Shannon Yandall DeJesus' Aztec Experience
This Aztec is involved in more than 10 campus organizations.
Name: Shannon Yandall DeJesus
Major: Psychology
Campus affiliations: Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Scholar; PsyMORE Program OutReach director; Neuroscience Club president; Psychology undergraduate peer adviser; Mortar Board scholarship chair; Golden Key treasurer; Webers Honors College scholar; Pacific Islander Student Association member; Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society member; The Center for Healthy Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease Research.
1. Why did you choose SDSU?
It has been my dream to come to SDSU for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I visited the campus for a sporting event and was in awe of the school spirit! I told as many family members that would listen that I would one day be an Aztec. Once I was older and came back to visit the campus, I again noted the impressive school spirit, but also realized that the university is incredibly diverse, which is important to me because I am half-Samoan and come from a diverse background. The atmosphere is very inviting and drew me in because there are so many opportunities to get involved.
2. What inspired you to declare your major?
I am fascinated by the human mind and love the work I do as a research assistant in Paul Gilbert’s lab. I declared my major because I want to continue to examine the operation of the brain and study the impact of various structural brain factors on psychological functioning.
3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Done is better than perfect.” — Dr. Gilbert
4. What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Being accepted into the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD) Program, which is funded by the National Institute of Health. I worked so hard on my application and prepared extensively for the interview. ShannThe program has paid for me to present my research at different conferences across the U.S., in places such as Miami, Washington D.C. and Seattle. IMSD is also helping me prepare to apply to graduate school, with GRE preparation courses and countless workshops on various aspects of the graduate school application process. My IMSD program manager, Brittnie Bloom, is so supportive of me and the program has truly changed my life!
5. What has been your proudest achievement while at SDSU?
Winning Quest for the Best this year is my proudest SDSU achievement. With so many fantastic students here on campus, to be selected as one of the best is a huge honor.
6. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?
Many people are surprised to find out that I am an avid runner. I have run two marathons in the last 2 years and more than a dozen half marathons. I am also a huge fan of board sports. My dad was a professional skateboarder and I have been skateboarding for almost as long as I've been able to walk. I also love to snowboard and will hit the slopes any chance I get.
7. What’s your favorite thing about being an Aztec?
The people! I have made some of the best friends of my life here at SDSU. The professors are amazing and do their best to challenge students to become leaders. They are always helpful and are very passionate about their subjects, which is inspiring! So many of my fellow students are passionate about their major and I see firsthand how they push themselves to go beyond in and out of the classroom.
