Hannah Stange's Aztec Experience

Name: Hannah Stange
Major: Television, Film and New Media, emphasis in critical studies; English minor
Campus affiliations: Delta Zeta Sorority, National Society for Collegiate Scholars

1. Why did you choose SDSU?

I chose San Diego State University because it was the school that I knew could provide me with everything I wanted out of my college experience. My graduating high school class had 118 people. My school didn't have a football team, homecoming dance or even a prom. I knew that coming to SDSU meant that I would have the ability to meet a lot of people, enjoy the camaraderie that comes with rooting for your school’s major sports team and I would be able to attend social functions that I felt I was missing out on. SDSU has given me everything I could have ever wanted from a college, and there is nothing else I’d rather be than an Aztec.

2. What inspired you to declare your major?

In high school, I was chosen to write my senior class play. Every year, the senior class puts on a play that basically promotes how each senior class is the best one yet. Being in charge of the writing process, I realized that I was really passionate about writing and being able to see my work performed. I decided to take an introductory film class where I made a few short films with my friends. They were all terrible, but I developed a love for the writing process and enjoyed seeing the impact that my works had on the viewers. I won an award at a small film festival, and I’ve known that becoming a television and film writer was what I’ve wanted to do ever since.

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

The best piece of advice I have ever received is to always push myself to do my best, but to accept the moments when my best isn’t enough. It’s hard to accept the fact that we can’t be good at everything all the time. However, it is also a nice reminder that even the most successful people fail and learn to get back up. Because of their determination to succeed at whatever they are passionate about, they end up changing the world.

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

The most influential staff member who has shaped my time at SDSU has been Stuart Voytilla. As my screenwriting professor, he really helped me rediscover my passion for screenwriting. He works so hard to give me the best feedback, is always open to meeting with students, and he has a passion for helping his students be the best writers possible. Voytilla has influenced my work for the best, and I’m so glad that I have been able to have him as a resource and mentor here at SDSU.

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

The experience that has changed my life the most at SDSU was joining my sorority. I found a group of women who helped me become a better me. Being a part of Delta Zeta, I have been pushed to be academically successful, to be more involved in my community, to reach out of my comfort zone in order to meet new people and to be a leader that inspires others. My sorority sisters have always supported me and constantly remind me that they believe in my future as a comedy television writer, and that support has changed my life so much.

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

My proudest achievement has been my four semesters of being on the Dean’s List. I am very proud of my academic success and I am also glad that I have been able to maintain a solid GPA while also balancing my other endeavors.

7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself writing for a small local television show or finishing up a graduate program. My longterm goal is to be a writer for Saturday Night Live, but I want to have some sort of actual writing experience before I make my move to SNL. I am currently a social media intern for the show Tonight in San Diego, which is San Diego’s local version of The Tonight Show. I want to learn from their writers to see how they successfully write for a variety TV program.

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

My favorite thing about being an Aztec is the sense of community that comes with being a part of the SDSU student body. Like the shirts say, you really are an Aztec For Life. Both the current students and alumni are so committed to SDSU, which makes the Aztec experience so special. I have a lot of pride in my school, and becoming an Aztec was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.