Berea High School’s José Morales-Martinez: Inspiring a New Generation of Leaders Through Advocacy and Mentorship

Berea: A Beacon of Hope Thanks to José Morales-Martinez

In the bustling city of Berea, we find a true gem in the form of José Morales-Martinez, a dedicated student advocate and site coordinator for Communities In Schools at Berea High School. With a mantra that resonates with positivity, “sí se puede” – meaning “yes, it can be done,” Morales-Martinez is a light for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who may feel lost in a new environment.

Wearing Many Hats

Morales-Martinez plays numerous roles in the lives of his students. He is not just a mentor but steps into various shoes—like those of a coach, a teacher, sometimes even a friend or a social worker. He’s the one students turn to for guidance, especially when navigating the daunting world of education and beyond:

“A lot of the students are either coming straight from their home country to here, or they don’t know anyone who is successful, who’s done it, who’s gone to college,” he shares. “I’ve been gifted the opportunity to be that role model.”

A Journey from Mexico City

Born and raised in Mexico City, Morales-Martinez’s beginnings were anything but typical. He spent his early childhood in a traveling circus, where his father dazzled audiences as an animal tamer and acrobat. His mother managed the household while caring for José and his siblings.

At the tender age of four, his family made the difficult decision to cross the border into the U.S. They found residence in Greenville—where they joined relatives already settled there. Life was tough, marked by constant struggle; the family of five shared a cramped three-bedroom apartment with another family.

Despite the struggles, his mother instilled a strong sense of humility and community in him. Morales-Martinez recalls, “She would tell me to go over there and help them out because it was the right thing to do” whenever they encountered families who needed assistance.

Giving Back

This ethos of helping others is evident in Morales-Martinez’s work. Aside from being a student advocate at Berea High School, he also plays a pivotal role as an advisor for the Hispanic Alliance’s Student DREAMers Alliance. This leadership program aims to develop the skills of high school juniors and seniors who identify as Hispanic, empowering them to become leaders and advocates in their communities.

“It cultivates the next generation of Hispanic leaders through a lot of professional development, whether it be public speaking, social and mental awareness, or career or college guidance,” he explains, showcasing his commitment to the students he serves.

Overcoming Adversity

Reflecting on his own youth, Morales-Martinez recalls how a few influential adults believed in him when he couldn’t see his own potential. Support from figures like Adela Mendoza, executive director of the Hispanic Alliance, provided vital encouragement toward achieving his dreams.

Morales-Martinez faced a major hurdle as an undocumented youth. However, the introduction of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) changed everything for him. “It was a big deal because it gave us temporary legal status,” he says. “It was an opportunity for a lot of people who wanted to achieve.”

A Message to the Youth

His DACA status paved the way for him to apply to Furman University, where he received a remarkable scholarship, becoming a first-generation college graduate. “If I came from nothing, with no legal status and grew up poor, dealing with all this stuff and still managed to come up and do all this, so can these kids,” Morales-Martinez states, radiating hope and determination.

He encourages his students to look beyond immediate adversities, to dream big and pursue their goals. “I want to encourage them to look past the fences that they live in and go beyond,” he emphasizes, embodying the spirit of resilience and hope for the next generation.

In Berea, the story of José Morales-Martinez continues to inspire many, demonstrating what’s possible with mentorship and community dedication. In his words, “sí se puede” truly becomes a reality for those he supports.