Senior theater arts major Rio Martinez began his time at APU as a student set apart from most with two defining characteristics: an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps and a shiny wedding band on his left hand. Martinez spent five years of his life serving the U.S. both in the States and abroad. While on duty at the U.S. Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic, Martinez met his wife, Renata. Three years later, Martinez continues to adjust to married life while juggling two careers: one as a student, and the other as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve.

 

Allison Thompson | Contributing Writer

Allison: When did you leave the Marine Corps?

Rio: I did five years active duty, 2007 to 2012. I extended an extra year. Three of those years, I did embassy duty, which is when I met my wife. I got out Dec. 17, 2012 and now I’m in the reserves. So, I’m still serving, but just part-time. I’m with the Fourth Tank Battalion in Twentynine Palms.

A: So you met Renata in Prague? When during that time did you meet her?

R: It was in the first two months. When you’re on embassy guard duty, it’s almost like living in a dorm. One of the Marines I lived with was dating my (future) wife’s roommate. So I was playing third wheel and we were out in town. My friend Jake, his girlfriend Martina and I were walking to Old T own Square. Martina said, “Hey, my roommate works at Starbucks.” Yes, they have Starbucks everywhere, even in Prague. So we went in and she said ‘Say hi to my roommate, Renata. ’ She’ s significantly taller than me; she’s like 5’11” or 6’. We just talked. She took her break. We ate a cookie. I’m a social butterfly, so I was just talking. Maybe I was being over-confident too, just flirting around.

A: So there was no language barrier?

R: No, the younger generations have a fairly good grasp of English. She made fun of my name, though. Rio really is my full name. She thought it was a joke. I showed her my California I.D., and she just laughed.

A: Did you ever imagine that you would meet someone overseas?

R: I’m a romantic at heart, so the thought was kind of there. Prague is a magical place, in my opinion. I wanted to meet someone, or at least go on a date. Women are very beautiful out there, and there is a different mentality . They have a different way of perceiving relationships. I did not expect to marry anyone out there. Renata was something different than I had experienced, in terms of women. She was more traditional. Women are looking for chivalry , and they expect it. I think for her, though, I brought a faith perspective. My faith intrigued her.

A: Did you start dating right away?

R: Well, I saw her more often because of Jake. I can’t say it was love at first sight, but there was some kind of connection we had. And my regional security officer actually got comped tickets for Lady Gaga. So our first legitimate date was Lady Gaga. We kind of regret it; (Gaga) is a weird person. So that was another thing we bonded on: our distaste for Lady Gaga’s pandering to the audience. Around January or February 2011, we starting asking, “What are we?” Eventually I said, “Let’ s make it solid, ” and we actually started dating. I was kind of conflicted, though, because she’s not a Christian. Czech Republic is notorious for being an atheist and agnostic country. So in my mind it was kind of like “flirt and convert,” but that’s really not the way to go. We broke up a couple times because of my faith. I’m fortunate that things turned out better. We even dated long-distance in Jamaica, and I proposed to her in Jamaica.

A: She came and visited you in Jamaica?

R: She came a little before Easter. I proposed right before she flew out. It wasn’t romantic at all! Because I lost my wallet and so we couldn’t do all the things we wanted to do. So I was really upset with myself. I was going to buy the ring, but it didn’t turn out the way that I wanted. We went to Florida and Disney World. I bought a little Mickey Mouse ring there, and I was so nervous. I just wanted it to be perfect. On the way to the airport, I was all sweaty and nervous about a lot of things.

A: When did your marriage become legal?

R: We were waiting for some unemployment money. I got an email that said the money came in, so we got permission to go and get married. I woke up at 7 or 8 the morning of Jan. 17, 2013, and the spontaneous person that I am, I said, “Let’ s get married today!” I skipped classes and emailed my professors and said, “I can’t come to class today, I’m getting married!” We went to Norwalk. We had to pay for a witness, we got married and then we went to Farrell’s in Brea and we ate ice cream. That was our first ice cream as an official married couple.

A: How did you adjust to life at APU as a married student?

R: It’s been challenging. Married couples are very rare as a traditional undergrad at APU. And being an older student (I’m 26), I have different experiences. It’s been hard for myself, and my wife, to relate to students here. And a lot of it is coming out of the Marine Corps. It was a culture shock for me, coming to APU. It’s hard to relate to younger people. I feel significantly older because of the things that I’ve done. I’m a married person; I’m worried about paying rent and making sure my wife is doing OK.

A: Any advice for fellow APU students?

R: Marriage is not frivolous. You should not get married to try to find fulfillment or for status. You should not get married for any other reason than you really love this person and you want to share your life and everything. Don’t consider marriage unless you really want to commit, you want to know what your faults are (because you’re going to find them out really fast) and you’re willing to be sacrificial like Christ is.

Rio and Renata celebrate their big day with laterns