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Andy Martin

Andy Martin

University of Southern California

Career Roadmap

Andy's work combines: Medicine, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Graduate Student in Social Work

I'm a veteran who wants to fill the gaps in the lack of mental health resources for my fellow vets.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Sociology, General

    University of San Diego

  • Associate's Degree

    Grossmont College

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers:

High School

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I was an athlete in high school and got a scholarship to go to college.

  • 2.

    After college, I worked in criminal justice for some time, then I decided to enlist in the Army.

  • 3.

    Serving on the front-lines overseas and then coming home safely was a huge milestone.

  • 4.

    However, while serving, I suffered an injury that impacted me physically and mentally.

  • 5.

    After my service ended, I looked for mental health resources for vets and found them to be scarce.

  • 6.

    This inspired me to tackle the shortage myself; I started volunteering and went back to school.

  • 7.

    Another defining moment for me was being accepted into a master's program.

  • 8.

    I'm currently pursuing my master's degree at the University of Southern California.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    You have a pretty good life and a college degree...why would you ever want to join the military?

  • How I responded:

    A lot of my friends and family were concerned that I was going to leave this great situation behind to put my life on the line, but it's not in my personality to quit something once I've put my mind to it. I think that comes from my athletic background, where you're always pushing yourself to be better. I also have amazing parents that taught me that haters are always going to be out there, but you just have to focus on your end goal.