Becoming a member of the Aztec community was the focal point of my four years at San Diego State University, and that all began with Associated Students (A.S.). My first days as a freshman were scary, intimidating, and being thousands of miles away from my family made me feel lonely. On my first days as the Accounts Receivable Assistant at A.S., I had no idea how transforming my experience would be, or that my peers and employers would become my second family. Over the years my second family guided me when I needed advice, supported me when school was overwhelming, celebrated me when I achieved, and mentored me into the successful adult I am today. They taught me the value of a strong work ethic, the necessity for collaboration and teamwork, and (most importantly) to believe in myself.

Every individual faces crippling self-doubt at some point in their lives and careers, but the confidence to persevere and excel is a direct reflection of who that person is. My employer Mrs. Hasterok always believed in me, and that support instilled me to do great things, more than I ever knew to be possible. The values I have learned at A.S. will carry into my new career and it is with great affection I look forward to maintaining the positive relationships that I have formed here. We all want nothing but the best for one another, just like family.

Submitted by Allison Bawden, Accounts Receivable Assistant and recent SDSU Graduate

Performance Awards

At the end of the academic semester, Associated Students recognizes part-time and full-time staff members with performance awards for their outstanding contributions to Associated Students. Employees recognized include:

Government Affairs

• Letty Hernandez

Business Services

• Quincy Belcher II
• Melissa Serano

Viejas Arena

• Jaime Garcia
• Samantha Lopez

SDSU Children's Center

• Laurie Buffington
• Gabby Cavale
• Pui Cheng
• Diane Cozy
• Bianca Galindo
• Deelan Hassan
• Liesl Herzberger
• Ivana Millan
• Jillian Parramore
• Daisy Ramirez
• Jensyn Verdon
• Nicole Willis

Aztec Recreation

• Alexis Ramos
• Krystal Hernandez
• Caleb Adkins
• Cristina Vazquez
• Jackson Good
• Jennifer Webber
• Kelly Kortright
• Tiffany Wuence
• Vanessa Mendoza
• Kelsey Myers
• Marcellus Walker

Aztec Student Union

• Regine Veliz

A.S. Graphics

• Lyubov Horne

A.S. Scholarship Awards

Each year A.S. awards scholarships worth $500 to three part-time staff members for their outstanding SDSU academic record and A.S. employment performance. This year's recipients are:

• Quincy Belcher II - Business Services
• Stephanie McCullough - Viejas Arena
• Oluchi Nzeadibe - Student Union

With all the different avenues that people use to let their voice be heard, it is extremely important to monitor and gauge what our true customer feedback is. Below is an extract of two recent Yelp reviews by individuals who recently attended events at Viejas Arena.

We always review all feedback received, whether negative or positive, in order to ensure we are providing the best customer experience possible. Positive feedback such as this gives us a chance to shine online and let our staff know they are wonderful and respected in the entertainment industry. The Associated Students staff at Viejas Arena and Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre are grateful to have the opportunity to increase our awareness and improve our operation. At the end of the day, reviews and feedback help others learn how to have the best experience while attending an event, so we do our best to keep on rock'n!!

Submitted by Nikki Parr, Admin & Marketing Assistant, Viejas Arena & Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Summertime youth programming lets your family take advantage of the gorgeous Associated Students (A.S.) facilities and variety of activities A.S. Aztec Recreation has to offer.

Kids Bowl Free at Aztec Lanes

Get a jump on the summer fun by registering your kids now for Kids Bowl Free 2017! Children ages 12 and under get two free games of bowling every day through August 27, 2017 at Aztec Lanes. Advance registration is required; just complete the online registration form! Aztec Lanes has lightweight bowling balls, automatic bumpers and bowling ramps that make it ideal for kids. For adults and youth age 13 and over, bowling is an Aztec Recreation membership benefit, check out our membership options, or pay per game so you can bring the whole family.

