SCU Alum Class of 2009, Zoomz.net Website Manager

Carlos Torres is the oldest of 5 boys and he has paved the way for his younger brothers to go to college as well.

He recently graduated from Santa Clara University with a Management degree and is now living in San Jose.

Carlos is proud to be part of Zoomz.net, the new social network site who seeks to help students like himself who are first generation to go to college.

He also works with various marketing agencies around the Bay Area and is working on expanding his own marketing business while helping the Latino communities as he moves through this journey.

Family Background: My parents brought me to the US when I was about 5 years old. They may not have had a high level of education, but they have worked extremely hard so that their 5 children can have a better life than the one they had back in Mexico.

Where I Grew Up: Santa Maria, CA

Pre College Education: Robert Bruce Elementary, Guadalupe Elementary, Oceano Elementary, Oakley Elementary, El Camino Jr. High, Santa Maria High School

College Education: Santa Clara University, BS Commerce, Management Degree, Spanish Studies minor

"Aha" Moment: Every experience that happens to us shapes us to be who we are today. Growing up, my teachers would ask the class who was going to college. Over time, I started raising my hand because all of my friends would raise their hands. I learned to believe that college was a possibility for me too.

Biggest Challenge To get to College: Being the first in my family to go through the process, I had to figure many of these things on my own. I had to rely on myself or my teachers and counselors who wanted to see me succeed as well.

Biggest Challenge In College: I think that I was raised to have great discipline and I knew what was important to me. I don't feel like I struggled with being away from home or being independent. What I did need to learn was to manage my time and not spread myself too thin. I ejoyed being part of everything I possibly could. I don't regret any of this though.

Mentor: In high school, my counselor was someone who helped me decide to go to college. I owe her a lot and thank her for believing in me.

Favorite Teacher: I had many favorite teachers. Mr. Wieman from High School was a great instructor, but I also admired his character and style of teaching. He was fair and he was amiable at the same time. In college, I enjoyed many of my business professors including John Kerrigan, John Toppel, Lucia Varona, and Dr. Francisco Jimenez.

Favorite Author: David J. Shwartz, "The Magic of Thinking Big".