A Voice in the Classroom: How Carolina Martinez Thrives and Inspires

Some stories don’t end when the cameras stop rolling, they grow with the people at the heart of them. Tonight, on The Bright Side, we revisit one of those stories. You may remember Carolina Martinez. We first met her when she was just eight years old, navigating challenges that would be heavy for anyone, especially a child. From multiple surgeries to hurtful bullying at school because of how she looked, Carolina faced it all. And through it all, she met each day with a smile, grace, and a spirit that truly inspired us. Tonight, we’re happy to share a new chapter. Carolina is now ten years old. Her appearance has changed, she’s started at a new school, and there’s been a lot of growth along the way. But what hasn’t changed is that joy, resilience, and light that make her who she is. News Five’s Sabreena Daly recently spent time with Carolina and her family and brings us this uplifting update, right here on The Bright Side.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Ten-year-old Carolina Martinez is in one of her happiest places: school.

 

Carolina Martinez, Student

“When we come to school, the first thing we do is for a line before we go into class. Then we come in and do our work.”

 

The joy Carolina carries today is the result of years of effort, helping her grow into life and a school that feels as normal as possible. Two years ago, at eight, she had already undergone several surgeries. Born with a cleft, a medical condition affecting her face, and blind in one eye from glaucoma, she still wanted the simple things: a classroom, friends, and the chance to be herself. Every child has the right to be seen, heard, and supported and, when given the chance, children can inspire, lead, and positively impact their schools and communities. Her mother, Briseidy Montecinos, shares in the joy of seeing her daughter thrive.

Briseidy Montecinos, Mother

“When I see her enjoying herself, I’m happy too, and I think she’s so grown up. I tell her she has to be a smart girl, that he’s just putting other kids down. That’s not good, and they shouldn’t learn that. She has to be a girl who likes to study. And she has to work to become independent, and maybe she can be even better than me, something I never did.”

 

Milagro Garel is the Country Director of World Pediatrics, an international organization that has spent the last twenty‑five years changing young lives, providing critical medical care to more than twenty‑five thousand children around the world. She met Carolina the day she was born, and from that moment on, World Pediatrics has walked alongside her every step of the way. Just a week ago, Carolina returned for another procedure, her palate was repaired, and some scar tissue that had been causing challenges was removed. All of this is in preparation for a major transformation surgery, which is expected to take place between the ages of four and five years.

Milagro Garel, World Pediatrics

“ For our organization, World Pediatrics, we are never about just fixing the issue at the moment, we are lifetime lifesavers. Wherever the road may take the child, we want to be there for them. So it’s from birth until we are finished with their care, with education, social support, emotional support, mental, whatever it is that we need to offer to the children. Even if we don’t have it, we seek it out.”

 

The journey hasn’t always been easy. As Carolina tried to live a normal childhood, she also faced painful moments at school, experiences no child should ever have to endure. The bullying became overwhelming, pushing Carolina to move to a new school in hopes of finding the safety every child deserves.

Briseidy Montecinos, Mother

“Like any mother, I didn’t want to see my daughter crying every day when she got to school. She would say, “Mom, the kids did this to me,” or “Mom, the kids did that to me. They used to tease her, laugh at her, even hit her in class and lock her in the bathroom. I would tell her that she’s going to grow up and be an example for many children.”

 

Now ten years old, Carolina Martinez is a vibrant presence in her Standard One class at her new school, Ladyville SDA Primary. She participates eagerly in lessons, shares everyday moments with her friends, and isn’t afraid to be herself. Her teacher, Shantel Velasquez, says it’s a joy to have a student like Carolina in the classroom, a young mind full of curiosity, energy, and spirit.

 

Shantel Velasquez, Teacher, Ladyville SDA Primary School

“ Here at Ladyville SDA primary school, in our standard one class, it’s very amazing to have somebody like Carolina. She’s a free spirit. She’s eager to learn. She’s always participating and everybody in the classroom gets along with her.”

 

Sabreena Daly

“What are some of the work that they would give you to do?”

Carolina Martinez

“Mathematics, Language Arts, Spanish and Belizean Studies.”

Sabreena Daly

“Do you like Belizean Studies?”

 

Carolina Martinez

“Yes.”

 

Sabreena Daly

“What do you like about Bellizean Studies?”

 

Carolina Martinez

“Reading.”

At a new school and stronger than ever, Carolina Martinez is flourishing, learning, growing, and teaching us that joy can lead the way. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.