We sat down with Damareus Jackson Martin, 23, a sophomore here at Spalding University and student success coach pursuing a social work degree with a minor in psychology.
What brought you to Spalding University?
I started at JCTC during COVID. It was pretty rough at that time as I had just left foster care and was trying to juggle school and maintain being on my own.
When I turned 21, I became homeless and had to decide between getting a job and maintaining where I lived. I took a break for two years before I took a job at Kentucky Youth Advocates and started expanding my work with Foster America and later joined the Youth Metro Cabinet.
I made the decision to come to Spalding after realizing all the advocacy work we do allowed me to travel to Washington, D.C., and I wanted to have the education behind the words that I was saying.
What was your transition to Spalding like?
I started full-time and had a 4.0 my first half of the year. I also got accepted into the Honors Scholars Program.
As a student success coach, I have had a lot of fun. I know in order for a student to be successful, things outside of school have to be in balance. I try to make sure their mental health is okay before anything else.
What do you plan to do after Spalding?
On top of getting my bachelor’s degree, I want to continue expanding on my education and receive my master’s as well.
You do a lot of work within the community. Is there a particular area you want to focus on or another direction you wish to go in your career?
I’m really focused on the youth. For example, this week we focused on National Violence Prevention Week. Recently, we had a youth panel discussion on youth violence in the community.
I’ve worked in a lot of places, and Louisville is where I want to stay for now. However, I do have plans to do work outside of Louisville in the future.
How has Spalding University contributed to your success?
It’s a very low-stress environment. I think everybody is very open and welcoming. It helps me stay focused. The staff and faculty being welcoming is very relaxing and less stressful on the mind and heart.
Last Words
I do want to thank Spalding for believing in me and accepting me. I came here to gain support and give support, and I have felt more supported here than ever before.
Martin is also a Youth Metro Cabinet member for District 2, where he works to elevate youth voices in the community and local government while providing an outlet for civic engagement that fosters social, emotional, and interpersonal growth.