Beach Clean Up
Beach Cleanup!
Join in an A.S. Staff Remote Beach Cleanup!
Get a head start on this year’s Earth Day celebration with the Mission Bay Aquatic Center! All Associated Students staff are encouraged to join a remote beach (or river bank, park, school or whatever is closest and most convenient to you) cleanup now through Earth Day on April 22. Here’s how to pitch in to clean your community:
- Choose a site close to home to pick up trash and recyclable items.
- Safely pick up trash using gloves and practice physical distancing.
- Snap a selfie/photo of you doing your part to beautify your community.
- Track the items that you clean up and submit your selfie/photo using this form.
- Receive a free kayak or paddleboard rental at Mission Bay Aquatic Center for participation!*
The data collected will be compiled and reported to the California state and included in our next newsletter.
Want to participate more than once? The A.S. staff member who collects and logs the most trash will receive a month-long Paddling Membership at Mission Bay Aquatic Center! This membership allows the member one rental each day of a single or double kayak or a stand up paddleboard.
Review the data form before you venture out so you can understand the information needed to log and submit your collection. Make sure you wear gloves while picking up trash and stay safe while participating. Let’s work together to make a difference in our communities!
*You will earn up to one free rental for participating regardless of the number of days you participate. We encourage you to participate often to win the free month-long paddling membership.
Art with a Heart
SDSU Children’s Center
“A is for Art” is always an exciting time at the Children’s Center. Save the date for the Center’s virtual A is for Art Exhibition and Auction on May 1.
The children are hard at work creating 10 large collaborative paintings for auction. Each classroom has selected an artist to study and the children will use that artist’s techniques, style and medium to create their own masterpiece.
Recently, the children and their teachers completed another very special project to honor frontline healthcare workers.
Ninety-six children at the Center created small paintings on 9” x 12” stretched canvases. Each child used their own creative talents and filled their painting with love and gratitude. The completed canvases were donated to three local Sharp hospitals to show the children’s appreciation for the staffs’ hard work and dedication during the pandemic. The children are excited to share their thanks through these amazing paintings and make a difference in their own little way.
Four paintings created by the children. Clockwise from upper left: a heart of love, a hospital, a nurse, and an ambulance.
The completed paintings include a tag on the back of each canvas. It says:
Thank you for all you do!
You are our hero!
This painting was created by (the child’s name was added), a student at the SDSU Children’s Center. We hope it brightens your day and brings a smile to your face, each time you look at it.
Kristine Chieh, mother of Children’s Center alumni Audrey and JoAnna, volunteered to deliver the paintings to the hospitals’ staff. The canvases for the small paintings were donated by an A is for Art supporter.
Michelle Zamora, center director, helping Kristine Chieh load the paintings for delivery.
Sharp Grossmont Hospital staff members with the paintings they received from the Children's Center.
Learn more at childcare.sdsu.edu/aisforart
Chili Cook Off Memories
It’s important to celebrate our shared traditions even if they look a little different. Honor our annual Chili Cook Off tradition from home by whipping up last year’s People’s Choice winner from Ledger-ndary Chili (Diana De La Rosa, Viviana Rodriguez, and Mary Medley).
Ledger-ndary Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon - olive oil
- 1 lb - lean ground turkey
- A 1 ounce packet Old El Paso taco seasoning
- 2 cloves - garlic (minced)
- ¾ cup - chopped red onion
- ¾ cup - green pepper
- 1 - 4 ounce can Old El Paso green chiles, undrained
- ¼ cup - all purpose flour
- 4 ½ cups - chicken broth
- 2 - 15 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 - 15 ounce can navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 - 14 ounce can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup - crushed red tomatoes
- ¼ cup - ketchup
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, Mexican blend cheese, jalapenos, or any of your favorite toppings
Instructions:
- Heat a 5 qt Dutch Oven over medium/high heat and add oil
- Add in the ground turkey and stir/crumble as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic and allow to cook until pink is gone.
- Add in the onion and pepper and cook until starting to soften. Stir in green chiles.
