x
Breaking News
More () »

Spectacular Senior: Kevin Martinez

High school senior Kevin Martinez is working towards his goal of becoming a registered nurse, not knowing if his time in the only home he's known will come to an abrupt end.

SUFFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Nansemond River High School senior Kevin Martinez tends to be person of few words, describing himself as a "more hands on person."

Martinez, who graduates in June, plans to become a registered nurse and has a jump start on his career choice. He's set himself apart in the eyes of teacher Varnestein Lafevre.

"When I think of Kevin, I smile," said Lafevre, one of Martinez's teacher's at the Career and College Academy at Pruden. Lafevre told 13News Now Martinez always assists in the classroom and never has to be asked to help.

"I know that he wants to become a registered nurse, and this program will teach him how to do that 'cause we learn skills," explained Lafevre.

"Student" is only one of Martinez's jobs. He also works at La Parilla Mexican Restaurant in Suffolk to support his family. The Martinezes came to the United States when he was a young boy.

"So, I'm a dreamer," Martinez said timidly during our interview. The dreamer reference doesn't have to do with the way most students use it when talking about their desires to work in a chosen career. Martinez used "dreamer" to refer to himself as a member of a politically targeted group of children in the U.S. -- children of people who came into the country illegally. The fight about dreamers rests with Congress which is far from resolving the issue.

The future of those children -- those dreamers -- is uncertain. Martinez wonders each day if tomorrow is will be his last day in the only home he ever has known.

With a stoic look, the often quiet high school football player said, "I want all the dreamers to know to never give up. Keep fighting." Martinez, following that advice, keeps working hard, earning the trust of those around him, including his patients.

"When we're in the clinical setting, all the patients want Kevin to work on them," said Lafevre. "With kevin, anything is possible."

Follow 13News Now on Facebook and Twitter

► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13News Now App.

Before You Leave, Check This Out