Fowler Scholars Student Spotlight: Arazeel Gesuri Canizales

Azareel Gesuri Canizales, Fowler Scholar Class of 2023

The Fowler Scholars Program was created to educate and prepare a select group of Fowler College of Business students for accelerated and lasting leadership roles in global business and society. Each year, the college selects a new group of freshmen from the local San Diego area to become Fowler Scholars. The students who are selected for the program have demonstrated leadership, ethical conduct, and exceptional academic and collaborative abilities.

Azareel Gesuri Canizales, a class of 2023 Fowler Scholar, is a sophomore majoring in management with a specialization in human resource management. Canizales has been involved in several on-campus organizations including SDSU Rotaract and SDSU M.E.Ch.A. After graduation, Canizales hopes to become a leader in a purpose-driven company that works for the betterment of the world as opposed to just making profit. Canizales discusses his college experience, describes what being a Fowler scholar means to him, shares advice for current Fowler students, and more.

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fowler Scholar?

Being a fowler scholar to me means representing the Fowler College of Business and growing as a student and soon-to-be professional. I am honored to be a part of a group of such intelligent and talented individuals. Being a Fowler Scholar means giving back to my SDSU community the best I can while learning more about business and immersing myself in a fast and innovative environment with other bright students and faculty.

Canizales and friends at the end of their Summer Bridge program (which took place summer before his first semester at SDSU) after having taken their last final.

Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue management as an area of study?

I was born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico and was raised here in San Diego more specifically in Barrio Logan by two great parents that crossed hundreds of miles to obtain the best possible future for their children. Because of the struggles and inequities that many low income communities face and after personally experiencing how much of an impact nonprofits have on the world, I decided to pursue business as my career and major in order to merge the nonprofit and for-profit sectors in San Diego. Business-minded people are in demand in every field, and so my interest in helping out philanthropic organizations also is a motivation for me to choose this as my major. SDSU is the perfect school for me to get involved in and study business as there is a strong sense here of giving back and leading with passion. 

Q: If you’re involved in SDSU student organizations on campus or affiliated with any organizations off campus, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?

I just recently joined Rotaract of SDSU so I am looking forward to dedicating myself to service above self as their motto states.

Q: What experience in the Fowler Scholars Program has been the most impactful?

The guest speakers and events where we meet business professionals have definitely been the most impactful. Being able to speak and learn from these individuals has helped me take a peek at the business world. The lessons that these people share with us are invaluable and learning about how they manage their personal life with their career and how they use purpose to drive them.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

Canizales and friends at the EOP Summer Bridge Banquet.

My parents inspire me because they sacrificed everything including their previous life and families in Mexico in order to allow my siblings and I to reach greater heights due to the many opportunities in this country. They are the hardest workers I know and their resiliency and drive is like no other, all while this being for us and not themselves. Despite not having much I have never heard them complain or appear pessimistic because they truly believe that the success of their children will make up for the hard work they do.

Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?

I would tell myself to be organized and dedicated to better manage my school/work schedule and to still make time for networking events and on campus activities that will help me expand my experience here.

Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?

College is possibly the most pivotal point in your life as these 4 years decide what your future holds, and the memories built here are priceless so take full advantage of as many valuable opportunities you can.

Canizales with the other members of the Fowler Scholar Class of 2023.

Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?

I want to become a leader in a purpose-driven company that truly believes in the work they do for the betterment of the world as opposed to just making profit. Companies that work in sustainability and sectors like that are a possibility, as well as working in education or business-minded non profits. I want to get experience in various fields including organizations that promote higher education, companies that design innovative technologies, health companies, and environmental organizations/companies that serve to preserve natural resources.

*All group photos were taken prior to March 2020.