James Loy 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast by the host and guests may or may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Miami University.

Student 

I'm a senior, I'm about to graduate, and I've done a lot of cool things in college.

Student 

I never thought that I was going to be an intramural curler. I never thought that I was going to be the student body president.

Student 

These four years have been the biggest amount of growth I've seen in my entire life.

Student 

It's not just about the academics, but like, what kind of person you turn into, which is super cool.

Daniel Martin 

So when I came to campus for the first time and I was moving myself in my room was already set up. I was on my laptop, and I just I read too many of those, like the self help books in college how to make friends on the first day. So I kept the door propped open, listening to music, and I was hoping someone would pop in and say hi. No one popped in.

Michaela 

No but you put yourself out there, and there's creds for that.

Daniel Martin 

And well, so the girl from across the hall, one of them popped in and just like, head in, and then didn't say anything. It's funny that I tell that story, though, because we're actually best friends. We've been friends all four years because of living together, yeah, like, like, so she was across the hall, and so we just, like, kept being friends. And just like, friends and friends and friends and friends. And like, she was so influential in, like, my early years in college. And so, like, it's just so awesome. Like, thinking about her now, and like knowing that I just saw her yesterday, and being like, wait, we've come so far.

Michaela 

And like, the impact they have on you. Like, my I have a similar experience, but it is my roommate. But my roommate, Lydia, and I have been roommates now all four years, just because it ended up, like, working out swimmingly. But yesterday, we were like, crying to each other because we're like, oh my god. Like, I can't believe we're here right now. And like, she's in a band, and we're like, watching her sing and like, it's so weird, because if she was a freshman knowing that she was gonna be able to do that, it's just like, so crazy to, like, look back at things like, in retrospect, you're like, wow, I'm really proud of you. Yeah, well, and especially, like with college, there's so many moments that shape you and formulate who you are, and formulate your experience, and just things that, like, you know you're going to talk about forever, and you're gonna be like, I this changed the trajectory of my life, essentially. And like, that's a lot of also about what we talk about on this podcast are, like, those moments that change your college experience, and maybe, like, what might have been different if that didn't happen to you? So yeah, this is Major Insight. I am Michaela Buck, and who are you?

Daniel Martin 

Hi, guys. I'm Danny Martin. I'm the president the student body. I'm also a brother of Phi Kappa Tau, social fraternity on campus. Yeah, I'm a diplomacy in global politics and history double major with a Spanish minor. And yeah, I'm excited to be part of the podcast. Talk it out.

Michaela 

You are like, the involvement king. I feel like your name is everywhere, like, it's so cool, and I feel like you've had such an impact on campus. And I kind of just, like, want to know your story. Like, how did you get into your major? Or maybe even, like, student body president, like, what was that like for you?

Daniel Martin 

So I'll start with my major. So with my major. So my dad's a Cuban refugee from Cuba, and my mom's Colombian immigrant from Colombia, but she immigrated during the time of, like, the M 19, so that was a terrorist group in Colombia that was bombing the capital, and she lived in Bogota, which is the capital. And so she had left to go, like, meet my dad, and they got married, and they had kids and whatever. But like, growing up, it was just a lot of just like, hearing their story, America's impact, what the United States did for them, how, you know, it gave them kind of this new lease on life, you know, like a new shot at freedom, a new shot of-- just experiences. And so I always wanted to do that, and I really, always wanted to have that influence, or, like, work in that world, you know what I mean. And that's kind of how I found diplomacy, because I always thought, well, I have so much international background, speak another language. I'm so interested in, like, Cuban and Latin American culture and European history. And so I was like, you know what? My services are best used in the Foreign Service, being a diplomat, like, something like that. So when Miami had like, when I saw Miami had diplomacy, I was like, oh, perfect. This is exactly what I do. It's not just international relations, it's not just international politics, it's diplomacy and global politics. And so I was like, this is awesome. And then history has always just been a passion of mine. There's something so awesome about history. I equate it to like you're gossiping with, like, your super knowledgeable friend. Like, it's always like, and France did what and who is this Joan of Arc woman, like, Tell me more. And so, like, I love it, because it's like, you learn all these things and then, like, telling it to your friends, or, like, even, like, when you're reviewing it, sometimes I review like, I'm on the phone with my dad or my mom or whatever, like a friend of mine, or like they're in the room, or whatever, I'm always like, and then I mean a Roman history class, and I'll just be like, and then Julius Caesar, you'll never guess, and the Senate who like, and Brutus what? And so I just love having that, but it also serves, like, a practical purpose too. So I'm a huge like, you can't move forward without knowing the past, and the past, like influences the future, and it teaches you the lessons, and history never repeats itself, and it rhymes, right? And so knowing all of that in the past, and maybe it can tell you how to act in a certain way in the future. And maybe you can, you know, new things can happen, and new ideas can flourish, and stuff like that. And so I think that's super, super important. So I thought, You know what? It's fun for me on a personal level, but it works in the other ways. And then for Spanish, Spanish is my second language. So I grew up speaking English. My mom doesn't speak English, though, so I grew up at least listening to Spanish with her. So I can understand Spanish super well.

