Humans of the Heights: A Conversation with Nally Martinez
They say the essence of a city lies in its people, and this couldn’t be more true for a place like Washington Heights, a neighborhood whose heart and soul are intensely bound up in the lives and histories of those who inhabit it. The individuals who compose the fabric of this community are unique and varied and carry with them stories of struggle, hope, and lives richly lived.
In an effort to feature these individuals and bring their stories to the YU community, I had a conversation with Nally Martinez, Washington Heights resident and activities coordinator at the ARC Older Adult Center on 181st Street.
Through the stories of Washington Heights residents — from small everyday moments to broader reflections on life in the city — I hope to highlight what it means to live here and the diversity of lives lived in the Heights.
Avraham Frohlich: Let’s start with your background. Where are you from? How was your childhood?
Nally Martinez: I came from the Dominican Republic when I was 11, and I’ve been here for 37 years. We were a very poor family with five children. And it was a struggle, for my mother, especially. My father came to the U.S. before us, and we got a visa three years after. It was difficult because my father used to come home only on vacation because he had to have two jobs to support the family. My relationship with my father only started when we all came here to live with him.
AF: And what was life like in the Dominican Republic?
NM: It was nice. I love the beach and the weather there and the food’s amazing. And it’s a great community because everybody takes care of each other. Different from here.
AF: Why do you think that is? That difference.
NM: I think it’s because of the way we live over there; here, nobody even says “good morning” in the morning. And the first thing that people say over there is “good morning” when they open the door to people. It’s sad that here you say “good morning” to people who don’t even answer you back. I think everybody’s so busy that they forget to be humble.
AF: What do you mean by that?
NM: Everybody’s in their own world. Everybody’s so busy that they don’t see that somebody’s smiling at you. That somebody’s saying “good morning” to you. Because I’m so busy, I can’t spend time saying “good morning” to you.
AF: How did you start working at the senior center?
NM: So, I used to work for Fordham University. And I worked there for three years. But I felt that I needed to work with people. I need to serve. So I came to the senior center, and I filled out an application for an activity coordinator. I was supposed to be here on probation for three months, but it became 19 years. And I fell in love with what I’m doing here. I feel like I make a difference in their lives, and they make a difference in mine.
AF: In Washington Heights, we have a lot of different communities here. Different families. How do you think about family and community? Do those things play a large role in your life?
NM: To me, family is the most important thing you have in your life. Without family, I think I wouldn’t be able to survive. That’s the way we grew up. And you have to take care of one another. The family that we have here is very close. We have family that are not really blood family, but they became family. Because that’s the way we treat each other, the way we take care of each other. If somebody’s sick, we’re there. If you need me, I’m there.
AF: That’s amazing. It seems like we all come from our own families, but now we find ourselves part of this larger Heights community made up of people from many different backgrounds. How can we maintain the families that we come from and also be part of this bigger family?
NM: I think if everybody stopped thinking about the differences, the color, what you have, what you don’t have and the different lifestyles and just saw people as human beings, it would be so much easier. Just smile at people. Say “hi.”
AF: How can people be more open and giving to others in the way you’re talking about?
NM: You see, two weeks ago, I got so frustrated going to work. On the corner, I saw a young, very young, handsome guy … could be my son. And I’m walking fast. I’m running late. And he’s asking for a dollar for coffee. And when I turn and look at his face, it breaks my heart. Young guy. Healthy.
And people walked by, and he was polite. Saying, “Good morning, can you please? I just want coffee.” I kept walking, and when I was around the corner, I turned back. I said I can’t do this. He’s only asking for coffee, and I turned back and gave him something and said, “Buy some toast and coffee.” He was so happy. Little things like this could make a difference in a person’s life.
AF: What does it mean to you to be part of the Heights, to live here?
NM: Being part of the Spanish community. Seeing so many different people from different cultures. And seeing people still trying, even if it’s hard, always hoping that things could get better.
AF: What is your general impression of Yeshiva University students?
NM: So we have people that come here to volunteer. And at the beginning, I noticed that they were so shy. But now it’s like they feel part of us. Part of the community. They come to serve the lunch. They say “hi.”
And for the community to see you interacting with them, it shows that you don’t think you’re different, like you can be close to us. And to make a difference in the community, we have to be a little bit closer.
AF: What are your favorite things about Washington Heights?
NM: I say the people. The way people are connected with each other. And one way or another, everybody’s religious, everybody’s looking for God and finding the way to do the right thing. There’s a lot of positive people. And I think, together, we could make a difference. That’s my whole point: that we could all make a difference, and if we do it together, we’ll be better.
AF: Okay. Last question. What’s one piece of advice you can give to YU students?
NM: I will say be open. We are different, but we are good people. So just talk to people. You’ll learn more about yourself and about the community.
I think we could do a lot together. Sometimes, people think other people are different, or you have to be careful because this person is different. No, I don’t see it like that. My advice is to always be humble and talk to people, and the door will open.
Photo Caption: Nally Martinez
Photo Credit: Nally Martinez
