Tips I Would Give to My Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Self

AUSLEEN ACOSTA | FEB. 12, 2021

---

Reflecting on my college experience, there are many things that I wish I knew. Some things sillier than others; like how spending the majority of my meal plan on Starbucks is not worth it in the end or spending all night in the library is not the most effective way of studying. There are things that I wish I never done, but ultimately, my college experience wouldn’t be what it is without all of these mistakes! You live and you learn, and I’m here to tell you some of the things that I wish I had done and things that I wish I avoided in my college career. 

TIPS FOR MY FRESHMAN YEAR SELF:

Freshman year is probably the easiest time for you to make friends. Put yourself out there! Whether it’s conversing in the hallway of your dorm or joining different clubs on campus, take advantage of you being in a new environment with people who are also experiencing the same thing. Essentially, every Freshman in college is looking for the same thing - genuine connections and a place to call home. Step out of your comfort zone and ask people around you to get lunch, hang out after class, or study! Although times may look a little different due to the pandemic, don’t be afraid to reach out virtually or hang out with others in a safe manner!   

TIPS FOR MY SOPHOMORE YEAR SELF:

Something that I wish I was more aware of during my Sophomore year of college is to manage my time wisely! From balancing school, work, and extra-curricular activities, I found myself sleeping for about 4-5 hours every night simply because I didn’t manage my time more effectively. Looking back, there was absolutely no reason to put my body through that much stress and it could’ve been easily avoided if I planned my day by the hour. Doing things such as getting an early start to your day, completing your most important tasks first, being conscientious of the amount of time spent on your phone, and avoiding naps will save you so much time throughout the day and will boost your productivity. I would tell myself that there is enough time in the day to get everything done and emphasize the importance of prioritizing. Work smarter, not harder!

TIPS FOR MY JUNIOR YEAR SELF:

Junior year is typically the time where we’re starting to branch out in taking our major classes, and I really wish I found hands-on opportunities in my desired field. Whether it’s a paid or unpaid internship, interns get a first-hand look at what it’s like to work for an employer in the real world. This is the time where you find what you like and don’t like in companies, employers, and your preferred career. There are so many benefits in internships such as networking, interpersonal relationships, and resume-building! Now more than ever, I realize the value of internships because it essentially leads to increased opportunities for the future. 

TIPS FOR MY SENIOR SELF:

With graduation quickly approaching, you could only imagine the anxiety that every college senior is feeling. People are constantly asking what you’re going to do after college, and considering the fact that we’re STILL in a pandemic, many of us might not have an answer. The confusion and uncertainty begin to consume us to a point where we’ll stay up worrying about what our next move is. How could we possibly know what we’re doing next when the majority of our life has been structured around the education system? 

The answer that I slowly found out was very simple - it’s okay to not know. If there was one piece of advice that I would give myself, it would be to trust the process and know that everything is going to fall together in the end. There are many things that we can’t control, especially given our circumstances, but there is so much beauty in that. We should be excited that there are unlimited possibilities after college; new job opportunities, new relationships, and some may even move to new cities. It’s important to focus on where we are in life at this very moment, and to enjoy it! 

College is a place to make mistakes, learn, and enjoy! You’re going to cross paths with so many amazing people and create memories that you will remember for the rest of your life. Savor the moment and appreciate every moment. We wish you the best in your future endeavors at SDSU! 

A Beginner's Guide to Marketing Concepts

AUSLEEN ACOSTA | FEB. 05, 2021

---

Are you interested in marketing but can’t get a grasp on what it’s about? Going into college, I knew that I wanted to major in business marketing but I didn’t necessarily know where to begin in finding information. In today’s blog post, we’re going to go over five essential marketing concepts that you should know! 

According to the American Marketing Association, “Marketing is the activity, set of institutions and processes for creating, communicating, delivering and exchanging offerings that here value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.” There are many different ways to undergo the marketing process, and the world of marketing is always changing and adapting to different trends. However, either of the five marketing concepts of production, product, selling, marketing, and societal concepts can be found at the basis of every marketing campaign. 