- Stir in flour and allow to cook until thickened slightly and bubbling.
- Stir in the chicken broth, beans, diced tomatoes, corn, crushed tomatoes, and ketchup. Stir to fully combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes before serving, stirring occasionally.
Here are some photos from our previous Chili Cook Offs to get you in the spirit.
A.S. IT Department
Aztec Recreation Center
A.S. Marketing & Communications / Graphics Department
McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship
The McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship (A21802) is now an apply-to scholarship, which requires students to answer this specific essay prompt:
Submit a 500 word essay describing how your employment at Associated Students has contributed to your personal success as an SDSU student and helped you to make an impact on the SDSU campus/community.
We highly encourage you to apply if qualified via Aztec Scholarships by the priority consideration deadline April 15, 2021.
As a reminder, The McCarron Exemplary Service Endowed Scholarship is a $1,500 scholarship awarded to the Associated Students student employee who best exemplifies the service ideals of Associated Students through exceptional performance and is a contributing member of the SDSU community. Established in 2014, this scholarship is a generous annual gift from Tom & Virginia McCarron that is awarded in the spring semester each year.
A.S. Book Club
April Book Selection
The April Book Club selection is: Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owen and was submitted by Letty Hernandez, A.S. Office Supervisor.
For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life — until the unthinkable happens.
Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps. We will meet on April 30 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss!
If you would like to purchase the May book early, we will be reading Catch-22, by Joseph Heller.
If you have any suggestions or care to share your favorite book to read, submit it via the A.S. Book Club Suggestion Box.
Health & Wellness
April Calendar
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the A.S. Health & Wellness Challenge so far! If you haven’t joined in on the fun yet, it isn’t too late. Simply begin tracking your activities on the Google Forms Tracking Sheet here: as.sdsu.edu/challenge.
If you have any suggestions or recommended events that you would like to include on the May calendar, please email the details to qbelcher@sdsu.edu.
= Hike - Health & Wellness Challenge
= Physical - Health & Wellness Challenge
= Mental - Health & Wellness Challenge
= General - Health & Wellness Challenge
= Family Oriented Activity
- April Fool’s Day
April Fool’s Day is a day where many of us unleash our most creative sides, all in a hilarious – sometimes over the top – attempt at bamboozling those around us. Take part in safe but silly pranks on a friend or family member.
- National PB&J Day
During WWII the U.S. Army’s food ration list included peanut butter, jelly, and bread — so give soldiers the credit for combining these tasty ingredients into the classic combination we know and love today. They brought their recipe back home and American children have benefited ever since.
- Remote World Party Day
World Party Day (or P-Day) encourages joyful celebration around the globe. This day is about bringing, spreading and embracing joy. On April 3, we encourage you to stay indoors and create a celebration that fits your personality and your unique style.
- MBAC Remote Beach Clean Up
With a little extra incentive from the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, all A.S. staff are encouraged to get a head start on this year’s Earth Day celebration through a remote beach (river bank, park, school, whichever is closest and most convenient to you) cleanup now through Earth Day on April 22. Check out the Beach Clean Up article in this month’s newsletter for more information!
- National Deep Dish Pizza Day
Tuck a napkin into your collar, grab a fork and knife (you’ll need them), and celebrate National Deep Dish Pizza Day! Take the fun a step further and try your hand at crafting your own delectable deep-dish pie!
- National Student Athlete Day
Whether your favorite student athlete is in high school or college, a little extra support can go a long way! Surprise them with some new cleats, or the lacrosse stick they’ve been eyeing! It will show them that you recognize all the hard work they’re putting in, and you support them. If you’re up for some healthy competition, challenge your athlete & compete against them in their sport!
- Wellness Wednesday
Complete two different challenge tasks, and double your earned points for the day!
- Sculpt Yoga ARC Group Fitness Class – 6:00 p.m.
