Balancing life, school and work can be a challenge. And being a student-athlete also adds practices, games and workouts on top of an already busy schedule.  

And for first-generation students, the pressure to succeed is multiplied.  

That’s why junior criminal justice major Gino Martinez started his podcast, “G3,” to talk about the mental health of students, especially student-athletes and men. He is a first-generation student, and after his mom got sick and could no longer work, Martinez also took on an important role in his family caring for her. 

“I don’t want to fail them,” he said, talking about how his degree means so much to his family. “They’re all looking up to me. It feels like you’re just supposed to be [going to school] for you, but at the same time, you’re doing it for your whole family. I’m going to set a standard.”  

He started the podcast in the spring after leaving soccer due to a decline in his mental health from balancing caring for his mom, being an athlete, working two jobs and going to school. 

“I went through a lot of mental things, and it was super hard,” he said. “I started realizing I wanted to help student-athletes, or even just people in general.”  

On the podcast, which is currently on Instagram and TikTok, Martinez shares his advice on managing stress and anxiety and men’s health — a subject he says is taboo in society.  

“Men are built to have a poker face instead of showing emotions,” he said. “I want to spread awareness of how things are. I want people to understand you have to take this seriously, it’s not something you should frown upon.”  

He says the podcast doesn't sugar coat the seriousness of the subjects because he wants his audience to understand that these issues can have a major impact on their lives.  

“I’m a realistic person. [On the podcast], I just say what’s on my heart or on my mind,” Martinez said. “I want to tell [the audience] the truth of what’s happening, and it might not be something they want to hear.” 

Martinez hopes that taking the time to speak about these issues will also help others who are facing high-pressure situations — something he said he’s ready to take on as he thinks about going into the police force after graduation. He hopes joining the force will also help him get into grad or law school.  

“Being Hispanic and wanting to be a police officer, people wonder why I am supporting [the police],” he said. “I’m trying to break the norm. I’m trying to build trust. I want kids to love and trust officers again, not be scared.”  

During his time at Texas Wesleyan, he said his professors have been supportive and says he loves that the University is diverse.  

“People are friendly. It’s a small school, so you can actually talk to everyone. You can talk to your professors, and they will help you out. You have more of a chance to succeed and make connections,” he said. 

He hopes that his path can help motivate other students to realize they aren’t alone when they have to make difficult decisions, especially as they near graduation and feel the pressure to find a job.  

“I’m not a superhero. I can’t save everyone,” he said. “But if I could save someone, or help someone, by showing my video, that’s enough for me. It’s still pretty amazing.”  

Texas Wesleyan offers free mental health counseling for students through the community counseling center. Students can also receive free 24/7 mental health support through TimelyCare, a telehealth platform.