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When you meet 99������Ƶ’s new Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President Barbara Garcia-Martinez, chances are you will be taken in by her captivating smile and dimples. The 26-year-old Mexican American may seem soft-spoken at first, but don’t be fooled. Behind the smile is an accomplished woman with a surprising array of talents.

Garcia-Martinez is a second-year student at 99������Ƶ studying Chemical Engineering. After graduating high school, she took several years off to decide what she wanted to do and, during that time, worked as a tile setter for her father’s business, Rosas Marble and Tile in Asheville. The flooring experience she gained there has helped in her current part-time position at Lowe’s, where she works in sales in the flooring department.

After considering interior design and architecture, Garcia-Martinez ultimately felt called to study chemical engineering because she’d like to transfer to make a difference in the medical field. Both her sister and her cousin have Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that results in a compromised immune system.

“I would like to research medications to be able to help people who have this (disease) lead an easier life,” she said.

In her spare time, Garcia-Martinez enjoys doing martial arts, a hobby she began at age 11. She has reached blue belt-level in jiu jitsu at American Top Team in Asheville. Martial arts, she said, are a fun way to release stress while simultaneously building character.

“I used to be more shy and reserved,” she said. “Training has built my confidence and given me a sense of security. You can’t defend against everything, but once you have the tools under your belt, they will help you in an emergency.”

Garcia-Martinez also spent a lot of time doing textile arts such as crochet. “Growing up, I designed clothes for my Barbies,” she said. “I’ve been wanting to get back to crocheting and make scarves, beanies, and cute tops.” She’s excited about hosting craft events on campus, like painting and jewellery-making.

In the meantime, the ambitious student is already making positive changes in 99������Ƶ’s community. She currently works to keep Bailey’s on-campus food pantry and clothing donation closet stocked and said she feels it’s important for students to know about the many great resources that are available to them on campus.

Garcia-Martinez said she feels the best way to reach students is through campus activities. Last year, she loved the Legos events that former SGA Vice President Ross Fallon started, which provided space for unwinding and socialising after class. Events like these, she said, are a great way to get to know her fellow students. Her goal is to create a welcoming and vibrant environment on campus, where students can get the most out of their college experience.

“You can take the time to talk to them and see if they have struggles to overcome or suggestions for improvement,” she said. “Based on that shared space and doing something mindless, you get an idea of what people are going through.”