Michaela 

So interesting. I think that's so cool. And I also think it's cool just that your story has, like, brought you here, like all of your life experiences have kind of made you choose the major that you did, and made you go into maybe, like, the internships that you've had, or like stuff like that. But I think it's so cool what you said about history, because I think everyone should be a history major. Quite frankly, I'm like, I think that is so important. And like, I think it's so cool. Like, you could probably just, like, rip facts off in the middle of a conversation, like, oh, this happened in 1992 or whatever it is. I'm like, I'm so jealous of that. Like, that's so cool. Do you think that like, your decision to run for student body president, was that, like, part of kind of this background that you have and kind of part of your major like, did that kind of influence you to run? Or what was the kind of the catalyst for your campaign?

Daniel Martin 

So I think the catalyst was just, I had always been a doubter, like a personal doubter. Like, I like to think I build everyone else up, but I don't necessarily build myself up all the time. So I had always thought I would be a great VP. I would be great on, like, the cabinet role, but I could never be president. No one wants me to be president. Like, that's just a dream.

Michaela 

Imposter syndrome, man, they'll get you.

Daniel Martin 

It really does get me a lot. And so I did something. I forget what it was, but I had done something and I won, and I remember thinking, Wait, maybe I can actually do this. Like, maybe I'm maybe I'm short changing myself too much because of my circumstances, or, like, who I am, or my background, or like, whatever, and maybe I should just go for it. And the worst thing that happens is no, yeah, like, worst things happen. I just don't get it. And so I ran. A lot of my reasons for running was just, wanted to be everyone's friend on campus, and I just felt like I had this great network of friends. And I thought, you know what? I have this huge backing of friends, and at the very least, I learned that I have this huge community in my corner no matter what happens. And it was such a rewarding experience, because in the end, it just, it was, like, I had all of these people just supporting me in my corner. And it's crazy, because I was, like, sick for like half of a thing, like, I had to be in like, the hospital, get like an IV, and then immediately after I got out of the hospital, I went to the student body president, vice president debate, and I had to speak.

Daniel Martin 

It was crazy, but it was just a crazy experience. And knowing my friends were always there for me and always supporting me, and Kirsten was just the greatest. You know, shout out Kirsten because I could not have asked for a better VP, a better friend. I mean, she has just been my rock throughout, not only in the campaign, but throughout the entirety of being pres - VP, like she does it all. I like to think she's like a superhero. She's like elasta- girl. She can literally do it all. And I want to be her, yeah, so in like, so many ways, I'm like, You are fabulous. I was like, how do I be you?

Michaela 

But I think, like, what you said earlier about how, like, the worst that can happen is no, is just a testament to college life in general. Like, in any opportunity experience, like even making friends, like, the worst that happens is you get shut down, but like, at least you're gonna learn something from it. Like, yeah, you know, like, there's always something good that can come out of that, which is just, yeah, kind of reassuring in a way. And I think a lot of things too, like, even when I was running for president of my sorority, like, you're always gonna have a doubt that, like, maybe people don't want you to do this, or maybe I'm not qualified. Or, like, what allows me to be able to, like, lead a group of people? Like, how am I, yeah, like, capable of this? But like, then you realize, like, no, I I actually am. Like, I can do this role. And like people are gonna believe in me, and like it's like a community that you have. And like, yeah, if you didn't win, but you'd have them to fall back on.

