Marissa Torres Aztec Experience
Marissa Torres is involved in several student organizations on campus.
Name: Marissa Torres“To me, student success is learning and developing inside and outside of the classroom.”
Major: Public administration
Campus affiliations: Aztec Dance Marathon, Center for Intercultural Relations, YoungLife SDSU, Student Life and Leadership
1. Why did you choose to attend San Diego State University?
I chose to attend SDSU because leadership truly starts here. When looking at colleges, I did a lot of research on opportunities for student involvement. After learning about Student Life and Leadership, Associated Students and Residential Education at SDSU, I knew I wanted to serve this university.
2. What inspired you to declare your major?
The teachers and administrators at my high school inspired me to pursue a career in education administration. I've always known I wanted to work in education, but my ASB advisor Sarah Murrietta helped me find my passion for education administration. With a passion for child development and education, I hope to continue advocating for educational equity.
3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
My parents give me advice that I continue to live by. My mom always encourages me to "live fearlessly and love hard," which has helped me embrace every opportunity and live a life loving and serving others. My dad has shown me what it means to "grab life by the horns." He constantly empowers me and encourages me to be adventurous and bold.
4. Which SDSU faculty or staff member has been the most influential throughout your SDSU journey?
Without a doubt, Edwin Darrell has been the most influential person throughout my SDSU journey. I've known Edwin since my first week on campus and have had the privilege to work with him in Residential Education, the Center for Intercultural Relations, and Aztec Dance Marathon. My favorite thing about Edwin is how genuine he is in his work and his relationship with his students. I appreciate the fact that Edwin has spent time asking me about my personal and career goals and has found ways to help me accomplish them. He's a wonderful mentor, friend, and advisor.
5. What does student success mean to you?
To me, student success is learning and developing inside and outside of the classroom. I strongly believe that the balance between academics and extracurricular activities is crucial to a student's success at SDSU.
6. What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Out of all of my current and previous involvements, attending the first Aztec Dance Marathon in 2015 changed my life the most. I was inspired by the small group of leaders who brought this movement to campus and saw potential for it to grow exponentially. It has been incredible to watch our campus community come together each year to raise funds and awareness for our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, Rady Children's Hospital. As a campus, we've raised $270,000 in the past three years, and I am proud to be surrounded by college students who believe in fighting for the next generation.
7. What has been your proudest achievement while at SDSU?
My proudest achievement is watching the students that I mentor grow and develop as leaders, students, and young professionals. I love seeing my former residents on campus and hearing about all of the great things they're doing. A group of them started their own club at SDSU, some are involved in Associated Students, and many of them are studying abroad this semester. It brings me joy knowing they are taking advantage of the resources and opportunities SDSU has to offer.
8. Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I hope to be starting my career in education administration with a master's degree in Educational Leadership. In my free time, I also hope to continue volunteering for the United Services Organization, a family of volunteers that focuses on supporting our troops.
9. What’s your favorite thing about SDSU?
My favorite thing about SDSU is the sense of community. Whether we're raising funds and awareness for Rady Children's Hospital, donating to Aztecs Rock Hunger, or singing the SDSU Fight Song at sporting events, you can't help but feel the amount of pride when the SDSU community is together. It's easy to see we are a driven group of students, staff, and faculty because of all of the new initiatives and programs started each year. I appreciate that we are collaborative in all our efforts.