THE PRODUCTION CONCEPT

The production concept focuses on the assumption that consumers will prefer products that are widely available and inexpensive. This concept is one of the oldest concepts in marketing and was founded during the production era of early Capitalism in the mid-1950s. At this time, companies were focused on achieving high production efficiency, low costs, and mass distribution. An example of the production concept is McDonald’s, where they sell fast food for an extremely low price and are available at any time of the day. The production concept focuses on the quantity, not the quality of the products. 

THE PRODUCT CONCEPT

The product concept is almost the opposite of the production concept. This concept focuses on products that are quality and innovative over low-cost products. It assumes that availability and price don’t have a role in consumer buying habits and believes that brand loyalty is closely tied to their products. A great example of this concept is Apple, where they concentrate on making innovative products and improve their products over time. Many people don’t care about the price of new Apple products and their company trusts that potential customers will buy them anyway. 

THE SELLING CONCEPT

The selling concept believes that consumers and businesses alone will not buy enough of the selling company’s products. This leads to the assumption that the company must convince a customer to buy their product through aggressive selling and promotion effort. This concept usually disregards the customer’s needs. An example of this is Coca Cola, where the consumer knows that it’s really bad for your health, but Coca Cola still pushes its product. 

THE MARKETING CONCEPT

The marketing concept focuses on competition and believes that knowing the target market, sensing its needs, and meeting them most effectively better values its customers than its competitors. This concept emphasizes that customers come first and will always return to buy more. A great example of this concept is Glossier, a make-up company, figured that women were unhappy with the toxins and negative effects that make-up had on their skin. As a result, Glossier introduced a line of skincare and make-up products that nourished their skin. 

THE SOCIETAL MARKETING CONCEPT

The societal marketing concept believes in giving back to society by producing products that benefit the consumer and society’s well-being. This concept focuses on the idea that marketers have a moral responsibility to market purposefully and promote what’s good for the people. An example of the societal marketing concept is The Body Shop, where they create natural cosmetics and skincare that are plant-based and cruelty-free.

These five essential marketing concepts are key components of any marketing campaign. Although some concepts are more beneficial than others, it’s important to know the basics of each concept. Knowing these concepts are not only important for marketing students, but for all business students, and we hope that you gained a little more insight into what marketing is about!

REFERENCES:

https://www.ama.org/topics/marketing-definition/#:~:text=Marketing%20is%20the%20activity%2C%20set,partners%2C%20and%20society%20at%20large.

https://avalaunchmedia.com/the-five-marketing-concepts/

https://www.disruptiveadvertising.com/marketing/marketing-concepts/

Survival Guide to Spring Semester in Your Childhood Home

AUSLEEN ACOSTA | JAN. 22, 2021

---

The way that I’m starting my last semester at SDSU has been far from what I would have ever imagined. I’ve always looked forward to my last semester here at State - meticulously planning every semester of my college career in order to have an easy load during my last semester, living in an apartment filled with my best friends, studying abroad in a faraway country, being newly 21 years old... but here I am, having my “grand finale” in my childhood bedroom.

On behalf of every college student in America, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional toll that COVID-19 gave us. At the peak of the global pandemic, we were expected to pack our things, adjust to online learning, and perform at our highest like nothing ever happened. Though everyone’s “living at home” experience has been different, it always leads back to one question... how do we succeed in college when we are living at home?

TIP #1: KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR FAMILY
One major thing that I had to adjust to during quarantine was having a loud house and disruptive family members. It seemed that every time I had class or had an assignment due, all of a sudden, my house turned into a zoo and every family member needed my help! Although it’s hard to speak up against your family, it’s so important to remember that you are an adult that has boundaries and deserves respect. One of the main things that helped me with online school was setting boundaries with my family and having everyone understand my workload. I had my school schedule taped onto my refrigerator and “do not disturb” signs on my door to maintain separation between work life and family life.

