Hometown: Bronx, NY
Major: Secondary education and history
Post-Graduation Plans: 2015-16 Fulbright Scholarship in Poland, followed by graduate studies.

Martin Gamboa arrived at Boston College planning to study physics and mathematics, but soon discovered a love of history and teaching. He used his undergraduate years to learn about himself and the world. Gamboa pursued his research interests as a Ronald McNair Research Scholar and through an Advanced Study Grant and a McGillycuddy-Logue Travel Grant. He has presented his research on family structure during the Atlantic Coast Conference-sponsored Meeting of the Minds. His future plans include a year in Poland as a Fulbright Scholar, teaching English and studying the country’s educational system.

What was your reaction to being named a Fulbright scholar in Poland for the 2015-16 academic year?
“I grew up in a housing project in the North Bronx called Boston Secor. Going from a low-income, inner-city neighborhood to Boston College was like coming to a different world. To think that a kid from Boston Secor would be invited to be a cultural ambassador to another country is unfathomable. The Fulbright gives me a platform to try to help make the world a better place. It confirms that all the struggles I’ve gone through have been worth it.”

What experience had the most impact on you?
“My semester abroad in Greece. I went there to try to live like the people of Greece live. It had a huge impact not just on my cultural understanding, but on my development as a person. There were only about eight other BC students in Greece, so I think that gave me the space to think about what I wanted to do with teaching; what I wanted to do as a person. Everybody has a BC experience, but you have to do it on your own terms. We’re trying to find ourselves and we should be doing it while we live our lives.”

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“From an academic standpoint, get to know your professors. Try to get to know one professor per semester. They can watch you develop and you can learn more about them and their work. To find an adult to help lead you to your vocation is a luxury we sometimes take for granted. Don’t. Take advantage of that opportunity. Socially, give yourself time to figure out who you are.”