Welcome to
Adelina Martinez's Timeline at SDSU

During my freshman year, I entered computer science with almost no experience. Being one of the only girls in several classes was intimidating, but I stuck with it while learning Java, retaking math, and figuring everything out as I went. I also took my first art class, explored San Diego, made new friends, and spent my summer working as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor, ironically, the one place I felt fully qualified.

During my sophomore year, I decided to do everything all at once. I balanced calculus, data structures, and design classes while working at the ITS Help Desk and joining the club water polo team. I also co-led a freelance redesign of Groundwork Books’ website using React and other tools I was actively learning mid-project. This year was chaotic and stressful, but I came out of it way more capable.

During my junior year, I continued my momentum. I discovered UX/UI design and realized I could combine my love for tech and creativity instead of choosing one. I started working as an Instructional Design Student Assistant at SDSU Global Campus, took on two more freelance projects, and won my first hackathon at DesignVerse 2025. This year gave me confidence, direction, and proof that I might actually know what I’m doing.

During this year, the busy started to feel normal. I joined the SDSU Digital Innovation Lab, worked on a large UX/UI research project, and presented at the Student Research Symposium after months of data and documentation. I also built an AI-powered course planner at a 24-hour hackathon and won 2nd place at a design competition, all while taking advanced CS classes and ceramics (for balance).

During my final year, I finished my degree while preparing for life after SDSU. Between advanced courses, final projects, and polishing my portfolio, I fully entered the job search era, meeting with mentors, networking, and applying. It was a mix of excitement and stress as everything I worked on came together, and I found myself reflecting on the relationships, opportunities, and experiences that shaped my time here.

After graduation, I’m aiming to stay in San Diego and find a role in frontend development, UX/UI design, or somewhere in that creative-tech overlap. The job market is… humbling, but I’m learning to be patient with myself, figuring out my strengths, improving where I can, and navigating an industry that’s constantly changing. If there’s one consistent theme so far, it’s figuring things out as I go, and it’s worked pretty well.