Yoga Sculpt is a high intensity fusion of weight training and yoga postures that can help build lean muscle mass, boost metabolism, and enhance flexibility. Components include: flexibility training via yoga poses; full-body resistance training with weights; core isolation exercises; plyometric conditioning; functional movements that develop balance, coordination, and core strength; and breath and mindfulness integration providing workout enjoyment and an emotional recharge. Register for the Zoom session here!
- Relax, Breathe & Let It Go!
Set yourself for a successful & relaxing end of the work week! Take two 15-minute breaks — one in the morning and one in the afternoon — to meditate and take just a few moments to decompress your mind!
- National Siblings Day
Our siblings are our family, and they are a huge part of our lives – that’s why we celebrate them on National Siblings Day! If you have siblings, post some memories with them or reach out and reminisce.
- National Pet Day
Furry babies are spoiled to the fullest on National Pet Day. Owners go all out to lavish their pets with the adoration and care they deserve (well, more than on any other day). Taking them out for a walk or a drive, buying their favorite treats, or getting them a new toy to play with are just some of the ways that pets are spoiled just a little extra on this day.
- EthnoBotany Children’s Peace Garden
The EthnoBotany Garden at Balboa Park is dedicated to teaching young and old about the role of plants in society today, while also learning the relationship of plants in the local and global indigenous cultures of the past. Enjoy an evening stroll to ease your mind, or bring your family along for some nice family bonding time outdoors.
- National Scrabble Day
Time to lift the lid on that game box, pick out your first seven letters, and get to it! Don’t forget the Scrabble Dictionary. We don’t want any squabbles — which, by the way, happens to be a valuable Scrabble word (21 points)! It’s time to C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E one of the world’s most iconic board games.
- Wellness Wednesday
Complete two different challenge tasks, and double your earned points for the day!
- Tax Day 2021
Quick reminder that today is the typical annual tax day to file your 2020 taxes. While the IRS did grant an extension until May 17, don’t be late and get them done!
- National Pajama Day
Once the work day is done, put on your PJs and relax. What a nice, relaxing way to wrap up the week!
- El Cajon Mountain Hike
The El Cajon Mountain Trail, known locally as “El Capitan,” or sometimes just “El Cap,” is one of those hikes that makes you feel like you’ve made it as a hiker. One of the hardest hikes in San Diego County, summiting El Cajon via the rugged, steep, and exposed trail, is proof that you are hardcore.
- Doggy Beach Day
Take your four-legged friend out for some fun in the sun and an opportunity to play in the waves. Visit Ocean Beach Dog Beach and let loose for a couple hours with your pup!
- National Garlic Day
Try incorporating garlic in an unexpected way. Part of the fun of enjoying garlic is learning its different flavor profiles! Some unusual dishes include garlic ice cream, garlic rosemary almonds, garlic lollipops, garlic truffles — the list goes on. Check out Bon Appétit for more interesting recipes to try with garlic!
- Cardio Dance ARC Group Fitness – 6:00 p.m.
This fun, choreography-based class includes multiple music genres and incorporates toning with aerobic work using easy to follow moves. From the beginner to the highly experienced exerciser: the emphasis is on providing a fun and effective workout for all fitness levels. You’re sure to break a sweat with a smile! Register for the Zoom Class here!
- Wellness Wednesday
Complete two different challenge tasks, and double your earned points for the day!
- Earth Day
Today is the last day to participate in the remote beach clean-up activity. As a reminder, you can participate by visiting any of our beaches, or even riverbeds, parks, schools, or any community area that’s closest to you! Earn your shot at a free month-long paddling membership at MBAC!
Aztec Achievement Awards
Today is also the annual Aztec Achievement Awards where we honor the students, faculty and staff who make a big impact on A.S. and SDSU. Congratulations to our winners! More information to come. - Relax, Breathe & Let It Go!
Set yourself for a successful & relaxing end of the work week! Take two 15-minute breaks — one in the morning and one in the afternoon — to meditate and take just a few moments to decompress your mind!
- Torrey Pines State Reserve Hike
Take these less traveled extensions of the better known Torrey Pines Reserve Trail.
- National Telephone Day
Take some time today to call a friend, or two, and catch up on what’s been going on in your lives.
