Jamie Ballard's Aztec Experience

Jamie Ballard is a sophomore majoring in journalism at San Diego State University.

Ballard has been involved since the moment she set foot on the Mesa. She decided to follow her passion for journalism by joining The Daily Aztec staff and works as a media relations assistant in SDSU's Marketing and Communications department. Ballard is also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists at SDSU.

When she isn't covering campus news, the Sonoma native enjoys being a member of the SDSU Waterski and Wakeboard Club.

1. Why did you choose SDSU?

I chose SDSU because I knew I wanted to live in a bigger city, with lots of opportunities for internships and jobs, as well as interesting things to do. I also knew that I wanted to go into journalism, and I was really impressed by the journalism department and The Daily Aztec. Of course, the perfect weather didn’t hurt.

2. What inspired you to declare your major?

I have wanted to go into journalism since I was in sixth grade and won a kid’s newspaper writing contest put on by Time Magazine. I’ve always had an interest in people and writing, so journalism was a natural fit.

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

If you consider reading a way to receive advice, then it’s, “Walk tall, learn to speak Arabic, love music and never forget you come from a long line of truth seekers, lovers and warriors,” from Hunter S. Thompson.

4. Which SDSU faculty or staff member has been the most influential throughout your SDSU journey?

It’s difficult to pick just one! Several of the staff members in the Marketing and Communications Department have been influential, as well as Rebecca Coates Nee, Amy Schmitz-Weiss and Nicole Vargas in the Journalism and Media Studies department.

5. What has been your proudest achievement while at SDSU?

Winning “Most Dedicated News Writer” at The Daily Aztec awards banquet last semester! Writing is something I care about and put a lot of effort toward, so it felt nice to know that my editors recognized that.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Travelling the world, hopefully writing about the interesting people who inhabit it. I think that living somewhere new every six months, meeting new people and learning their stories seems like something I’d enjoy. 

7. What’s your favorite thing about being an Aztec?

My favorite thing about being an Aztec is the wide, but cozy community. There are endless resources available for almost anything I’m interested in, but I never feel overwhelmed or lost in the shuffle. Being an Aztec means being connected.