From the small town of Kooskia, Idaho, to leading the student government at Lewis-Clark State College, Rayne Martinez’s journey is one of ambition, leadership, and lifelong learning. A graduate of Clearwater Valley High School, Rayne took advantage of opportunities through Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) that set the foundation for her success in college and beyond.
Discovering IDLA and the Power of Flexibility
Rayne first heard about IDLA from her school’s coordinator, Angie Morrow, long before she entered high school. “I was only in middle school, but she told me that I would be able to take online classes during the summer or overload classes during the school year to get ahead,” she recalls. That early introduction led her to take summer and dual credit classes, helping her get ahead academically while keeping her schedule open for other interests.
One of her biggest accomplishments in high school was earning her CNA license. “Through IDLA, I was able to get my Certified Nursing Assistant license, which was extremely beneficial because I still work as a CNA to help pay for my college,” she says. The experience also taught her valuable skills she continues to use today. “It also taught me self-discipline and allowed me to get a jump start on my degree through dual credit courses.”
Building Leadership and Confidence
Leadership has always been a defining part of Rayne’s story. In high school, she served in several student government positions that sparked her confidence to take on new challenges in college. “I believe being in student government in high school taught me what it means to be a leader and the responsibilities that come with the position,” she says. “I brought that knowledge with me to LC, and I felt confident that I could make a difference for the students here as well.”
At Lewis-Clark State College, Rayne now serves as Student Body President and a peer mentor. “Serving as Student Body President has taught me many things about leadership and service. I’ve learned how to represent the students’ wants and needs to ensure that everyone feels like their voice is heard,” she explains. Her other roles have been equally meaningful. “As a peer mentor, I help lead a class that all freshmen coming to LC are required to take called First Year Foundations. This class helps to teach students about goal setting, personal wellness, and the resources available to them on campus. From this position I have gained valuable teaching skills that I can apply to my future career.”
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a small-town high school to college life brought new lessons. “There are more things to do and more things to get distracted by,” Rayne shares. “Being disciplined and responsible became more important than ever and thankfully, taking classes through IDLA helped me to develop those skills.”
Online learning required focus and accountability. “Since IDLA classes are taken online, it was easy (at least for me) to slip behind on my work. I learned quickly that it’s crucial to be responsible and finish the classwork before getting distracted or focusing on something else. This lesson helped me in college because although there are more things to do, I recognized that I needed to finish my homework first.”
Looking Ahead
Rayne’s passion for education continues to guide her future. She plans to graduate with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Middle School Science before pursuing her master’s and doctorate degrees. “One of my long-term goals is to earn my master’s and doctorate degrees and serve as a principal. I want to make the educational environment more inclusive, so every student feels comfortable to learn,” she says.
Her goals extend beyond the classroom. “In the future, I am excited to see the world. I hope to travel and gain new perspectives on the lives of others to increase my effectiveness as an educator and as a global citizen,” she shares. “I would also like to serve in the Peace Corps or a similar organization at some point in my life because I value service and giving back to the world.”
Advice to Students
Rayne encourages current students to work hard while maintaining balance. “Be sure to stay on top of your work, and don’t burn yourself out. It’s good to be ambitious and want to do as much as possible but also ensure that you have time for you,” she says. “You know yourself better than anyone, so take on only as much as you can handle and don’t spread yourself too thin. At the same time, strive to do your best and make the most out of your time.”
She also urges students to take advantage of opportunities like IDLA’s online courses. “If you have the opportunity to get ahead by taking classes through IDLA, try it out! If it’s something that works for you, take advantage of the opportunity and look into the Advanced Opportunity funds to save your pockets and your parents’. Have fun and enjoy yourself, you got this!”
A Lasting Impact
Looking back, Rayne is proud of how far she has come. “As any high schooler is, I was faced with the challenges of high school life, and I’m proud to say I came out on top,” she says. “IDLA helped me with this because it taught me how to work hard and stay focused. It also helped me explore my interests while I was in high school, so I was prepared for college.”
Her experience with IDLA gave her the freedom to explore and the confidence to move forward. “Through IDLA, I was able to try out many different classes to see if I wanted to pursue that degree in college. Eventually, I ended up pursuing education, and I’m loving it,” she reflects. “I am grateful for what IDLA has done for my life, and I hope high school students across Idaho can understand what a privilege it is to have a great program at their fingertips.”
