi-talented as well, and I admire his filmmaking, playwriting and acting. One quote he says that sticks in my mind is, “It doesn’t matter if a million people tell you what you can’t do, or if 10 million people tell you no. If you get one ‘yes’ from God, that’s all you need.” You have to keep the faith, and never let anyone depict your dreams for you!

Although Maya Angelou is not with us anymore, she is still a legend in my eyes. Her poetry is still significant. Tyler Perry inspires me to not give up on what I am called to do. He has paved a way for many African Americans, just as Maya Angelou has done in the writing field. They have inspired me to share my ideas, expand my writing horizons, and continue to write, even when people criticize your work. 

Maya Angelou and Tyler Perry has inspired me in knowing that failing is a part of success, but it is all about getting back up and finishing what you have started. Writing can and will give you a voice to be heard!

Martionna Salinas

Martionna Salinas is a senior at the University of Mobile, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing with a minor in English. Martionna is currently gaining experience as a student intern with the university’s marketing department. She also works as a career coach on campus at the Student Success Center. She likes writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Poetry is my first love! In 7th grade, poetry and different writing styles of literature were introduced to me. Since then, I have written over 164 poems from 7th grade until now as a college senior.

The University of Mobile has allowed me to expand my writing skills and creativity. One of the opportunities I had was to compete for the title of Miss University of Mobile in 2022. It was so wonderful to recite a self-written poem of my own as my talent and be able to be heard. 

Pursue Your Passion

In 3rd grade, one assignment for our class was to recite a poem every week that our teacher gave us to remember. I made an “A” on every poem recited. In church, I recited Easter and Christmas poems that I wrote. I even wrote a skit for our church youth to perform. I say that to say how strong my love for writing is. When you are passionate about something, it shows. 

As I reflect on my childhood, I realize that my mom is my inspiration in having a love for writing. As she knew pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, and etc., off the top of her head, so did I. She loves English, and I have taken that trait from her. 

Why I Chose UM

After earning an associate degree in general studies at my local community college, I planned to transfer to a four-year university. I didn’t want to be too far away from home. I chose the University of Mobile because of its wonderful creative writing program. Each time from 10^th through 12th grade that I visited the campus, it made me feel like I was at home. With that being said, I started my junior year while continuing to pursue my career. 

Since I have been here, I have taken some fascinating classes such as “The Novel,” “Introduction to Writing Short Stories” and “Introduction Writing for Film and Television.” My goal is to become a writer who writes books, poetry, skits, short stories and screenplays. I would love to further my career in even becoming a director. 

My Purpose

God has led me to know my purpose, and I am forever grateful in knowing what He has called me to do. 

As graduation approaches in May 2023, I am beyond proud of myself and the effort I have put in to achieve my goals. I can now make use of my creativity and expand it even more. I want to be an inspiration to others, just to let them know that they can do it, too!

This is my purpose. This is what I was created to do. As my favorite poet Maya Angelou says, “Nothing will work unless you do.” That is one quote that I will always have in mind, and I hope you do, too. 

Everyone has a purpose. You just have to find it.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university offering on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Martionna Salinas

Martionna Salinas is a senior at the University of Mobile, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing with a minor in English. Martionna is currently gaining experience as a student intern with the university’s marketing department. She also works as a career coach on campus at the Student Success Center. She likes writing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.