Current Ambo Spotlight: Teressa Martel Discovers Student Life at Heart of SDSU

As a first-time freshman, Teressa Martel arrived at San Diego State University with enough college credit – nearly four semesters worth – that she could've graduated from college in about two years. Successfully passing several Advanced Placement tests during high school, Teressa had already fulfilled much of her college general education requirements before even attending the university. But it was during New Student Orientation that Teressa met the SDSU Ambassadors, and discovered student life at SDSU.

"At Orientation I had an amazing Ambo sit down with me and help me fill out my class schedule," said Teressa. "I thought the Ambos would be a great way to get involved with the university."

Teressa says that becoming an Ambassador was a major deciding factor for her to attend the university for the standard four years, which catapulted her into a number of other student involvement opportunities.

Last year she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. "Florence was an amazing experience," said Teressa, who managed to get in a few cooking lessons between classes.

In fall 2006, the Provost Scholar and political science senior obtained the prestigious (Leon) Panetta Institute Congressional Internship in Washington, D.C. Teressa and 14 other Congressional Interns were at the Democratic National Convention during the 2006 midterm elections, which resulted in a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party as they captured the House of Representatives, the Senate, and a majority of governorships and state legislatures.

"That night was great for me. A group of us (interns) got there early and were right up there in front, next to the stage. It was amazing; one of the most amazingly fantastic nights!"

The energy of the evening's victory was summed up in an Associated Press photo that featured vivacious young Democrats in celebration. The photo, which included Teressa and fellow interns, was displayed on news Web sites around the world.

After studying abroad and interning at the nation's capitol, Teressa is back on campus for her fourth and final year at SDSU. She continues to participate in the student organization that got her connected to student life on campus, the SDSU Ambassadors. She says her favorite Ambo duty is giving tours of the university to prospective students. "I love getting people excited about what I'm excited about."

In addition to the Ambassadors, Teressa is involved in the SDSU University Honors Program; Pre-law Society; Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law co-ed fraternity; Golden Key National Honor Society; Phi Eta Sigma, an honor society; and Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors.

Earlier this semester, a photo Teressa took while studying abroad in Europe placed second in the university's Common Experience – International Photo Contest, under the theme "the only real nation is humanity."

In October, Teressa was crowned SDSU's Homecoming Queen.

"Being involved actually makes you care about why you're here," said Teressa. "If you don't have your heart in this university, you're not going to do well. But when you have that heart for it, you care about your work and all you do here."

It's no question that SDSU holds a special place with Teressa. Her father Ron and sister Angela are SDSU alums. and she met some of her best friends while living in the university's residence halls. SDSU is where Teressa learned that there's more to being a student than taking notes and passing classes; and perhaps more importantly, she's learned to "make sure to stop to look around every so often."

"The biggest lesson I've learned at SDSU is to take it all in. You really don't know what's going to happen, so enjoy the experience and all the opportunities on campus while you're here."

Outside of campus, Teressa finds refuge at her home away from home – Disneyland. The annual pass-holder frequents Disneyland with friends to savor the infectious magical atmosphere that never ages. "Sometimes we don't even go on the rides," she said. "It's a place where you can always be a kid."

Teressa will graduate in May 2008 and plans to either return to Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles, to attend law school. She aspires to be an attorney and practice family law.