- September, 3, 2025
- Read Time: 5 Min
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Leading the Way
As the oldest of five in a blended family, Giovanni Martins '24 felt a responsibility to set the tone for his younger siblings. Every choice mattered—especially when it came to pursuing college.
While Gio thrived in high school athletics, including playing competitive soccer, he noticed many of his teammates didn’t have big aspirations beyond high school. He couldn’t accept that. With so many younger siblings watching, he wanted to show them an education wasn’t just as an option, but as an opportunity worth chasing.
A New Chapter
Determined to set a positive example for his younger siblings, Gio applied to colleges and enrolled at Curry as a first-generation student. His younger sister Nakayla Centeio '27, watched him thrive as he made friends on the soccer team and started mapping out his next steps. So when an acceptance letter from Curry arrived in the mail with her name on it, she was unsure if she should follow in his footsteps or carve out her own path.
A Place to Make Her Own
At first, Nakayla wasn’t sure she wanted to come to Curry. She didn’t want to be known just as Gio’s little sister, and she wanted the space to figure out who she was on her own. But once she got to campus, she quickly found her stride. Becoming a resident advisor gave her the chance to connect with people outside the classroom and build her own community. And while Gio had already made friends through soccer, he hadn’t felt fully connected to campus beyond his team. Seeing Nakayla branch out and get involved pushed him to do the same.
Freedom to Explore
Gio and Nakayla found their own paths, but they shared one thing in common—the freedom to pursue what they loved. Whether you’re joining a team, leading a volunteer initiative, or bringing a new idea to life, you’ll have the connections and the support to go after it.
Nakayla Centeio ’27“I’ve seen him turn into this outgoing person, [who loves] meeting new people. I just felt like that’s what I needed, too.”
Welcoming student-run groups to choose from, or create your own
Gio Martins ’24“It’s just one big family. Everybody’s unified as one. No matter what you look like, where you came from.”
A Drive to Go Further
Once Nakayla arrived, she and Gio naturally found ways to support each other. Gio helped her get settled in and find her way around campus, while Nakayla encouraged him to branch out beyond soccer. Watching her become an RA inspired him to do the same. “I wasn’t really in touch with the school besides soccer,” he said. “I wanted to be part of the community.”
Side by Side
Now, a couple of years later, both Nakayla and Gio have found their own rhythm. Nakayla is working on campus in the mail room and thriving in her forensic science major—a path she’s passionate about. Gio has wrapped up his final soccer season as a Curry Colonel and is looking ahead to graduation. “Curry College has been a good fit for us as siblings,” said Nikayla, “because honestly, it brought us closer together.”
Nakayla Centeio ’27“If I went to a different school, I wouldn’t have as much support as I do now. Curry College is my second home.”
Room to Grow
Gio and Nakayla expanded their circles, tackled new challenges, and grew even closer as siblings. At Curry, no matter where you start, there’s always room to go further.
- Read Time: 5 Min
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