Cristina Martinez applied to the Miss COED 2016 competition back in August, and the editors here at COED (including myself) agreed that she stood out – and I mean way out. She’s outgoing, fun, smart, – pretty much everything the winner of Miss COED 2016 is supposed to represent.
The Texas native and theater major attends school at North Texas University (UNT), and enjoys spending time with her dog and eating sushi (yesssss). Need another reason to vote for Cristina in the final round of Miss COED 2016? Find out what we dug up in the interview below and check back January 27 to cast your vote for the ultimate winner.
See the twelve Miss COED 2016 finalists here.
What’s the most fun role you’ve ever played as an actress?
The role I’ve enjoyed the most as an actress would be Nails from the short film Nails and Pie Go For a Drive. Her character is the complete opposite of me, and I got to act alongside my real mother who played my “Abuela” (grandmother) in the film. It was fun being able to argue with my mom in Spanish and share my first acting experience with her.
Do you hope to be the next A-lister or would you be content with smaller parts? In other words, what’s your definition of success?
Since I’m just starting my acting career, I don’t mind being casted for smaller parts, but one of my goals is to obtain a leading role in a film – like I did in my first short film. But every minor role is just as important as a major role. As long as I am able to reach out to the audience and make an impact on them, then to me, that is being successful.
Did you ever consider joining a sorority or is that path just not for you?
None of my family members have been in a sorority before, but I’m actually considering joining one this semester. I really like how they focus on academics and community service, which would be a great way to motivate me to continue doing well in school and developing my friend network.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role would to be in an action movie like James Bond or a future Jedi in Star Wars. I would love to play a role were the female character is strong and fearless.
You also enjoy photography and model part-time. Do you hope to make a career out of either of these things? Which do you enjoy more and why?
I would love to make a career as a commercial model; being in magazines or clothing catalogues. I enjoy modeling more because I like choosing fun and trendy outfits that represent my style and personality. Plus, I love smiling and working with the photographer to get that perfect shot.
Has a coach/professor/parent given you a piece of advice that really resonated with you? If so, what was it?
My mom has advised me to follow my dreams and do what I love. She said no one is going to stop me but myself. I will face a lot of rejection, but I must use those rejections to become stronger and work harder towards my goals.
What’s your favorite late night study snack?
My favorite late night snack would be peanut butter, and yes I like to take a spoon and eat it out of the jar.
If your high school self could talk to you now, what do you think she would say?
My high school self would tell me to cut me some slack and to have fun once in a while. Life is too short to be constantly buried in textbooks. Go out of your comfort zone and meet new people!
What’s your favorite class you’ve taken so far in college?
So far, my favorite class in college is the movement class for theatre. We learned multiple stage combat moves, and with those moves, we would create a scene to demonstrate our understanding of the techniques we learned such as punching, slapping, rolling, kicking, etc. We also learned how to pantomime and act scenes from a silent film.
What’s your ideal first date?
I really like surprises so as long as there’s food, any date to me would be fine. Nothing too fancy or extravagant.
Follow Cristina on Instagram and Twitter. Oh, and if you’re lucky, maybe she will accept your friend request on Facebook. 💁