"I paid more attention to the commercials than the cartoons," she said.

That extra time in front of the TV paid off when Martinez (senior-marketing and advertising) traveled to New York in February after being named one of the nation's 25 most promising minority advertising students by the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

The award was established three years ago to seek out talented, qualified minority students to encourage diversity in the advertising business.

Diversity is a necessity in the world of advertising, said Marjorie Valin, vice president of public affairs for AAF.

"Advertising is supposed to be a cultural reference point," she said, noting the American population is rapidly growing more diverse. "The ad industry needs to reflect that to stay relevant."

In New York, Martinez and other students met with top ad executives, participated in workshops and listened to distinguished speakers.

"We were dealing with . . . a whole realm of qualified young future professionals," said Rebecca Martin, program assistant at AAF. Martin, who served on the selection committee, said more than 100 students applied for the award. "Aimee rose right to the top."

To qualify for the program, Martinez needed to be recommended by a professor and was required to submit her transcript and résumé, as well as an essay about minority pioneers in advertising.

Charles McMellon, Martinez's professor and adviser, nominated her for her devotion and talent in the field of advertising.

"She's a really hard-working, bright, young individual," he said, "and I was impressed by the . . . hard work ethic she had."

Though school obligations prevented her from attending some of the workshops, Martinez said the trip was a worthwhile experience.

"I got to meet a lot of people who told me so much about advertising," she said. The trip also yielded preliminary interviews with three advertising firms.

Martinez said she hopes to use her skills to create ads that are relevant to all people.

"A lot of ads that do show minorities are stereotypical or show only one minority," she said. "I'd like to do something that's more representative of reality."

Whatever Martinez chooses to do, McMellon said, she will do well.

"I see her . . . having an exciting, interesting and lucrative career," he said. "I think she will meet all her goals."