Brian Martinez

My name is Brian Martinez, I am a first-generation college student and currently in my third year at San Diego State where I am majoring in finance and minoring in statistics.

I was born in Riverside California but moved to San Diego where I was raised. I am also the oldest of four so I have always found it important to lead by example and be a good role model for those around me.

I chose to attend San Diego State because I would be able to stay close to family and get an education at a reputable institution for an affordable price. My decision proved to be correct as I have now made a plethora of friends, professional connections, and memories during my time here so far.

Thanks to the resources and opportunities available at SDSU, I have participated in research competitions such as the CFA Research Challenge and been the president of the Finance and Investment Society on campus.  All of this would not have been possible without the generosity of donors.

I have had the privilege to form part of the Fowler Scholars Program, which is a program designed to develop ethical business leaders that will have a positive impact on the world. Thanks to this program I have learned from C-suite level executives and the ethical dilemmas they face in their businesses. The Fowler Scholars Program also comes with a scholarship that had a huge impact on my family and me.

I remember when the directors of the Fowler Scholars program called me to let me know that I had been accepted into the program. I immediately called my parents to let them know that I had won the scholarship and that they did not have to worry about how they would pay for my education. To this day, that moment brings me great joy as I am not sure where I would be right now without the Fowler Scholars Program scholarship.

I have no doubt that the scholarship has played a key role in my success as a student. I may come from an immigrant, low-income family but thanks to the generosity and support of donors I have been able to succeed academically, complete three internships and secure a fourth internship in New York City where I will be an investment banking summer analyst.