Jose Torres
I enrolled at CSULB in fall 2005 as a first-generation college student, inspired by my family to obtain a degree. My parents, my three sisters who are professionals with earned master's degrees, and my brother always encouraged me to reach my goals and accomplish my dream of earning a degree and making my parents proud. I also was motivated by a desire to be a role model for my younger cousins by completing higher education.
As a first-generation student, I became involved in the Partners Program. Professor Guy Yamashiro served as my mentor for the last two years. My experiences with him convince me that having a faculty mentor is an opportunity of which everyone should take advantage. In addition to expediting the academic advising process, having Guy as a mentor means I have a friend to guide me through every semester, someone who can assist me in educational matters and someone with whom I can enjoy a relaxing and fun conversation.
In addition to pursuing my educational goals, my time at CSULB allows me to gain professional and leadership experience through my work with the Student Life and Development office and my involvement in student organizations. I joined Hispanic Students of Business Association in my freshmen year; I also belong to Grupo Folklorico Mexica, Centrosul Capoeira, Hermanos Unidos de Long Beach and the CSULB Salsa Club. Through these activities, I am growing professionally, developing networking skills and socializing. These experiences will be useful in my future career.
When I graduate in spring 2011, I hope to intern with an international resort hotel. I want to travel around the world, enriching myself with different cultures and all they encompass, such as food, traditions and customs, without forgetting my purpose of serving the people around me. After the internship, I will begin working or I will enroll in a master’s program, all the while giving back to the community for all the support I received along the way.
