Student Accounting Society

The Student Accounting Society’s Member of the Week Program recognizes and celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding involvement, dedication, interaction, and positivity within the organization. Each week, one member is spotlighted to highlight their contributions to the organization, showcase their interests and hobbies, and share their journey as an accounting student. This program not only acknowledges the hard work and commitment of our members, but also helps members connect with one another on a more personal level, fostering a stronger sense of community within SAS.

The Member of the Week Program is an excellent opportunity to earn recognition for your dedication to SAS and allows you to highlight what you do best.

How can I become a Member of the Week?

The member of the week can be nominated through recognition of accomplishment from one of the executive officers, or can also be nominated by a peer who recognizes their dedication to the organization. To boost your chances of being recognized, you should:

• Attend as many meetings as you can (if you are unable to make a meeting, that’s ok!)
• Attend professional development workshops and events, including the mock interview workshop and networking events
• Attend and be an active participant in social events and outings
• Earn as many membership points as you can
• Be active and interact with the SAS social media
  • For example, liking and interacting with posts on the SAS Instagram page.

If you are a member who would like to nominate a fellow member to be a future Member of the Week, please email us at sascommunications.sdsu@gmail.com and explain your reasoning as to why this member should be nominated.

Fall 2025

Melissa Linares

Junior
Major – Accounting
Hometown – Oceanside, CA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-linares1/ 

The first member to be nominated as a Member of the Week for the Fall 2025 semester is Melissa Linares! Melissa has been nominated for her outstanding dedication to the Student Accounting Society. She has shown consistent commitment by attending every meeting, participating in the Resume Workshop, joining fellow members at our first social event by the turtle pond, and attending Meet the Firms. Throughout the semester, Melissa has worked diligently toward her goals by actively networking with both her peers and professional firms. She has also taken the initiative to connect with the executive board, further demonstrating her drive to grow professionally and her willingness to be involved with the organization. Her dedication and involvement serve as an excellent example for other members, and it is clear that she is making the most of every opportunity SAS provides to her. We are excited to recognize Melissa as the first member of the week and celebrate the hard work, enthusiasm and accomplishments she continues to bring to our organization. 

Which accounting specialty would you like to go into?

Audit/Assurance

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love watching soccer and I’m a “Founding Member” for SDFC (I’m listed in the names on the wall at Snapdragon Stadium). I also like to spend time with my family, whether we meet for brunch, go on a new hiking trail, take camping trips across California, or travel to a different state/country. I think it’s important to spend time with your loved ones. I like to go try new brunch spots around SD, grab ice cream from Handel’s any chance I get, and hit the beach a few times a year.

Why did you choose accounting?

I found that accounting is interesting to me because it works with my ability to be organized. I like making things work. Accounting is very straightforward on processes and organization of accounts and numbers. Knowing where to place those accounts and tying numbers at the end gives me a dopamine hit that keeps me going!

Any future aspirations/career goals you would like to share?

After I complete my undergrad, I want to pursue my MSA, and maybe jump right into my CPA after that. It will all depend on what career path I’m in at that time. I’m leaning into Audit/Internal Audit a bit more as of now, but I will continue to keep my options open and take any opportunity that presents itself to me.

Any insights about what you have learned throughout your membership in SAS you would like to share with other members?

Through my membership with SAS I have learned to be more open to having conversations with my peers. The workshops, weekly meetings, and club activities create a community of other people with the same interests and goals as myself. Showing up is half the work and SAS has shown me support each time!

Anything else you would like to share?

I’m grateful for this nomination and excited to continue as a member of SAS!

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Frederick Francisco

Senior
Major – Accounting
Hometown – Berkeley, CA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrickfrancisco/

The next member to be nominated as the Member of the Week for the Fall 2025 semester is Frederick Francisco! Freddy is being nominated for the effort and dedication he has put into the organization. He has been working hard the entire semester to attend every meeting, attend the ice cream social, and has been active with the club social media. However, what has set Freddy apart is his participation in Student Accounting Society professional development workshops and programs. During our mentorship program, Freddy has taken the responsibility of mentoring five students and has shown outstanding work in helping them prepare for Meet the Firms, get their resumes and cover letters ready for applications, and helped mentees perfect their interviewing skills. In addition to his work in the mentorship program, he also served as one of the interviewers for the mock interview program, helping members prepare for upcoming interviews and giving them support and guidance on how to master these skills. We are honored to have Freddy as a member of the Student Accounting Society and to recognize him as the next Member of the Week!

Which accounting specialty would you like to go into?

Audit/Assurance

What do you like to do for fun? 

Play video games and basketball

Why did you choose accounting?

My mom and aunt are CPAs

Any future aspirations/career goals you would like to share?

My favorite accounting class has been Intermediate II, and my hardest class was Intermediate I.

Any future aspirations/career goals you would like to share?

I would like to pass all 4 exams within 6 months or less

Anything else you would like to share?

