Over the past year, Martinez has remained active in her community, serving as the RoundUp queen - a title awarded annually at the town fair to a student representative.
"I have to be in every city event just to represent in the sense the youth - to see that you can actually put your voice in even though you're not an adult," Martinez said.
She also attends school board meetings each month, sharing updates about her experience at San Joaquin Valley High School, an alternative campus she transferred to at the end of her sophomore year.
Martinez said the move followed struggles with her mental health.
"My mental health started affecting my physical health," she said. "I was getting sick. My blood pressure was skyrocketing."
Not long after transferring, Martinez faced another challenge. During the spring of her junior year, she woke up one night with a burning pain and discovered a lump.
"It just sprouted out out of nowhere really," she said.
After a series of tests and a biopsy, Martinez received her diagnosis in May: breast cancer. By July, she underwent surgery to remove the tumor, a procedure that lasted much longer than expected.
"The tumor was a lot bigger than they anticipated, so recovery was a bit painful," she said.
Despite the diagnosis and recovery process, Martinez remained committed to her education.
Already enrolled in independent study, she was able to keep up with her high school coursework, though college classes presented additional challenges.
"It's just been like 'oh ok, no matter if I'm at the hospital or if I'm not feeling well, those are the assignments I have to prioritize,'" she said.
Martinez said school became an outlet, allowing her to focus on something positive during difficult moments. San Joaquin Valley High School Principal Jose Garza said her determination has been evident throughout her journey.
"She's a hard worker. She's determined, and she doesn't let anything bring her down," Garza said.
He added that her perspective and attitude often mask the severity of what she is facing.
"She truly celebrates life and being here every day," Garza said. "Just interacting with her, I would never know that she was going through all these struggles."
Doctors believe Martinez may still have two additional tumors, and her oncologist is monitoring them before determining next steps. Still, she said fear is not driving her.
"I don't fear cancer at all," Martinez said. "I know a lot of people are scared - but me personally, no. I think there's other things to be more scared of."
While she continues to navigate her health, Martinez has found new ways to stay active. Unable to box under her current medical restrictions, she has turned to baking as a hobby.
As graduation approaches, Martinez said she is reflecting on how far she has come.
"The first two years were not great," she said. "But my other two years I did at the alternative school were amazing."
Martinez is scheduled to speak at her graduation ceremony. She plans to continue her education at Reedley College, where she hopes to study psychology.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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