- Get Organized Day
How do you celebrate get organized day? By getting organized! Dig out all of your old “filing” systems that really amount to nothing more than a place to put things, and sort out what’s in there. After you're finished, take a moment to appreciate the hard work you just did for yourself!
- Morse Code Day
Morse Code: the language of dots & dashes. There are a lot of interesting facts out there about morse code, and Morse Code Day is certainly a good time to learn about them. For example, did you know that there is no distinction between the lower and upper case when using Morse code? Challenge yourself, friends, and family by learning a phrase or two in morse code! --. --- --- -.. / .-.. ..- -.-. -.- !
- Wellness Wednesday
Complete two different challenge tasks, and double your earned points for the day!
- International Dance Day
It’s International Dance Day, so put your dancing shoes on and get ready to dance it out! Dancing is universal — woven into virtually every society all over the world. Humans simply love dance. It brings us together whether we are the ones on the dance floor or are watching the professional performance of others. Dancing is exhilarating and impressive. Let’s honor the world of dance today, together!
- A.S. Book Club – 4:30 p.m.
Book Club will meet via Zoom to discuss Where the Crawdads Sing, by Dalia Owens.
15 Questions
Antonio Faustino Jr.
- What is your name and title?
-
Antonio Faustino Jr., Operations Supervisor
- Which A.S. department do you work in?
-
I work in the Aztec Student Union. I supervise the operations staff, building operations, event setups and the University Information Center.
- How long have you worked for A.S.?
-
2 years!
- What do you like most about working for A.S.?
-
The amazing and diverse bunch of students I get to work with. I love seeing their growth from their first interview to their last day with A.S.
- If you won $5 million what would you do with it?
-
I would get a financial advisor, pay off my student loans, pay off my sisters’ loans, pay off my parents’ home, donate money to deserving charities and communities within Southeast San Diego, and invest in crypto/stocks/other investments.
- Which three people (living or dead) you would like to have dinner with?
-
Kobe Bryant, Will Smith, and John Legend. Kobe is my favorite athlete and his passing hit all of my emotions. Will Smith is my favorite actor. I grew up on the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air'' and his personality is infectious. John Legend is my favorite artist and to be able to listen to him live would be refreshing for my soul. All three of these people would vibe with each other and would make for a great dinner.
- Do you prefer pens or pencils?
-
Pens. Pilot G-2 0.7mm are the best because they make my cursive look extra fancy!
- Which famous person from history would you most like to meet?
-
Walt Disney. I interned with The Walt Disney Company during undergrad and I would like to listen to his passion, wisdom, and entrepreneur mindset in person.
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
-
I would love to continue being in higher education, connected to students at some capacity, and/or related to events. I’m currently getting my Masters of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership in Student Affairs (with Natalie!), and I want to continue being a resource, ally, and mentor to students while showing there is Filipino American representation within higher education.
- If you could go back or forward in time, where would you go?
-
I would go back to 2010 when Bitcoin was less than $1 and tell my 15-year-old self to invest $100 in Bitcoin, don’t touch it until 2020, and to not ask questions.
- “Most people don’t know that I like to…
-
…listen to country music. Growing up my dad would always have KSON playing on the radio when he would drive me to/from school.”
- What does your perfect burger have on it?
-
It’s my In-N-Out order: Double-double with animal style, grilled onions, and chopped chilies.
- If you could have a superhero power what would it be?
-
I want to speak any language and dialect in the world because I get to communicate to anyone and everyone without a problem.
- What is your favorite new stay-at-home activity?
-
I have done so much home improvement with my dad during this pandemic. Whenever I am not in the Student Union, I am most likely at home learning something new and getting to spend time with my dad.
- During stay-at-home are you ordering more take-out? What's your favorite restaurant for take-out?
-
My family has cooked the same amount but when we want to take out, one of our guilty pleasures is Church’s Chicken. To this day, the best fast food chicken in San Diego. Feel free to disagree, we will have a blind taste test one day!
Calendar
APRIL 2021
