7 Things About Gabriel Benji
A Q&A with Gabriel Benji, a business management senior at SDSU, who attributes his success to his involvement on campus.
To say that Gabriel Benji has been involved at San Diego State University is an understatement.
The 21-year-old business administration major is the president of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, was voted Greek Man of the Year, is a member of the Jewish Student Union, Aztecs for Israel, the Phi Kappa Phi honors fraternity, and is a member of the Real Estate club and the American Marketing Association.
1. Why did you choose SDSU?
There are a ton of reasons why I chose to come to SDSU, but the deciding factor had to be the experience of moving away from home and being able to live on my own and see what I was really made of. Almost 3 years later I have realized it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
2. What inspired you to declare your major?
I always knew that communicating with people and using my interpersonal skills was what was going to get me far in life. I also had a passion for leading and trying to be as innovative as possible. That's what led me to study business management.
3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” by Abraham Lincoln. It taught me that if you want something badly, you’ve got to go out and do your absolute best to get it. No excuses.
4. What are your future goals?
Everyone wants to be successful, but what I really want to be is significant — significant meaning that I’ve done something to make the world a better place, or made the lives of my loved ones that much better. I hope that one day, if placed in a room full of successful individuals, I will be sought out from the group as a person they admire and respect. That's my goal.
5. What is the first website you look at every day?
ESPN. I need to check my sports.
6. What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Becoming the president of my fraternity has changed my life forever. This experience has given me the opportunity to make a difference and do what I love to do with the people I love being around most.
7. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?
I am an all-out nerd. If I’m not in class or doing something for one of my organizations, you can bet you’ll find me on the first floor in the quiet study section of Love Library studying for something.
Bonus Questions
1. What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or down?
"Great Gatsby." Jay Gatsby’s the man. Thumbs up!
2. What place would you like to visit or visit again?
I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand.
We're always looking for exceptional members of the SDSU community. Submit recommendations on the San Diego State University Facebook page, or contact Hallie Jacobs, new media editor.