Daniel Martin 

And it's funny, you say that because I actually ran a few months before I ran for pres of the student body. I actually ran for pres my fraternity, and I didn't get it. And I remember being like, is this a sign? Like, should I not run? Like, what is this? And it was just like, it wasn't for me, you know what I mean? And that was okay. I learned so much from that process. I learned so much about, like, yeah, my guys still support me. Because, I mean, they were, they were the first people we presented to during my campaign. And, like, it was great. And so just the fact that, like, even though they were like, we don't want you in this role, but we know you have bigger, better things coming, we still support you, yeah, and I have never been more grateful to have like, them in my corner, because that's just like, 35 guys that I just know, like 40 guys that, like, I know, no matter what, they would still be like, hey, you did it. And now, like, it's a great experience just have them and, like, it's also a great too, just because, like, being in a social fraternity, like, it's a spot on campus where I am not the student body president, I am just any other brother, and we can just have fun, yeah? And it's almost like I can just forget, like, yeah, we'll make jokes about it and, like, or during rush or whatever, they'll be like, this is your student body president. But like, at the end of the day, they're always gonna be like, hey, we miss you. Like, we don't see around as much as I know I'm busy or whatever. And they'll be like, hey, well, you know, whenever you're not busy, pull up to the house.

Michaela 

Yeah, before anything else. And I think here we get Yeah, you're everyone's front on campus, which is so cool. And like, there's so much connectivity with that too. Like, I'm sure now you even know that many more people because of your position.

Michaela 

Do you think that this has been, like, the most challenging part of your college experience, or do you think that maybe happened because I feel like a lot of my challenges were like, freshman and sophomore year when I was just like, trying to figure out my life.

Daniel Martin 

You know, I'm gonna say this, and I don't know if it's gonna resonate with everyone, but it totally resonates, okay? It's the hardest thing in my senior season. So I like to think if I break up every year that I'm in school, is like a season on a show, and I'm like the main character, obviously, freshman year I think, like, freshman year hardest thing, making friends, being a new experience, trying to find my way, trying to figure out who I am as a person, right? I mean, I started college at 19, so like, I'm, like, a little bit older, so like trying to navigate that too, was really hard freshman year. And just like finding friends, so much self exploration. And then sophomore year was a lot of like, okay, who am I now that I'm in a fraternity? Who am I now that I know that I'm going abroad and navigating more adult roles and things, and how do I navigate, like, I don't even know. Like, how do I navigate being a new friend, trying to find new orgs?

Michaela 

 Well, you're not a baby anymore. And I think that's like, I always, I think of the years of school as, like, the like children, like the birth order of kids, because it's like, you're not the baby anymore. Like, not, not everyone's gonna coddle you, like, you had a year to figure it out. And like, now you're the middle child, yeah, you're gonna fly under the radar, yeah? Like, people really only care about the seniors and freshman. Not really, but kind of like, yeah, like, you're expected to know exactly what you're doing, and now you've had two semesters under your belt. Like, no one's gonna really, like, not sympathize with you, but like, you kind of have to be like, I feel like, acclimated by that. And so, yeah, there's just, like, a lot that goes into sophomore year that I look back on. I'm like, wow, really. Just had to figure it out.

Daniel Martin 

It was great, just because, like, there was so much I always think about sophomore year of sophomore year of, like, who am I on a professional level, right? Like, getting ready to be a leader on campus, right? And then going abroad second semester of my sophomore year. Just like, jettisoned that whole experience. Because, like, yes, I was abroad, and I was learning new things, and I lived in Lux City. So like, I took the train every day. I exchanged in Petange, like, I got on me trying to Differdange, yeah, and I was like a stop away from Gare, like, it was an amazing experience, but I lived alone. Was me and just the host mom.

Michaela 

This is crazy. I don't think anyone in my semester lived in Lux City. I think it was all Esch, yes, yes, but that's so nuts that you had to commute that far every day. That was like, what an hour.

Daniel Martin 

Oh yeah, 45 minutes every day. And you know what? I loved it. That's where I grew my love of podcasts was in those 45 minutes. But you know it was great because I immediately after Lux, I went to my internship in DC, and it was an I had learned without Luxembourg, I couldn't have known what it was like to live in a city and be alone without going to Lux I wouldn't have known how to use the Metro in DC. I wouldn't know when it was like, safe to, you know, go out, or, like, what is it like at night? I wouldn't have known, like, the inner workings of a city in general, and, like, kind of what's around and what's available. And so, I mean, I am so grateful for going abroad, just because it taught me all those skills. So when I got to DC, it was almost like, oh, I've done this.

Michaela 

Right, and it teaches you to roll with the punches too. Like, yeah, one of those people, I'm sure you probably similar. Like, everything works out for me. I'm gonna plan this. It's gonna be fine. Here's this travel day and what it's gonna look like, and we're gonna catch this bus at this time, and it's like, no, baby, no, you're gonna miss that bus four times, and then you can miss the next train, and you'll kind of just have to deal with it. Yeah, I feel like that is such yeah, that's like, the biggest lesson abroad taught me was, like, you got to just roll with the punches and figure it out.

