2014 Quest for the Best Winners

At any given moment on campus, one student’s diligent research is leading to breakthrough discoveries, while another’s idea for a volunteer project is changing lives on the other side of the world.

Every year, San Diego State University students take their personal and academic achievements to new heights, and every year SDSU sets out to find those students who exemplify a commitment to excellence.  

The 2014 Quest for the Best winners represent SDSU’s standout student leaders who have excelled academically while dedicating themselves to both campus involvement and community service.  

Estefania Castañeda Pérez
Senior, political science; minor in honors interdisciplinary studies

My defining Aztec experience: "Studying abroad in Japan gave me more than just an opportunity to learn the language. I connected with people from different cultures, which taught me a lot about cross-cultural relations. Those lessons will stay with me as I continue down my career path."

Where I’m making an impact:

• Aztec Model United Nations
• International Youth and Students for Social Equality
• Honors Program Student Society
• Border Angels
• International Rescue Committee

What’s next: I’ll pursue a Ph.D. in political science and continue research on cross-border commuters and border studies.

Jonathan Cole
Junior, finance

My defining Aztec experience: "The turning point in my college career was participating in Aztec CORE. I was able to meet great student leaders who inspired me to become a better person. It was through those initial meetings at the leadership summits that I became inspired to get more involved on campus and made it my goal to eventually become AS President."

Editor's note: Jonathan was recently elected as president of Associated Students.

Where I’m making an impact:

• Associated Students
• Sigma Phi Epsilon
• Rotaract
• Relay for Life
• Aztec Unity Project

What’s next: I plan on pursuing an MBA, founding a leadership consulting firm and becoming a Governor of California.

Jordan Harrison
Senior, business marketing; minor in social and personality psychology

My defining Aztec experience: “Personally coming from humble beginnings being born in Chicago, Illinois, programs such as Score, my church, and mentors made me believe in myself, my future, and held me to high standards that I can hold myself to. Ultimately, serving my community is a privilege and personal priority for me through college and life. Serving the community really shows that just being present, giving your time and smile can make a difference of a lifetime!”

Where I’m making an impact:

• American Marketing Association
• Aztec Poet Society
• Rotaract
• San Diego Blood Bank
• Wave Goodbye to MS

What’s next: I will be working for 3M as well as with Reality Changers as Chief Inspiration Officer leading motivational and encouraging workshops for first generation college students.

Jasmine Henderson
Senior, political science and psychology

My defining Aztec experience: “I've been most transformed by the experiences I've gained through leadership roles on campus, diversity training, and advocating for under served populations as an intern in Washington, D.C." 

Where I’m making an impact:

• Associated Students
• Harambee Committee
• Residence Hall Association
• Justice for Japan
• San Diego Food Bank, Aztecs Rock Hunger

What’s next: After graduation, I’ll be interning with the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington D.C. and later attending Columbia Law School where I plan to specialize in social justice.

Megan Isaacson
Senior, psychology

My Defining Aztec Experience: “As president of Mortar Board I get to promote and take part in leadership opportunities across campus and throughout the community. Having a role in Dr. John Love’s research lab has also impacted me academically and professionally as a future researcher and scientist.”

Where I’m making an impact:

• American Medical Student Association
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Psychology Club
• Kroc Center, Posit Science Project
• Sharp Chula Vista Hospital

What’s next: I’m applying to medical school to pursue a career in clinical research in the fields of neuroscience or biochemistry.

Brandon Ishikata
Junior, liberal studies with a literacy/performing arts emphasis

My defining Aztec experience: "My role as a senior resident advisor was transformational for me. I was able to develop my leadership skills through this experience that integrated conflict resolution, community building, learning about diversity and creating and participating in programming. All of these things made me a well-rounded and balanced leader."

Where I’m making an impact:

• Dimensions Performing Arts Group
• SDSU Ambassadors
• Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
• Caroling for Cans
• SDSU Children’s Center

What’s next: I’m going to pursue a two-year multiple subjects teaching credential and master’s degree in education, and then become an elementary school teacher.

Marina Mantos
Senior, communication

My defining Aztec experience: “Being involved in the United Sorority and Fraternity Council introduced me to a multitude of people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses. Those unique perspectives have had such a positive impact on me. It’s helped me reflect on my personal experiences and understand the importance of my self-identity and cultural identity.”

Where I’m making an impact:

• Center for Intercultural Relations
• Fraternal Values Society
• NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program
• Monarch School
• Chelsea’s Light Foundation

What’s next: I’ll be attending the Leadership Development and Higher Education master’s program at the University of San Diego.

Javon Ogbeide
Junior, business administration with an emphasis in management specializing in entrepreneurship; minor in interdisciplinary studies

My defining Aztec experience: “I made my first foray into leadership as a freshman when I ran for an officer position in the Student African American Brotherhood. The fact that people recognized the potential in me before I had the experience to prove myself really ignited my confidence and helped me see my own potential. Now, I’m the president of that organization.”

Where I’m making an impact:

• Afrikan Student Union
• Presidential Scholars Program
• Harambee Scholars Mentoring Program
• Embrace: Ex 4 Vets
• Jackie Robinson YMCA

What’s next: I hope to pursue a master's degree in business administration while working in a management position at a Fortune 500 company.

Savanna Tierney
Senior, psychology; minor in biology

My defining Aztec experience: “I've found so much value and personal fulfillment in mentoring other students through organizations like the Psychology Mentoring Outreach and Education Program and Student Mentored Academic Training”

Where I’m making an impact:

• Mortar Board
• SafeZones
• Student Research Committee
• Summer Academy to Inspire Learning
• Autism Speaks San Diego Walk

What’s next: After graduation, I’ll pursue a doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology.

Amanda Willis
Senior, mechanical engineering; minor in music with a classical emphasis

My defining Aztec experience: "When I joined Circle K, I was surrounded by like-minded people who are also focused on serving the community. They inspired me to run for leadership positions in organizations and helped me realize my potential as a leader."

Where I’m making an impact:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• SDSU Symphony Orchestra
• Society of Women Engineers
• I Love A Clean San Diego State University
• Father Joe’s Village

What’s next: I will be working as a mechanical engineer.