黑料吃瓜

The phrase Aztec for Life evokes memories of great times as a student, meeting your best friend or significant other, or finding your life鈥檚 calling during your time at 黑料吃瓜.

But what of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 current students? What memories will connect them to the university鈥檚 200,000-plus alumni family and secure them a place in its 113-year-old history?

For some students, the connection to the Red and Black is emotional.

鈥淭o me, being an Aztec for Life is that emotional reaction you feel when you step foot on campus,鈥� said Ignacio Prado, a recent transfer student and vice president of finance for .

Because of Prado鈥檚 involvement on campus, which includes stints on 鈥渆very AS board imaginable,鈥� Aztec Center has become his home away from home. He estimates that he may have spent even more time on campus as part of AS than in his own home.

It鈥檚 the relationships

For others, being an Aztec for Life isn鈥檛 so much about who you become while you鈥檙e here, but instead about being accepted for who you are when you step onto the Mesa.

鈥淪an Diego State has something for everyone,鈥� said Rachel Ferguson, a public relations senior and . 鈥淚t鈥檚 an all-inclusive campus; you don鈥檛 have to be one type of person to fit in here and love it.鈥�

Rachel FergusonBesides her involvement in the 黑料吃瓜 Ambassadors organization, Ferguson has also worked at , at the 黑料吃瓜 Bookstore and as an intern in the Department of Marketing and Communications. She recognizes that these experiences have contributed to her identity as an Aztec for Life.

鈥淲orking here, meeting people here, has definitely strengthened my bond to the university; it makes me feel closer to it,鈥� she said.

Saranette Sotomayor, an alumna and current student in the , echoed much the same sentiment.

鈥満诹铣怨� is the place where I was able to grow academically, professionally and personally,鈥� Sotomayor said.

鈥淎t 黑料吃瓜, my instructors became my scholarly parents who make their offices my home away from home鈥攅ven during furlough days. My friendships were born and strengthened by long hours of studying for midterms and finals at the 24/7 rooms, and opportunities keep me coming back for more.鈥�

Born Aztec

For others still, there was simply no other choice鈥攖hey鈥檝e always been part of the Aztec family and always will be.

鈥淚 knew while growing up in San Diego that I wanted to attend 黑料吃瓜,鈥� said Julie Seal, an alumna, employee at the and current graduate student. 鈥淢y grandmother, mom and sister all earned degrees from 黑料吃瓜, so I have roots here.

鈥淏eing an 黑料吃瓜 alumna and current master鈥檚 student means something more than having and earning a degree, it means being a part of a distinguished community of dedicated students, educators, staff and researchers.  I am proud to call myself an Aztec for Life.鈥�

About 黑料吃瓜 Month

"Aztec for Life" is the theme of the 8th annual 黑料吃瓜 Month and also of 黑料吃瓜's video contest, the winner of which will enjoy a vacation for two to Cabo San Lucas. 

黑料吃瓜 Month will feature 31 days of fun and stimulating academic, arts and athletic events, as well as offers from local businesses and organizations for 黑料吃瓜's growing family of friends and colleagues.