Meet Katya Azzam: Communication Graduate Reflects on Her Time at SDSU

1. Hometown:
El Paso, Texas 

2. Major and year in school:
Communication, Senior

3. How did you decide on SDSU? 
When I was a sophomore in high school, I visited my uncle who lives in San Diego and he took me to tour all the campuses in San Diego. SDSU, however, was love at first sight. 

4. What’s your favorite part about your field/major?
My favorite part of my major is the different approaches to research in the field. 

5. What does it take to be successful in your major? 
To be successful in my major, it is important to be adaptable. Considering the versatility of the major, you’ll be challenged in myriad directions that will likely be out of your comfort zone. 

6. What do you hope to do in the future?
I recently accepted my offer of admission to attend the SDSU Communication MA program. My long term goal is to obtain my PhD and be a professor. 

7. Describe a challenge you faced throughout your time here at SDSU, and how you overcame it. 
Considering I’m a transfer student, I started SDSU online which came with its own set of obstacles to overcome. During my time here as well, however, my sister was involved in a very serious car accident. Alongside my mom, I took on the role of caregiver  to assist in her recovery. Since then it has been an uphill battle managing these responsibilities back home, working, and being in school. With the mentorship and support I have received at SDSU, I have managed to maintain an honors qualifying GPA and stay on track to graduate with my class in May. Special thanks to Dr. Savage and Dr. Record for all your guidance and support during my time at SDSU. 

8. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I would say it is a tie between being ranked 4th Internationally in an original Communication Analysis I wrote for Speech and Debate, and starting my own grassroots all-girl Nationally ranked Speech and Debate team. 

9. Any faculty to shout out and why? 
I would love to shout out Dr. Savage and Dr. Record. They have truly given my passion for communication studies a direction. They both truly have the students best interest in mind in all of their decision making. They transformed my SDSU experience and I feel forever endowed to them for their continuous guidance and support.  

10. Favorite place to eat on campus, what do you get?
Mmm, considering my busy work and school load, I rarely have time to eat on campus! I do frequent all the coffee carts on campus for my daily Matcha Latte! 

11. Favorite place to visit in San Diego? 
My favorite place to visit in San Diego is probably Torrey Pines State Beach! I go there basically every morning to meditate. There is something so humbling about the ocean. It is a great reminder of just how small our problems are in the grand scheme of things.