7 Things About Jonathan Cole

Jonathan Cole — also know as "J Cole" — was recently elected as the new San Diego State University Associated Students president.

The junior finance major is involved in a multitude of campus organizations, including the Interfraternity Council, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Rotaract, Peer Leadership Consultants, the Sports Business Initiative, fratMANers, Student Life and Leadership and the Business Honors Program.

1. Why did you choose SDSU?

Due to the college football recruitment process, I only applied to a handful of schools for academics. When scholarships fell through, SDSU was my only acceptance so I guess you could say that SDSU chose me.

2. What inspired you to declare your major?

I actually got accepted to SDSU for mechanical engineering but I always knew I wanted to change. During my sophomore year I took an introduction to business class from the assistant dean of the College of Business Administration, Christine Probett. She mentored me and motivated me to pursue Finance.

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

The best piece of advice I ever received was from my mentor and professor, Tita Gray. She stressed the importance of loving everybody; this life is too short to not give out love.

4. What are your future goals?

My dream job is to be the Governor of California, but I would love to open my consulting firm which would emphasize on business development and leadership. I want to help others start their own businesses and make their aspirations become reality.

5. What is the first website you look at every day?

Definitely YouTube. I always like to start out my day with the video, “How Bad Do You Want It”.  It pumps me up every morning and I would recommend it to anyone.

6. What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?

During winter break of my freshman year I had the opportunity to go to Aztec Core, a leadership retreat put on by Student Life and Leadership. I met extraordinary leaders that motivated me to get more involved; it was then that I decided to move on from football and pursue leadership opportunities.

7. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

I guess an interesting thing about me is that I’m a huge classic movie fan. "Casablanca," "An Affair to Remember" and "Singing in the Rain" are some of my favorites.

Bonus Questions

1. What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or down?

The last movie I saw in theaters was "Saving Mr. Banks." Emma Thompson did an amazing job at playing P.L. Travers. Definite thumbs up.

2. What city would you like to visit or visit again?

I would love to visit New Orleans, I’m obsessed with the culture and I’m a huge fan of jazz.

3. What kind of music do you listen to/what are your favorite bands?

My 3 favorite artists are Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Tupac. They were the icons of their era and their music is a true testament to that.