Chances are you know my parents, Sue and Jay Martin. It’s even possible you know my youngest sister Lauren, the pickleball player and VT grad mentioned in the June 2024 Stroll. But now it’s time for you all to get to know me, the favorite oldest daughter, Christina. 

So how did I land the cover story? I am the new Content Coordinator for Colleton River’s Stroll magazine! As your Content Coordinator, I am the one to gather and share your stories each month in Stroll. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me to talk about your pets, volunteering, recipes, accomplishments, and anything else that gives you joy.

If you haven’t already heard about me,  I was born and raised in Maryland, and my dream school for college was always the University of Kansas (rock chalk Jayhawk go KU!). While in college, I majored in behavioral analysis with minors in psychology and sociology. Once I finished my undergrad, I moved out to Colorado to start work as a registered behavior technician for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. I truly could not have had a better time skiing, hiking 14ers (that’s 14,000ft above sea level), and helping so many families on a personal level. I even had a chocolate lab with a guy I dated!

In August 2024, though, I was just too burnt out and couldn’t take it. I quit my job, broke up with my boyfriend of 3.5 years, packed up my stuff, and moved to Fairhaven, Massachusetts to be a caretaker for my great aunt, Carol. Don’t get me wrong, I am super grateful that she took me in and to have had that special time with her. But really I was pretty much back in the same spot I was before, just without a paycheck and health benefits. I packed up my stuff again and moved in with my parents right around Thanksgiving until I could figure out what was next for me.

A lot of people I talk to, and maybe even you reading this, have been impressed with my bravery to give up what I had for a complete unknown. Most of the time, I am proud of myself, too. But these last few months have been pretty hard... I am 28 and living with my parents. I am trying, and failing, to switch careers.  I miss my dog. I miss my friends. But people wouldn’t tell me I made the right choice if I didn’t, right?

Since moving here, I have started to really find my groove. My pickleball game has improved, I get to walk on the beach more than I have in the past 2 years, and I have met so many wonderful people and precious pets. So please, if you are looking for a pickleball partner, someone to eat lunch with one day, feel free to reach out. If you have a recipe to share or a fun event you know of, feel free to reach out. If you have a story, whether it’s for the magazine or just to help reassure me I’m not alone, feel free to reach out. I’ll see you guys out there!

Rock Chalk,