TIP #2: GET OUT OF BED
How do we separate work from home when we are working from home? A simple answer but it’s something that none of us want to do; get out of bed! Working from your bed has proven a decrease in sleep quality, work productivity, and energy levels. According to Health Line, “When we use our bed for other activities, like working, reading, watching TV, etc., we create an association with wakefulness. We want the bed to be a cue for sleep, and working in bed weakens this association.” Considering the pandemic, civil unrest, and ongoing chaos, who could blame us for wanting to work from our bed! I am definitely a victim to it, along with the majority of college students, but doing your work on a desk has definitely been a game-changer in staying productive.

TIP #3: GET INVOLVED WITH EXTRACURRICULARS
One reason why I loved SDSU so much was because of the social life and networking opportunities. Although the way we connect with other students has been different during the pandemic, being involved with other students through a computer screen is better than having no interaction at all. Having a community that you are a part of is so important ESPECIALLY when we are dealing with times that are difficult for all college students. When I joined American Marketing Association this past semester, it gave me stability, people that I could talk to, and a distraction from my crazy home life!

TIP #4: BE GRATEFUL
As the world may seem like it is crumbling beneath us, it’s so important to remain grateful for the little things! We are lucky to have a roof over our heads, our health amidst a global pandemic, and people that support us. Living at home could feel like a total disaster at times, but there are so many benefits that come with it! Take advantage of the fact that you’re saving money from rent, that you have time to spend with your family, and going to Zoom University in your pajamas!

Online school and living at home have definitely been a challenge, but finding the little joys in hard situations makes these unprecedented times easier. We wish you the best in surviving the spring semester!

REFERENCES:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323551004578116922977737046

Ditch the PB & J, Try a Chicken and Waffle Sandwich

Cameron Norris | Dec. 18, 2020

---

It’s dinner time and you aren’t sure where to eat... or it’s Sunday morning and you’re headed to the beach, but you aren’t sure where to pick up brunch. Maybe you’ve been following the news, have seen what’s been going on in the United States, and want to support Black-owned businesses. I’ve got the perfect solution for all of these situations and many more: try out a chicken and waffle sandwich from Rhythm’s Chicken and Waffles!

Rhythm’s Chicken and Waffles is a small business located in Pacific Beach, San Diego. It’s a music-themed, comfort food restaurant, recently voted best soul food in the San Diego Reader. Its menu is mostly centered around their one and only, chicken and waffle sandwich. The chicken and waffle sandwich has fried chicken breast, dipped in syrup, with bacon and cheese in between two Belgian waffles. Personally, I would highly recommend trying it out; it’s delicious! If you’re opting for more of a breakfast feel, you can even add a fried egg. Even if chicken and waffles aren’t your “thing,” they have a little bit of something for everyone, including regular and spicy chicken sandwiches, fries, hot dogs, and burgers.

Brian Foxworth started Rhythm’s Chicken and Waffles as a food truck. After becoming a huge success, he was able to move his business into a brick and mortar location in Pacific Beach. The restaurant is a local, Black-owned spot in San Diego and with the recent events occurring in our country, many are realizing the importance of supporting both local and Black-owned businesses. In fact, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the pandemic has greatly affected Black-owned businesses; 440,000 Black-owned businesses, or 41% of the pre-COVID-19 numbers, have had to close their businesses as opposed to 17% of White-owned businesses. Therefore, it is crucial that we support them. Overall, whether you’re looking for something new to try, to snack on at the beach, or to support local, minority-owned businesses, head over to Rhythm’s Chicken and Waffles in Pacific Beach.

Getting Involved: Zoom University, Zoom Fatigue, and Everything In-between

DEC. 4, 2020 | Doreen Hemmati

---

I love getting involved. My freshman year it took little to convince me to go to new club meetings or random events on campus. My sophomore and junior year I was holding up to four leadership positions at a time. You could say I was a little too involved… and a little too burnt out. However, I made amazing memories, met all types of people, and learned a lot. 

When this semester rolled around, I knew I needed to tone it down. But being far away from San Diego, our beautiful campus, and all my peers didn’t sit well with me. COVID-19 and Zoom University present a unique challenge to students of all ages. We are spending more time online than ever, yet feeling more disconnected than ever. We are hungry for community more than ever, yet feeling more unmotivated to reach out than ever. Despite having a part time job and internship on top of school already, I decided to take the leap and join American Marketing Association. 

