Martin De La Cruz
Student at Kutztown University
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from the Dominican Republic, but I’ve spent most of my adult life in the Lehigh Valley and, more recently, in the Greater Reading area.
I am originally from the Dominican Republic, but I’ve spent most of my adult life in the Lehigh Valley and, more recently, in the Greater Reading area.
What made you decide to attend college in this area?
I was looking for an affordable education that still felt intentional and rigorous. Kutztown University (KU) offered the Computer Science program I wanted without sacrificing the overall college experience. I also had heard positive things about KU over the years, which reinforced my decision to attend.
I was looking for an affordable education that still felt intentional and rigorous. Kutztown University (KU) offered the Computer Science program I wanted without sacrificing the overall college experience. I also had heard positive things about KU over the years, which reinforced my decision to attend.
How has living in the Greater Reading area shaped your educational path?
Living in the Greater Reading area has made my academic life more practical. I can grab lunch between classes, attend networking events both on campus and in the community and keep my schedule flexible enough to balance work and school.
Have you done an internship in Greater Reading? If so, at what company and what was your experience?
While I did not complete an internship specifically in the Greater Reading area, two key professional experiences in the area opened important doors for me.
While I did not complete an internship specifically in the Greater Reading area, two key professional experiences in the area opened important doors for me.
The first was my role as an IT Help Desk Specialist at KU, which taught me how to explain technical issues in a way that actually helps people—a skill I still rely on. Combined with consistent attendance at KU career fairs, this role helped me secure my first internship in the tech industry.
The second experience was my position as a Data Analyst Graduate Assistant with the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (PASBDC). This role allowed me to work with real data tied to real business problems, which made my work feel impactful rather than theoretical. It also introduced me to many local business owners through their networking events.
What do you enjoy most about living in this area?
What I enjoy most is the balance between nature and community. Whether it’s the view from the Pagoda, visiting Crystal Cave or driving through the surrounding landscape, there’s always something to appreciate. Events like Dinner on Main and the Kutztown Cruise also bring people together throughout the year.
What I enjoy most is the balance between nature and community. Whether it’s the view from the Pagoda, visiting Crystal Cave or driving through the surrounding landscape, there’s always something to appreciate. Events like Dinner on Main and the Kutztown Cruise also bring people together throughout the year.
I also enjoy being close to major cities like Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. I like the feeling of contributing to the local economy. Many of the businesses here are run by people who live in the area, and even the products and goods often come from local vendors. Supporting them feels personal, not transactional.
If someone is visiting the Greater Reading area, what are some things or places you would tell them to experience while they are here? For most visitors, I’d recommend simply walking around. For example, in Kutztown, you can grab a coffee, enjoy a great dinner or catch live music events, many of which are affordable or free. If they enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of trails and hiking spots nearby. In Reading and the surrounding area, there are great museums, such as the Reading Public Museum, as well as art resources like the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. There’s always something new to discover, so I don’t think a single visit is enough to experience everything the Greater Reading area has to offer. Overall, living, studying and working in the Greater Reading area has been a rewarding experience. The balance of community, nature and access to educational and professional opportunities has shaped both my personal and academic growth.