Daniel Martin 

I mean, it was, it was just great. And I just think about it all the time and like, there's just something so wholesome. And I also learned, like, a lot of personal stuff, too, abroad too, just about who I am, what I want out of life, and kind of just like, kind of more self acceptance. I could rave about abroad forever.

Michaela 

I know I'm like, we could have it, literally a Luxembourg podcast. I talk about it every we like, can't-  me and my roommates can't even reminisce on it, because we, like, all start crying. Wait, tell me about your internship after Luxembourg,

Daniel Martin 

I applied. I actually didn't get it at first, I actually didn't get the internship. So I was like, no, I eventually called them back because I still didn't have anything. And I called them back the day before I was actually supposed to fly to London. Crazy connection. I called them back the day before. I get a call back from them as I'm boarding the Ryanair flight, and I get a call, and they're like, can you talk? And it's like, beep. And I'm like, of course, oh my gosh. What was that? Nothing. Sir, your phone has to be shut off in two seconds, two seconds. And so I answered a question about, like, international law, or something like that, that I actually knew a lot about. And so, and they were like, great. We'll send you the information need to fill out for the job you'll start on this day. So I worked on the Hill. I was a hilltern. Honestly, I ended up -- I loved it so much I did it again this past summer I was a hilltern too for another congressman. It was great. It was amazing. I learned so many awesome skills. I met so many great people that I still talk to. It was just such a great, great experience. Because I think something that you really learn is just especially for like us, I think, and our majors, you really learn a lot about, like, what are the inner workings of government? I think a huge, huge takeaway, like, actually, is this idea that, like, you know, there's something to be had about the need for transparency in these roles. And I think that's huge that you kind of learn from like, a government perspective, but I think from an interpersonal perspective, you learn a lot of just like being personable. You learn a lot about, like, you know, sometimes the degree may get you in the door, but what's really going to take you far is this idea of just like, how good are you as a person, right? How well do you connect with people? And, like, I made great friends, not only with the other interns, but with other staffers on the hill. I mean, I still speak to the chief of staff of the Congressman I worked for last summer, and the comms director and the staff assistant who is my boss and the alleged director. Like, I know so many people in that office that I talk to on a consistent basis all the time, and I'm just like, oh, this is awesome. Because, you know, maybe you can help me find a job one day. But even besides that, I would like, I love to be around.

Michaela 

Like, you're a sponge. I want to suck up all your education and everything you have to say ---

Daniel Martin 

Exactly, each and everything. And I was just like, this is so fabulous, and this is so wonderful. And I just think that I just couldn't get enough of it. You know what I mean?

Michaela 

Is that something you think you want to do now in your future?

Daniel Martin 

Yeah, at least in the short term. I definitely want to work in Congress after college, before I go to, like, post grad or whatever.

Michaela 

Wow, that's so interesting. And I always, like, have wonder, because that's something that's been, like, a little dream of mine, is like being on the Hill. And I just think it's so cool that you got to kind of see, like, the insider scoop of that. Oh my gosh. What a testament to, like, networking, too. And I know, like, there's so much we always say about that, but me and my roommates were just talking about, like, it really is all about who you know. Like, once you do get your foot in the door, like you said, then you're it's kind of free reign, like now you you have the power and the capacity to, like, make all those relationships and form those connections that, like, you can reach out to them when you're a senior, but you knew them as a sophomore. You know what I mean? Like, being able to, like, have those resources, I feel like, as when you're an undergrad, is so important, because like, you can then learn maybe what you want to do, or maybe that's not something I want to do, or these are the experience this person had. So like, maybe I want to follow that same path. I just think it's so cool that, like, you were able to kind of build that web that now you have to support you.

Daniel Martin 

And I think it's great because it's, I kind of did the same thing with the whole, like President thing here on campus. Like it was never a I need to, like, connect with this person, to like, have their connection, or whatever. It was more about just connecting with people on a personal level, and then, like the network made itself. But that's how I always approach all of that. It's just like, get a friend, be someone's friend, and in the act of being a friend, they will want to support you in the want to see you succeed, because you want to see them succeed. And so it's I always, I always tell everyone that, like, when you go into these experiences, like, don't go for it as I want your job. I want to take the information you have and give it to myself. It's more of a no, like, if you were having lunch with a friend on campus, like, it's the same idea, like you're not, like, you're not looking at it from a, oh, I want what you have perspective. Like, you want it to be a more of a you have something that I actually don't know about, yeah, right? And like, I want to just take your feedback, like, it's just like, I want to, I want to be there in that moment with you.