This was my first time joining a new organization since my freshman year. I was nervous as I smiled with my camera on through the first Zoom meeting of the semester. It wasn’t just a new experience, it was an awkward one. What is the protocol for student run organization Zoom calls? Do I keep my camera off? Do I chat before the meeting starts? So many questions with so many different answers. After one or two more meetings, the feelings of awkwardness and nervousness quickly faded. However, the feeling of Zoom fatigue quickly settled in. 

What is Zoom fatigue? The Psychiatric Times defines Zoom fatigue as “the tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing virtual platforms of communication.” Why does it matter? Zoom fatigue is not just being tired of work or school, it is being tired of using these communication platforms altogether. This might mean skipping out on a happy hour with friends via Zoom/FaceTime or in my case, struggling to find the motivation to attend AMA meetings even though I enjoy them. 

This might not seem like a big deal, but in the age of COVID-19 when connecting with our peers and friends in person has become a rarity, it is so easy to become isolated. It is important to make sure you are doing both the people you care about and yourself a service by scheduling in time for genuine conversation outside of work and school. But it is also important to respect your own boundaries and be aware of your energy levels. Will one more event via Zoom, even if it’s a game night from your favorite organization, send you over the edge? 

Sadly, we don’t have a cure to Zoom fatigue other than increasing in-person interaction and decreasing online interaction which is not necessarily safe yet. But here are some tips to make Zoom University a little less painful:

1 - Set boundaries for school and work 

Don’t let school, work, and life blend all together. Set specific hours for work and specific hours for pleasure. For example, I don’t do anything school or work-related after 8 pm or on Fridays. 

2 - Schedule at least one fun online event a week 

Yes, the overuse of Zoom can be quite annoying. But what’s one more hour on Zoom a week especially if it's fun? Check out new organizations at your school, go to a work happy hour session, or plan an online reunion for an old group of friends! Having something to look forward to each week can alleviate feelings of repetitiveness and hopelessness. 

3 - Be honest with yourself

Living through COVID-19 is a challenge. Maybe you find yourself exhausted even on days where you don’t leave your bed. Get in tune with yourself: Would I feel better if I got some fun and lighthearted online interactions in? Am I feeling lonely? Do I need space away from screens, fresh air, and/or true rest? Depending on your answers, it might be a good idea to force yourself to attend that Zoom event or turn off all your electronics and enjoy real life. 

At the end of the day, we are all struggling to maintain a sense of community through this time. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Be gentle with yourself. 

Amazon Continues their World Domination

ISAIAH CROOKS | NOV. 20, 2020

---

On November 17, 2020, everyone’s favorite E-commerce giant– Amazon– announced its introduction into the pharmaceutical industry. The company’s new extension, creatively titled Amazon Pharmacy, will allow users to purchase their prescription medications from the comfort (and safety) of their homes.

In compliance with Jeff Bezos’ quest for world domination, the company is gearing up to take on pharmaceutical giants such as CVS and Walgreens, whose stocks fell by 8.6% and 9.6% respectively after the announcement on Tuesday. The pharmaceutical industry rakes in $300 billion a year and is expected to experience increased revenues after this year’s global pandemic. 

With the advent of Amazon Pharmacy, some major questions arise. Will this addition carry on the company’s legacy of swallowing up every competitor in its path? How will established pharmacies react to a new competitor in the market? 

Only time can tell, but one thing is for sure: Jeff Bezos will continue to be the richest man in the world, even 2000 years after he dies (unless he finds a way to live forever, which would surprise no one).

Tips and Tricks Behind Apple Watch

IVAN ORTIZ | NOV. 13, 2020

---

Why I Love Love Library, and Why You Should Too

ISAIAH CROOKS | NOV. 6, 2020

---

The Malcolm A. Love Library is San Diego State University’s premier library that was built in 1971 in dedication to the university’s fourth president, Dr. Malcolm A. Love. If you’re like me and thought that because his last name was love, he was a lovely person, then you are also a genius. Dr. Love transformed the university from a community college to a state university and made numerous other changes that greatly raised the school’s reputation and success. He passed away in 1990 at the age of 86, but his life’s work lives on.

