Q & A with First Generation 2022 Graduate, Joshua Torres
Joshua Torres, Class of 2022 graduate.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Fowler College of Business is highlighting alumni who have made an impact on campus and in their community. Joshua Torres, who graduated in May 2022, was involved in various campus organizations to get the most out of his college experience.
Currently, Torres works in a Registered Investment Advising (RIA) firm and is enrolled in two Masters programs. He credits San Diego State University for the skills and knowledge he’s gained both professionally and personally.
Name: Joshua Francisco Torres
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Major (and minor): Financial Services with a minor in Real Estate
Graduation Year: 2022
Campus Affiliations: Aztec Trading and Investing Group, Finance & Investment Society (FIS), Financial Planning Association, Real Estate Society SDSU, SDSU Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and SDSU Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA)
Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to attend SDSU?
From the start of my college journey, I aimed to get accepted into SDSU because of the financial services degree program they had, as well as the strong Hispanic community they fostered. This is because less than 4.5% of Hispanics work in the financial services sector and 70% of first-generation children either provide or receive some financial support from their immigrant parents. I wanted to become more financially literate through formal education and form a strong understanding so that I can bring financial literacy to underrepresented and undervalued communities. I also want to bridge the gap of knowledge and break barriers so first-generation graduates can build generational wealth – something that has been taken from our community with unrecognized or stolen land deeds, policies that are anti-immigratory, or target rights of people of color.
After growing up in poverty in a Mexican immigrant household, I made this my life’s purpose. I was unable to afford college, so I joined the Marine Corps where I had the privilege of gaining educational benefits that made me want to give back to those in my community who endure so much yet receive very little. I wanted to accomplish an accolade that made my parents proud, to have the ability to give my son a better life, but also one to represent my community which many do not have the privilege to obtain. I am proud to represent all of those that came before me. My name is Joshua Francisco Torres, and I am a first-generation college student and I am proudly a San Diego State University alumni!
Torres and his son on graduation day.
Q: Briefly share what makes your story unique and how your time at SDSU has influenced your journey personally and/or professionally.
What makes my story unique is that it is not that far from others. I was just a kid from poverty with both my immigrant parents working 7 days a week throughout my entire childhood racking up 70+ hours working so they would be able to provide the bare necessities. Through the amazing Mexican American/Chicano history and music classes here at SDSU, I was able to learn more about my culture and strengthen those roots which in turn strengthened the resolve I had to help and represent my community.
Esto es para mis antepasados y las generaciones venideras. Los representare con humillada, mucho amor, y agradecimiento.
Q: What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It is a time to celebrate and honor the history, culture, influence, and sacrifices of parents, grandparents, family, friends, and people with Indigenous, Hispanic, or Afro-Latino ties to the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Q: When you are not working how do you like to spend your free time? Please share about any hobbies or interests that you may have.
Currently, I work full-time in a Registered Investment Advising (RIA) firm and am enrolled in the Executive MBA program at the University of San Francisco. For the MBA program, I travel to San Francisco once a month for three consecutive days. In October, I will also start a second Masters program in Financial Planning through the American College of Financial Services. With all of these involvements, I do not have much free time but I love having family time with my 8-year-old son. We love building Legos, playing Minecraft, trading Pokémon on our switches, and playing on our PlayStation.
