Growing up in El Salvador, Astrid Galvez, was instilled with a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the country. She says, “It’s a country known for its hard working people and beautiful beaches, which are a paradise for surfers seeking wonderful waves.”
With a strong community and family around her, Astrid believes their support guided her journey. Her initial drive to further her education was the desire to be a first-generation college student. She moved to the United States as a teenager and quickly learned that she would have to work harder to gain knowledge on how to attend college. The community around her often had misleading information about financing for higher education, so there were many things she had to learn on her own.
Astrid found guidance from a co-worker while working at a finance company to help her navigate the path to enroll in a local community college. She earned her associate’s degree and went on to transfer to Cal State Los Angeles, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in 2013, and started her own small business the same year. In 2018, Astrid headed up to Portland and in 2021 enrolled in the taxation program. She felt delighted to know that the program offered the flexibility to still work in the accounting and tax industry and still go to school. “This journey, marked by perseverance and the support of key individuals, has encouraged me to pursue higher education and achieve my goals.”
Business has always been a fascination to Astrid because she wanted to learn the mechanisms behind how businesses operated and adapted to the changing environments. Astrid is a small business owner and has seen firsthand how businesses play a crucial role in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. Working in finance also further reinforced Astrid’s interests, as she observed the impact that sound financial management and strategic planning can have on a company’s success.
“One significant motivation for me was recognizing the need in the Hispanic community in the Pacific Northwest for quality accounting and tax services. I saw how important it was to help my community make smarter financial decisions and understand their contributions to the country's economy. This desire to support Hispanic small business owners and the community as a whole inspired me to pursue a Masters in Taxation.”
Throughout her time at The School of Business, Astrid learned the importance of adaptability and resilience, which has been crucial in preparing her for her future. “In the dynamic accounting world, things rarely go exactly as planned. Through various courses and practical experiences, I discovered that being able to adapt to changing circumstances and recover from setbacks is essential for success.”
The School of Business gave Astrid the opportunity to take classes tailored to working professionals in the tax industry. The flexible schedule allowed Astrid to balance her academic pursuits and business activities. Astrid explains one of her favorite experiences during her schooling was the Pass-Through Entity courses, because most of the clients she serves are partnerships and S-corp business owners. The academic materials were directly applicable to her day-to-day business activities, enhancing her practical knowledge and skills.
Having direct professors at The School of Business enhanced Astrid’s overall experience. The professors were approachable, accommodating, and genuinely invested in the student's success. “I had the freedom to reach out directly to the program's Academic Director, Julie Hackett, and always received timely responses throughout my student journey.”
Astrid's advice to future students, especially those pursuing an accounting or tax degree, is to approach their studies with curiosity, resilience, and openness to learning something new. She emphasizes that the tax world is dynamic, with new laws, technologies, and client expectations constantly emerging, making it crucial to stay ahead of the curve. Astrid believes that staying consistent throughout college is key to achieving goals. Being curious and eager will help drive passion and niche. She suggests asking questions and immersing oneself in various aspects of accounting and tax. Despite the challenges that come with pursuing a business degree, Astrid encourages students to embrace them and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. She also advises building a community and relying on their support in the early stages of the journey.
“Additionally, consider how you can give back and support others—building strong, reciprocal relationships can lead to new opportunities and deepen your connections within the industry.”