While SDSU still holds its reputation as a party school (watch this), the academics are not too shabby. We, students, are provided with many great resources, and perhaps, the best of all is Love Library. 

The library is equipped with state of the art technology like 3D printers, multiple computer labs and lounge areas, and more than 1.6 million books, serials, and media titles. However, best of all are the cubbies on the 3rd to 5th floors. 

The cubbies are large, private desk spaces with electrical outlets and an extra shelf. They are also home to many of my fondest SDSU memories. These include the time when I learned I failed FIN 240 and proceeded to take a 2-hour nap, and the days I would buy Naked Juices (Red Machine is the best flavor) after my 8 AM class and watch Netflix.

I hated getting up for an 8 AM class and I hated FIN 240, but at least the cubbies were always there. Waking up and spending entire days doing schoolwork in my room puts everything I used to experience in perspective.

Maybe every experience isn’t pleasant, and maybe every class isn’t exciting; however, the cubbies will always be there. And that is the greatest gift Love Library could ever grant me.

If You Haven’t Watched Schitt’s Creek, Here’s Why You Should

MARION VESPREY | OCT. 30, 2020

---

What Is the Deal With Schitt’s Creek?

Despite the superior writing and plot development of television sitcom Schitt’s Creek, the lack of attention it received during its first five seasons was precisely the reason no one anticipated its success. 

But in September of 2020, that all changed: Schitt’s Creek shattered the record for the most awarded comedy in a year with nine awards, and became the first comedy show to win all four major acting categories in a memorable year at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

What Does Schitt's Creek Have to Do With Me?

Schitt’s Creek is the perfect pick-me-up to combat both the boredom and stress in these unprecedented times. Although Schitt’s Creek premiered in 2015, its plot continues to draw strong parallels with the abrupt changes to life wrought by the current COVID-19 pandemic when the show’s Rose family suddenly find their whole world turned upside down. 

Left with no choice, the once wealthy Rose family is forced to surrender the life of luxury they’ve long grown accustomed to in exchange to live a rustic, frugal lifestyle in the small town of Schitt’s Creek—the very antithesis of the family’s values.

The unconventional “riches-to-rags” narrative combined with the subtle, witty humor of Schitt’s Creek only gets better as the seasons progress. With its profound messages of inclusivity and kindness, Schitt’s Creek will appeal to almost anyone. And if you have enjoyed any of the sitcoms below, there is no doubt that Schitt’s Creek belongs on your list of must-watch shows.

• Arrested Development

• Brooklyn Nine-Nine

• The Community

• The Good Place

• The Office 

• Parks and Recreation
  

(While each episode of Schitt’s Creek is only twenty minutes long, don’t be surprised if minutes turn to hours!)

I’m In - Where Can I Watch Schitt’s Creek?

If you’re ready to forgo sleep to watch this award-winning show, you can stream all six seasons of Schitt’s Creek on Netflix now! If you don’t have Netflix, don’t worry—Schitt’s Creek is also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play.

The Clock Ticks on TikTok

ISAIAH CROOKS | OCT. 23, 2020

---

TikTok’s recent claim that competitors are attempting to steal their followers by utilizing similar, popular features from their app should come to no surprise to anyone. While TikTok did not name any social media platforms, it is clear that one of the platforms they are referring to is Instagram, who has a history of implementing features that are similar to those used by competitors. 

Instagram’s tricks may be slimy, but they are unfortunately common in the business realm. One tactic that has always existed in business has been to:

1. take a competitor’s feature

2. improve the feature 

3. implement the feature into their own mix 

After that, it is the marketing team’s responsibility to market the feature as new and improved– and vastly superior to their rivals.

Ultimately, Instagram is following the business handbook, but they may not succeed this round in dethroning their competitor. If TikTok is serious about maintaining their “It Girl” status, they need to learn from Snapchat’s mistakes and show that their app is vastly superior to Reels (which it is).