Aquaplex Programs and Membership

The Aquaplex beach entry recreation pool is the ideal environment for swimmers of all ages to get comfortable in the water. The schedule of classes offers a variety of lesson times including weekends, weekday mornings and evenings with lessons for infants to adults. Private and semi-private lessons are a popular format and can be scheduled summertime and throughout the year. Tennis lessons are also a hit with the kids and small group beginner start in early June.

If hanging poolside is more your speed, be sure to buy a youth membership for the important children in your life. The youth membership access dates are valid now through August 25, 2017 and you can add kids of any age to your current Aztec Recreation membership for $49 per child. Youth have access to the Aztec Aquaplex, tennis, and racquetball as well as use of the inflatable obstacle course during programmed times. Check the family-swim hours; offered seven-days-per-week during the summer months.

Mission Bay Aquatic Center Watersports

Over 2,400 youth enjoy summer watersports camps at Mission Bay Aquatic Center every year. These exciting programs are a great way for youth to get outdoors and enjoy their summer vacation California-style with camps in wakeboarding, surfing, sailing, kayaking, stand up paddling, windsurfing, intro to watersports, and marine science. For more information about the Watersports Camp at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, visit www.watersportscamp.com or call (858) 539-2003.

Group Events

Aztec Recreation group events allow you and your family and friends a variety of options to celebrate or team build. Special event rentals for groups of 5 to 500 are available at the Aquaplex, Aztec Lanes, Mission Bay Aquatic Center and through Aztec Adventures team challenge. Take advantage of campus resources and book your special event with Aztec Recreation today.

Submitted by Amy Schiller, Marketing Coordinator, Aztec Recreation

To help you get active this summer, A.S. is providing a series of indoor and outdoor activities to help keep you moving! Here are this month's events:

For a calendar of all upcoming events, visit the A.S. Business Services website.

1. What is your name and title?
   My name is Kim Dunlap and I am a Supervising Teacher.
2. Which A.S. department do you work in?
   I work at the SDSU Children's Center. I supervise the Transition Cottage (shout out to the Pandas and Seals), which entails working with children, families, staff and managing administrative responsibilities of the cottage.
3. How long have you worked for A.S.?
   I have worked for A.S. for almost 17 years. About 3 years part-time when I was a student at SDSU and a little over 13 years full-time.
4. What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or thumbs down?
   I saw Hacksaw Ridge and it was definitely a thumbs up.
5. What is your favorite dessert?
   This is an incredibly hard question for someone who has a major sweet tooth. But if I had to decide it would probably be brownies (no nuts — they just ruin everything). Why? Who doesn't love chocolaty gooey deliciousness?
6. If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?
   Take a nap. I love naps!
7. Would you rather build a sandcastle or a snowman?
   Hands down build a sandcastle. I hate being cold.
8. What is your favorite book?
   Since I work at the CC, I'm going to share my favorite children's book, which is Mud Puddle by Robert Munsch. I think this would be my favorite because it's fun to read, the children are always engaged and it teaches them about empowerment.
9. What is your favorite sports team?
   I would have to say my favorite sports team is the San Francisco Giants. I'm from the Bay Area and grew up watching them. I do always root for the Padres though, unless they are playing the Giants.
10. What do you want to be when you grow up?
    Retired! Haha, just kidding. I'll always be a teacher at heart, but in the distant future I could see myself owning a small antique store or working at a winery.
11. What type of pets do you have and what are their names?
    My husband and I have a cat named Syrup, but I am much more of a dog person.
12. Do you like to cook and what is your specialty?
    I'm not much of a cook, but I really love baking. I would have to say my specialty is probably brownies or chocolate chip cookies. I do make a pretty good lemon cake also.
13. If you could go back or forward in time, where would you go?
    I would go back in time to either the 1920s or the 1940s. For some reason, I have always been drawn to both of those time periods.
14. "Most people don't know that I like to..."
    ...collect antiques.
15. What do you like most about working for A.S.?
    I like working for A.S. because it feels like a family. While we all have different viewpoints, this is a great environment to share thoughts and ideas. Everyone is very supportive of one another and we all have fun together.