Michaela 

Well, what advice would you give to either like a prospective student or a freshman or someone looking into college, being where you are now as a senior, and all of your experiences, what's kind of like some insight that you would have for someone coming in?

Daniel Martin 

That's a great question. Actually, it's that's a really great question. And I've kind of been asking myself that question a lot too, because it's like, what would I tell myself if I was an incoming freshman? I think, say yes to things, be unafraid, not only to go out and just do things, but be unafraid to just be yourself. And that sounds so cheesy, like, no, not just like, be yourself or whatever, but it's like, applicable. It's like you're in college, you can be whoever that self is, like if you were, I don't know, like the math league champion in high school, but you don't want that to be your identity here in college, it doesn't have to be. You can do literally anything you want, but like, make sure it's a in a genuine way. Like, don't reinvent yourself because, like, you hate who you are. Like, reinvent yourself because you love who you are, and you're finding new niches, and you're finding new people, and you're getting new ideas. And I think that's what college is all about. And I think it's definitely about just like, who are you as a person, and how can you expand on that? How can you reach more people that are both in that state of mind but also not in that state of mind or in that camp, and not in that camp, like broad in who you are, and be unafraid to say yes to things, because you never know what that yes is going to lead to. You never know you're going to meet. You never know what's going to happen. Like, if I hadn't said yes to coming to Miami. I would have never said yes to being my fraternity. I never would have said yes to going abroad. I never would have said yes to meeting my best friends in the whole wide world that are going to be in my wedding. I wouldn't even have said yes to being in student government. I wouldn't have said yes to running for student body president. Like I feel like just coming to Miami and being unafraid throughout every single season that has come out of it to just be who I am and and it's changed who I am now is not who I was, fresh. And thank god no. And I feel like that's a universal experience. Absolutely everyone is gonna look back, grow so much, right? And you're just gonna be like, Why did I do that? Like, my snapchat memories come up. I'm like, same. I'm like, three years ago the other day, and I was like, freaking out over, like, literally nothing.

Michaela 

Me and my roommate started crying because we missed our 10:05 freshman year. Both of us slept through it, literally, the first class we ever missed. And it was like, November. I'm like, baby, it's okay. Like, yeah. And I think it's so funny. Like, now looking back too, it's like, everything works out, but you don't know that as a freshman. And like, that's the scary part. And so I think it is reassuring to people that, like, know that it will work out. And like, as long as you we talk a lot on this podcast. But like, these are four years when you can literally do anything, be anything, be a part of everything. Like, maximize all of your potential. And so like, using all, yeah, like, just all this time, you have to literally just be, like, a student and like, just be a person on a campus is so cool because, like, it's the only time you're gonna be able to do that.

Daniel Martin 

Like, and, you know, I think it also helps too, because a lot of people right now, like, especially like, especially like for us, like applying to jobs and stuff, and like going to the post grad life, or like law school or grad school or whatever. And I think what's great is like being able to just look that and have that retrospective and be like, wait, it worked out then, and we're shaking in our boots. It's gonna work out now. Agreed. Just put yourself out there. Same idea, same concept. Put yourself out there, try your best, put your best foot forward, and what will come will come, right? And we have that saying in Spanish, like, lo que sera, sera, right? What will be will be. And so, like, it's just that whole idea of, like, trust it, trust the process, because you did it once, and look where you are now. You're doing amazing. You're doing such great work.

Michaela 

That exam you thought you weren't gonna pass. Say, like, whatever it is,

Daniel Martin 

And even if you didn't pass, it's the past.

Michaela 

I always think, I'm like, when's the last time I thought about that bad grade I got on a paper second semester freshman year?

Daniel Martin 

Never, never, as long as you're not, like, horrendously failing.

Michaela 

Like, don't take this as us condoning not studying right? However things happen, things happen, and like, you will get through it. And I think, yeah, that's very reassuring to hear. I feel like, as a freshman coming from seniors, like it's all gonna work out. Yeah, I definitely agree. Yeah, cool. Well, thank you so much, Danny, for coming on this podcast, for having you. And yeah, this is our student body president, everyone.

Daniel Martin 

Hey guys. Oh my gosh, thank you. That was so much fun.

Michaela 

Danny Martin is a Diplomacy and Global Politics, and History double major, with a minor in Spanish at Miami University.

After graduation, he plans to work in civil service as part of a congressional office.