Martin Wood
When Martin Wood decided to enroll in college at a non-traditional age, he was determined to be a good student. As he approaches graduation, Wood has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.
“Delaware Tech has reminded me of how much I have always had an appetite for education,” Wood said. “I lost track of that as a young man because it did not seem like the “cool” thing to do. But, the more I become comfortable with being a student, the more mesmerized I am with the substance of the learning material itself.”
Wood immediately had a positive experience when he first reached out to the Support Center in August 2020 and received help from Dr. Matthew Rubincam. Since then, he has enjoyed every interaction with each staff and faculty member, and credits all of them with his successful journey to his degree.
“I have been given unconditional support from all of the faculty and staff at Delaware Tech,” Wood said. “So many of their smiling faces brightened my day and educated me throughout my time here.”
One memorable interaction came during his discrete mathematics class. Wood was struggling, and he says it was the one class he thought about dropping. However, instructor Rachel Sherman made sure he knew he belonged in the class and offered him support and guidance to make it through.
“Through Ms. Sherman’s compassion and expertise, I believed in myself because I knew that she believed in me. She not only taught me about math but taught me that I have more grit in me than I may have known.”
Outside the classroom, Wood immersed himself into student life opportunities. He served as president and treasurer in the Student Government Association and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the InterVarsity student club. Wood was a regular at Dial-In with the Director, and he volunteered at Coastal Clean Up; planting beach grass; adopt-a-highway; the College food pantry; the Run, White, & Blue 5k; and the Chocolate 5k. He also participated in a study away program to Walt Disney World.
“Each experience gave me the opportunity to form relationships with classmates, faculty, and staff while solidifying my sense of community,” Wood said.
After graduation, Wood will look to continue his education and has already applied to multiple four-year universities. He plans to be a math major. Before that, he will take several weeks to refresh and relax, and enjoy and celebrate his graduation.
“The sense of accomplishment will be immensely overwhelming,” Wood said. “It will be a reminder that all things are possible and that the journey is never-ending. It will increase my confidence level and I will most likely cry as I see my mother weeping as well.”
