2014 Quest for the Best Winners
Meet the student leaders impacting our campus and communities.
At any given moment on campus, one student鈥檚 diligent research is leading to breakthrough discoveries, while another鈥檚 idea for a volunteer project is changing lives on the other side of the world.
Every year, 色情视频 students take their personal and academic achievements to new heights, and every year 色情视频 sets out to find those students who exemplify a commitment to excellence.
The 2014 Quest for the Best winners represent 色情视频鈥檚 standout student leaders who have excelled academically while dedicating themselves to both campus involvement and community service.
Estefania Casta帽eda P茅rez
Senior, political science; minor in honors interdisciplinary studies
My defining Aztec experience: "Studying abroad in Japan gave me more than just an opportunity to learn the language. I connected with people from different cultures, which taught me a lot about cross-cultural relations. Those lessons will stay with me as I continue down my career path."
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Aztec Model United Nations
- International Youth and Students for Social Equality
- Honors Program Student Society
- Border Angels
- International Rescue Committee
What鈥檚 next: I鈥檒l pursue a Ph.D. in political science and continue research on cross-border commuters and border studies.
Jonathan Cole
Junior, finance
My defining Aztec experience: "The turning point in my college career was participating in Aztec CORE. I was able to meet great student leaders who inspired me to become a better person. It was through those initial meetings at the leadership summits that I became inspired to get more involved on campus and made it my goal to eventually become AS President."
Editor's note: Jonathan was recently elected as president of Associated Students.
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Associated Students
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Rotaract
- Relay for Life
- Aztec Unity Project
What鈥檚 next: I plan on pursuing an MBA, founding a leadership consulting firm and becoming a Governor of California.
Jordan Harrison
Senior, business marketing; minor in social and personality psychology
My defining Aztec experience: 鈥淧ersonally coming from humble beginnings being born in Chicago, Illinois, programs such as Score, my church, and mentors made me believe in myself, my future, and held me to high standards that I can hold myself to. Ultimately, serving my community is a privilege and personal priority for me through college and life. Serving the community really shows that just being present, giving your time and smile can make a difference of a lifetime!鈥
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- American Marketing Association
- Aztec Poet Society
- Rotaract
- San Diego Blood Bank
- Wave Goodbye to MS
What鈥檚 next: I will be working for 3M as well as with Reality Changers as Chief Inspiration Officer leading motivational and encouraging workshops for first generation college students.
Jasmine Henderson
Senior, political science and psychology
My defining Aztec experience: 鈥淚've been most transformed by the experiences I've gained through leadership roles on campus, diversity training, and advocating for under served populations as an intern in Washington, D.C."
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Associated Students
- Harambee Committee
- Residence Hall Association
- Justice for Japan
- San Diego Food Bank, Aztecs Rock Hunger
What鈥檚 next: After graduation, I鈥檒l be interning with the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington D.C. and later attending Columbia Law School where I plan to specialize in social justice.
Megan Isaacson
Senior, psychology
My Defining Aztec Experience: 鈥淎s president of Mortar Board I get to promote and take part in leadership opportunities across campus and throughout the community. Having a role in Dr. John Love鈥檚 research lab has also impacted me academically and professionally as a future researcher and scientist.鈥
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- American Medical Student Association
- Golden Key International Honour Society
- Psychology Club
- Kroc Center, Posit Science Project
- Sharp Chula Vista Hospital
What鈥檚 next: I鈥檓 applying to medical school to pursue a career in clinical research in the fields of neuroscience or biochemistry.
Brandon Ishikata
Junior, liberal studies with a literacy/performing arts emphasis
My defining Aztec experience: "My role as a senior resident advisor was transformational for me. I was able to develop my leadership skills through this experience that integrated conflict resolution, community building, learning about diversity and creating and participating in programming. All of these things made me a well-rounded and balanced leader."
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Dimensions Performing Arts Group
- 色情视频 Ambassadors
- Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
- Caroling for Cans
- 色情视频 Children鈥檚 Center
What鈥檚 next: I鈥檓 going to pursue a two-year multiple subjects teaching credential and master鈥檚 degree in education, and then become an elementary school teacher.
Marina Mantos
Senior, communication
My defining Aztec experience: 鈥淏eing involved in the United Sorority and Fraternity Council introduced me to a multitude of people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses. Those unique perspectives have had such a positive impact on me. It鈥檚 helped me reflect on my personal experiences and understand the importance of my self-identity and cultural identity.鈥
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Center for Intercultural Relations
- Fraternal Values Society
- NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program
- Monarch School
- Chelsea鈥檚 Light Foundation
What鈥檚 next: I鈥檒l be attending the Leadership Development and Higher Education master鈥檚 program at the University of San Diego.
Javon Ogbeide
Junior, business administration with an emphasis in management specializing in entrepreneurship; minor in interdisciplinary studies
My defining Aztec experience: 鈥淚 made my first foray into leadership as a freshman when I ran for an officer position in the Student African American Brotherhood. The fact that people recognized the potential in me before I had the experience to prove myself really ignited my confidence and helped me see my own potential. Now, I鈥檓 the president of that organization.鈥
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Harambee Scholars Mentoring Program
- Embrace: Ex 4 Vets
- Jackie Robinson YMCA
What鈥檚 next: I hope to pursue a master's degree in business administration while working in a management position at a Fortune 500 company.
Savanna Tierney
Senior, psychology; minor in biology
My defining Aztec experience: 鈥淚've found so much value and personal fulfillment in mentoring other students through organizations like the Psychology Mentoring Outreach and Education Program and Student Mentored Academic Training鈥
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- Mortar Board
- SafeZones
- Student Research Committee
- Summer Academy to Inspire Learning
- Autism Speaks San Diego Walk
What鈥檚 next: After graduation, I鈥檒l pursue a doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology.
Amanda Willis
Senior, mechanical engineering; minor in music with a classical emphasis
My defining Aztec experience: "When I joined Circle K, I was surrounded by like-minded people who are also focused on serving the community. They inspired me to run for leadership positions in organizations and helped me realize my potential as a leader."
Where I鈥檓 making an impact:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- 色情视频 Symphony Orchestra
- Society of Women Engineers
- I Love A Clean 色情视频
- Father Joe鈥檚 Village
What鈥檚 next: I will be working as a mechanical engineer.