Quinn Owen's Aztec Experience
This Aztec has reported and produced news for NBC News, ABC News and NPR.
Major (and minor): Journalism
Campus affiliations: Society of Professional Journalists, The Daily Aztec, KCR College Radio, SDSU Debate
1. Why did you choose San Diego State University?
I chose SDSU for its journalism program and the school’s affiliation with KPBS News.
2. What inspired you to declare your major?
I’ve always been an avid consumer of news so I wanted to learn how to tell compelling stories and become a successful journalist. That interest is coupled with a strong passion for public policy and government affairs. I chose my major with the intention to dedicate my career to holding public leaders accountable.
3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I’ve been given is not to be afraid of criticism, rejection or failure.
4. Which SDSU faculty or staff member has been the most influential throughout your SDSU journey?
Professor Amy Schmitz-Weiss and lecturer/internship coordinator Nicole Vargas have always been exceptionally supportive in addition to being wonderful instructors. I’ve learned a lot from both of them.
5. What does student success mean to you?
Student success means being truly invested in learning more and making a commitment to progress and grow through education. Being a successful student involves going beyond simply completing assignments and tasks. It means fully immersing yourself in the educational experience.
6. What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?
Getting hired as a student assistant at KPBS, the local NPR and PBS station on campus, has opened so many new doors and avenues of opportunity for my career. I don’t have the slightest idea where I would be without that job.
7. What has been your proudest achievement while at SDSU?
It actually happened last month when I was hired by ABC News to assist with their coverage of the presidential inauguration. It was a culmination of the years of work I’ve put in at SDSU to become a strong journalist.
8. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be producing high-quality journalism at a top-tier news organization.
9. What’s your favorite thing about being an Aztec?
It’s getting to live in the wonderful, diverse and particularly beautiful community of San Diego. I’ve enjoyed every day as an Aztec, and it’s the people who make our community so exceptional.
