First-generation college student Josh Tellez is fueled by his familial pursuit of opportunity. At the BYU Marriott School of Business, Tellez is forging his path in finance, driven by a deeply-rooted dream of a better future and a personal philosophy to make the most out of every opportunity, no matter the circumstances.
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Tellez was brought up by a single mother who emigrated from Mexico as a teenager in the hope of obtaining better opportunities for herself and her posterity. Education was integral to the dream Tellez’s mother sought in the United States. As a child, Tellez honored the sacrifices made for his schooling by diligently learning English at school while speaking Spanish at home and by working with advisors to find the best educational opportunities.
Tellez’s childhood experience with financial insecurity sparked his interest in finance. “I always knew money was a vehicle to a lot of things I wanted,” Tellez remembers. “For example, I had friends who had nuclear families, who were living in a house, and who weren’t switching from city to city.” The possibility of a more stable and secure life shaped the landscape of his dreams for his future.
At 16 years old, Tellez was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This pivotal shift opened his eyes to the benefits of education and financial stability. The Church community provided Tellez with educated mentors who encouraged his aspirations and supported his transition into university life following his mission.
Entering BYU, Tellez struggled with imposter syndrome—a challenge he hadn’t anticipated encountering in his coursework. His desire to excel in the BYU Marriott finance program led him to seek direction from the finance department, where he was connected with another multicultural student who offered valuable support. The Hispanic Finance Association also provided him with opportunities to relate with peers who shared similar backgrounds and aspirations.
This support network bolstered Tellez’s confidence and inspired him to set his academic and professional aims high. “BYU Marriott does a great job of guiding you to the right places where you can really thrive,” Tellez states.
With renewed confidence, Tellez completed investment analyst internships with Vermilion Rock Advisors, the Utah Innovation Fund, and most recently with Andalusian Credit Partners in New York City—all before his junior year. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping what he hopes to be a promising career trajectory.
Tellez credits his academic and professional triumphs to the sacrifices of his family and mentors. “I want to prove that their sacrifices aren’t going unseen and that they were for a reason,” Tellez says. “I hope to make everybody who’s ever helped me proud.”
Determined to honor these sacrifices, Tellez is committed to demonstrating the value of education to future generations, including his younger siblings and now, with his wife, their newborn daughter.
Tellez believes his accomplishments can serve as a beacon of possibility for others who dream of a more stable and secure future. “All I can do with these opportunities is seize them and do the best I can,” Tellez declares. “If I can do it, I can set an example and let others know this is possible for anybody.”
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Written by Kathryn Cragun
