Francisca Campos arrived at Appalachian State University with a promise to herself: say “yes” to opportunity, even when it felt uncomfortable. A first‑generation college student in the Walker College of Business, that commitment shaped every step of her journey in Boone.
Francisca leaves App State with a BSBA in Computer Information Systems and Digital Marketing—and big plans for the future.
Throughout her time in Boone, that mindset led her to step into leadership roles and embrace challenges. Francisca said “yes” to serving as a Walker Fellow, a Dean’s Office Assistant, a resident assistant, and a member of the Martha Guy Business for Good Fellows for first-generation business students. She completed two internships and worked part-time. But the most meaningful part of her journey was not the things she achieved, but the people who supported her along the way.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the peers, mentors, and professors who saw something in me that I couldn’t always see in myself. They didn’t just help me navigate college; they helped me find my voice.”
Serving as a Walker Fellow helped shape her academic and professional growth. “It taught me how to lead with both purpose and kindness. It has been such a privilege to serve the students and faculty of the Walker College of Business.”
Francisca, left, with the Walker Fellows
Balancing leadership responsibilities with personal well-being proved to be a formative challenge. “There were days when I’d get overwhelmed as my to-do list grew longer by the hour. “I realized that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and resilience.”
Francisca credits her parents’ help for what she has accomplished. “Everything I've achieved I owe to my parents,” she said. “They sacrificed everything to ensure I could have a bigger, brighter future than the one they started with, and I carry that legacy with me in everything I do.”
One of her most cherished Walker College of Business memories came through the Martha Guy Fellowship program, where she studied abroad for the first time.
Francisca looks to a favorite quote from musician Dolly Parton to sum up that experience, “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”
Martha Guy Business for Good Fellows
As Francisca begins a full-time position at Lenovo after graduation, she reflects with gratitude on the mountains, mentors and moments that shaped her at App State.
“I will forever be thankful for these mountains and the people who changed my life,” she said.
Francisca Campos is one of approximately 1,000 Spring and Summer 2026 graduates of the Walker College of Business. Read more student stories: business.appstate.edu/news/students.
Francisca M. Campos ’26
Photo submitted