Krystal Nzeadibe's Aztec Experience

Name: Krystal Nzeadibe
Major: Finance with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Campus affiliations: Vice president of finance for the Black Business Society, internal relations officer for the Student African American Sisterhood, member of the Weber Honors College, Presidential Scholar, administrative assistant for Associated Students

1. Why did you choose SDSU?

My mom and I toured SDSU over winter break of my senior year. We were staying with my Aunt in La Jolla, so we had to take public transportation to get to the school. We ended up taking the wrong bus and arrived almost two hours late. Fortunately, one of the admissions faculty members was in constant contact with me. I really appreciated how the faculty here really goes out of their way to help students succeed and feel comfortable. I felt welcomed to the school, before I even got here.

After my personal tour, I met with the director of the Honors College, Stacey Sinclair. She and I went over the requirements of the Honors College. She really emphasized how much being in the Honors College would separate me from other students and distinguish me as an academic and professional competitor. Meeting with the faculty personally, really was a really big deal, because on other college tours I just felt like a small fish in a big pond. But the attention and personalization I got here at SDSU was incomparable. After my visit to SDSU, I knew this was the university I would call home for the next four years.

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

“Pounce on every opportunity you can that does not harm you professionally, personally or spiritually.” Although it’s scary, we must take occasional leaps of faith in order to see the world beyond our personal bubble. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to explore the possibilities and engage with my campus and community in ways I never thought imaginable.

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

I cannot pick just one! Two extremely dedicated faculty members have been of great influence throughout my SDSU journey. Both Sinclair and Tita Gray, the assistant dean of the College of Business Administration, have been exceptional role models for both personal and professional development. The dedication and passion these women have to see their students succeed is admirable.

Sinclair has exemplified her supportive and kind-hearted nature by always having an open door and an open mind whenever I approach her. She is extremely relatable, and her genuine personality always makes me feel welcome and comfortable. Did I mention she wrote me a letter of recommendation within a three days’ notice? She is truly Superwoman!

Gray has been more influential in my life than she probably knows. I truly admire how knowledgeable she is and her ability to effectively communicate her knowledge to others. Her intellect regarding business practices, leadership and life in general is incredible! She is also extremely honest and her go-getter attitude is truly contagious. It is impossible to have a conversation with her and not feel like you are ready to take on the world. I am so grateful to have met both of these powerhouses in the past year. Their passion for what they do is obvious and I cannot wait to feel the same way when I enter the workforce.

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

Although there have been many, one extremely impactful experience occurred November of 2014. I attended a leadership camp called Aztec CORE which helps emerging leaders realize their passions so they can focus their leadership skills to better the campus. The weekend was spent participating in activities that developed teamwork, communication and humility. Some of these student leaders underwent traumatic circumstances that required immense perseverance and strength. Their ability to not let their circumstances limit their abilities and achievements was extremely inspiring. Spending a weekend with like-minded driven students really inspired me to take more leadership roles on campus.

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

My proudest achievement while at SDSU was when I spoke at the Weber Honors College reception at Explore SDSU in the spring of 2015. I was invited to share my Aztec experience with 1,000 prospective honors students who attended the event. Mind you, I took an oral communication class the semester prior and nearly had a nervous breakdown from presenting in front of my class of 20 students. My fear of public speaking was paralyzing! When the moment came for me to present my experience, I took a deep breath and just started talking. Effectively delivering my speech to this enormous audience has been my proudest achievement while at SDSU. This event has significantly boosted my public speaking confidence. I am proud of the risk I took to get comfortable with this skill.

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

I broke a world record! One of the Aztec Nights this fall semester was a onesie pajama dance party. SDSU actually broke the record for the most people dancing in a onesie at the same time. There was a representative from the Guinness World Records to confirm our accomplishment.

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

My favorite thing about being an Aztec is having the opportunity to meet other determined and zealous Aztecs. I’m a part of the Afrikan Student Union here on campus, and our motto is “lift as we climb”. But this motto really reflects the Aztec community. We realize that the university as a whole is only as strong as our weakest link, so it is our responsibility to empower and support each other in any way we can. Unlike a lot of schools where the competitiveness gets the best of the students, SDSU students don’t see each other as threats. We take pride in the success of others. As we become closer to achieving our goals, we ensure that our fellow Aztecs are doing the same.