RACHEL MARTINEZ

I first met Rachel Martinez at an NSA meeting in South Pasadena. I hadn’t seen her at a meeting before and I was intrigued to hear her story. When it was her turn to speak, she expressed herself in such a raw and candid way. I immediately knew that she would be perfect for WHEN I STUTTER. I let her know that I was making the film but I, regrettably, didn’t expressly ask her to be in it. In truth, I never wanted to pressure anyone to be in the film because of the precious nature of sharing one’s personal story. Unfortunately, I never saw her at a meeting again and no one seemed to know who she was. It turns out she was just visiting. However, thanks to the miracle of Social Media (yes, there are some upsides) she showed up in my “People You May Know” feed on Facebook. I immediately reached out to her and did what I should have done the first time I met her- I asked her to be in the film. Her response is below and the rest is history…

“Hi John! I appreciate you finding me. I would definitely be interested in an interview. Stuttering really does need more awareness and I would love to be a part of introducing it to the world.

The trailer was amazing!”

What has been the response from others about you in the film?

I’ve been told I have a touching and inspiring story and many people thank me after watching the film. I’ve even had people find me on Facebook (who aren’t friends with me yet) and personally thank me. This film has expanded my stamily.

What was your favorite or most memorable part of the process of making the film?

My most memorable part in the process of making the film was bringing forth the dark parts of my stutter and exposing them straight into the light. The unshielded emotions expressed throughout the film exhibits no shame. What John Gomez did was show the world that people who stutter have such incredible strength that surpasses anything that tries to drive us into a corner.

What has surprised you about the film since it was first presented?

The film has some deep scientific roads to travel, and I was proud to learn more about the deep inner workings of what stuttering consists of.

What’s changed in your life since we saw you in the film?

I’ve become a person who has dived into social activities with a heart of fear mixed with determination and I came out with more confidence relating to my voice (in two ways), my character, and my capabilities. I’ve chosen to dive into acting classes, a public speaking class, 5 semesters of group vocal instruction (singing), and I starred in my very first Musical: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” I have now been accepted into the University of New Mexico to further my studies in Music and Vocals.

What’s your relationship with stuttering now?

I’ve become more aware of the need to care less about how I speak, and become more about “who I am.” I do, however, still have my breakdowns on bad stuttering days, but it’s not as bad as it was before the film. I was such a hermit before this film, and before pushing myself into college. Now I’m determined to succeed with or without my stutter.

What’s some advice for people who are on their journey with stuttering?

Stuttering can join you on your journey in life, but only you can give it power. Starve the negative aspects of stuttering, and embrace the buffet of your talents.