Student Jillian Martinet is synonymous with the university’s values of learning, serving, and leading. The senior is president of the Student Government Association, does a work-study with Campus Ministries, plays first base on the women’s softball team, and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Martinet is an education major and hopes to teach middle school math and science at a public school and eventually become a principal or superintendent.
This past summer, Martinet and two other Reinhardt students went to Africa with the organization The Living Water Ministries. For twenty days in Tanzania, Martinet, Macy Schrepel, and Jacob Sollars spent time with the Maasai people and visited schools and a church that trains pastors. Martinet says the Massai were welcoming and protecting, and she was able to teach their children, evangelize, eat with them, and learn about their culture.
There was no running water, no electricity, no technology, and wild animals everywhere. Two pastors served as translators. Utilizing her diverse talents, interests, and spirit, Martinet enjoyed every minute.
The experience almost didn’t happen. Martinet suffered a major injury during a softball game last season. But she felt a calling to go, and at the last minute got medically cleared and found funding for her flight. She feels blessed with the outcome, “It was the most healing experience I’ve ever been a part of.”
This trip was Martinet’s second time abroad to embrace and serve. In high school, she traveled to Guatemala and delivered food and medical supplies while spreading the gospel.
Back on campus, as SGA President, Martinet is working to maintain and improve campus life, as well as community outreach.
