Almost three decades ago, Martin Hernandez-Navarro, a groundskeeper for UTRGV, decided to come to the United States in the hope of a better future. After working in Michigan for several years, he and his family decided to relocate to La Villa.
After a year of unemployment, Hernandez-Navarro was able to earn a job at UTRGV thanks to his extensive experience working in gardening.
Since then, he has dedicated eight years to tending to the universityโs outdoor areas in order to keep them clean and aesthetically pleasing for students, staff and visitors.
His routine includes waking up at 5 a.m. every morning to pray and read the Bible to thank God for taking care of his family during the night and allowing him to wake up to a new day. At around 6:15 a.m., he is off to work. During the day he does everything from weeding and trimming trees to mowing the lawn.
โIโve had the pleasure of working with him,โ said Carlos Chavez, an assistant director for Facilities Programs and Services.
โAll this time Iโve been working with him and seeing his performance, heโs very dedicated, always here, heโs willing to stay whenever we do a lot of projects outside the normal schedule,โ Chavez said. โHe has a lot of experience.โ
Hernandez-Navarro said he enjoys his job even though it may be a bit hot or cold outside.
โSometimes, Iโve thought about changing to another department … where I wonโt have to work outside or withstand heat, but since I like what I do, that motivates me to stay,โ he said.
He and his wife have a son and three daughters. His son and two of his daughters are enrolled in UTRGV.
Hernandez-Navarro recalls difficult times at the beginning of his employment at UTRGV. His family owned only one car, which meant that his son and daughters had to wake up early in the morning so that they could ride with him to campus and wait until he clocked out to go home. Luckily, with time, Hernandez-Navarro saved enough money to buy them a car.
For Hernandez-Navarro, one of the most rewarding experiences about working at UTRGV has been the constant reminder that his children have the opportunity to earn an education. He is proud of his children for taking this opportunity.
His daughter, Catalina Ruby Hernandez, an interdisciplinary studies senior, said she admires her dad for being helpful to others without giving it a second thought.
โHeโs hardworking, very kind, [and] he loves to serve people,โ Hernandez said.
Despite the struggles that come along with his duties and the hardships he has encountered, Hernandez-Navarro remains positive and happy.
โHe gets along with all the employees [and] always comes with a smile. He likes what he does. He seems to be very happy here,โ Chavez said.
Hernandez-Navarro said, โI think God put everything into place. โฆ He has helped me a lot by placing me in this job here in the university.โ