During my time at SAS, I’ve learned the importance of being proactive. Getting up every Monday and showing up to weekly meetings, even if they get repetitive. Being meticulous with my resume, making the tiniest edits to ensure that it’s perfect. Practicing interview questions over and over again until I feel ready. I used to be a really lazy guy, but through SAS, I learned how to take action and be present where it matters, and it really has made my career growth and academic life much easier and successful. 

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Nadira Andrade

Junior
Accounting Major
Hometown – San Diego, CA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadira-andrade/

The next member to be nominated as the Member of the Week for the Fall 2025 semester is Nadira Andrade! Nadira has been nominated as the Member of the Week because of her constant drive to continue pushing forward and her passion for growing herself academically and professionally. Throughout the entire semester, she has put forth a continued effort to connect with other students and professionals, and has always been active in the SAS community. Every week, Nadira has diligently attended SAS meetings, social events, professional development workshops, and related events with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Thank you Nadira for being a great Member of the Week and your involvement in making the SAS community a warm and friendly place!

Which accounting specialty would you like to go into?

Unsure

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m happiest when I’m with family and friends, out exploring, traveling, and discovering something new to do.

Why did you choose Accounting?

I was drawn to accounting because I enjoy working with numbers and solving complex problems. There’s something satisfying about analyzing data, finding accuracy, and ensuring everything balances.

What has been your favorite Accounting class so far? And the most challenging?

My favorite accounting class so far has been Managerial Accounting – I really liked connecting the numbers to real business decisions. Intermediate Accounting definitely has been the most challenging, but it’s also helped me strengthen my technical skills and attention to detail

Any future aspirations/career goals you would like to share?

In the future, I see myself working as a CPA, growing within a firm that values learning and teamwork. I want to continue developing my expertise while making a positive impact on the clients and organizations I work with.

Any insights about what you have learned throughout your membership in SAS you would like to share with other members?

Through my experience in the Student Accounting Society, I’ve learned the importance of building relationships within the accounting profession. Attending meetings and firm events helped me understand how valuable it is to connect early, ask questions, and learn from professionals’ experiences. It’s also shown me how supportive and collaborative the accounting community can be.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the Student Accounting Society. It’s helped me to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people, and gain confidence about my future in accounting. I’m thankful for all the experiences and look forward to continuing to grow within the organization.

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Ethan Truong

Sophomore
Computer Science Major
Hometown – San Diego, CA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/-ethan-truong-/

The next member to be nominated as Member of the Week for the Fall 2025 semester is Ethan Truong! Ethan is being recognized for his participation in the weekly meetings and in SAS social events. Ethan has been going above and beyond to show his dedication to the Student Accounting Society by being an active participant at our weekly meetings and also going out of his way to make connections with other members in the club. Even though he is not an accounting major just yet, he has shown major effort in his path as he transitions into the business field. Thank you Ethan, for everything you have given to the Student Accounting Society, we hope everything goes well for you and for your continued support of SAS!

What do you like to do for fun?

I love hiking! My favorite spot is Cabrillo National Monument, given its beautiful views of the ocean and San Diego. It’s a must to visit the tide pools there as well!

Any insights about what you have learned throughout your membership in SAS you would like to share with other members?

SAS provides valuable information by bringing in experienced accountants who share what being an accountant entails. It’s a great space if accounting piques your interest as a potential career, and you will meet a lot of kind people! SAS has offered stepping stones as I transition into the business field. 

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Gressia Lizarraga

Sophomore
Accounting Major
Hometown – San Diego, CA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gressia-lizarraga-052447384/

The next member to be nominated as the Member of the Week for the Fall 2025 semester is Gressia Lizarraga! Gressia has been nominated because of her outstanding dedication to attending every weekly meeting and participating in SAS social events. Even though it’s only her second year at San Diego State University, she has taken the initiative to be involved with campus organizations and to connect with other students. She has spent time getting to know other members and is always first in line to speak with the business professionals after our meetings. We greatly appreciate all of the effort and time she has dedicated to the Student Accounting Society, and we hope she continues to put forth the same effort. Thank you Gressia!

Which accounting specialty would you like to go into?

Forensic Accounting

What do you like to do for fun?

I love spending my Sundays tending to my garden or baking with my grandma, it’s a very grounding experience that I hold very close to me! I also love reading, soccer, and anything involving music. One of my most favorite hobbies is writing, whether it’s in my journal, a long Google Doc I’ll never finish, or getting a script ready for interviewing local creatives. It’s a really fun way to get to know your community and to take a peak at the infinite possibilities of which I like being nosy about. :^)

Why did you choose Accounting?

I find that Accounting is a very flexible career, it allows for many opportunities in a wide variety of areas/industries and as someone who can be a bit indecisive, it creates a cushion for choosing where I’d like to implement myself. There is also a certain community that I’ve been getting to discover, so that has definitely been a plus.

Any insights about what you have learned throughout your membership in SAS you would like to share with other members?

Being a part of SAS has immediately connected me with peers of all sorts, it has been a lovely experience getting to meet people and finding friends along the way. (^_^)

Anything else you would like to share?

A personal thank you!