Juan Daniel Avila ('22) is nothing short of inspiring. As a first generation alumnus, Juan had to navigate the big college world all by himself. But that didn’t stop him from taking full advantage of everything that San Diego State University had to offer. Now after his hardwork and perseverance in school, post grad Juan is working his dream job at ESPN.
Name: Juan Daniel Avila
Degree and Graduation Year: B.A in Journalism, and AA in Communication Studies May 2022
Current Employer: ESPN
Title: Production Assistant
Q: Describe your journey to SDSU.
As a transfer student, it was incredible simply to be accepted into my dream University. Since my first day as an Aztec, I didn’t waste time learning, growing, making lifetime connections, and getting real-world experience in the journalism world. I was absolutely living my dream one day at a time at SDSU. I was always busy but managed to make great memories on campus and off campus throughout my two-year journey.
Q: What, if any, challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges for me, like any other first generation college student, was navigating the whole college process of enrolling into a big institution by myself. Trying to figure out how to get funds to pay for my education also became a burden for me. Luckily, I was able to find many resources and organizations at SDSU that help make the transition much more smoother. Organizations like EOP, NAHJ, the Latinx resource center, the undocumented resource center, and SDSU scholarships all made a significant impact in my college career. Lastly, my family and friends who supported me throughout this process. Made me feel content that I was doing something right.
Q: How have you used your SDSU education to achieve success after graduation?
As I mentioned, since day one of being an Aztec I took advantage of all the programs and connections that would help me land a job right after my time at SDSU. I would have to emphasize that the school of Journalism Media Studies(JMS) taught me most of what I know today and placed me in rooms of opportunity. It was ultimately a connection from the school of JMS that opened the doors for me to learn my dream job. That’s a whole other story to tell!
Q: How do you stay connected to SDSU?
As a former senior staff writer from the Daily Aztec, I think it’s only right that I stay connected with my former peers through the work they currently produce. So I stay up to date on everything they are doing. However, I do follow the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams very closely!
Q: What is your favorite memory from SDSU?
Finding out that I was named the outstanding journalism student of my class after Doctor Nate announced it to our class. I always wanted to leave my mark at SDSU and that day I realized I was making history for myself. That’s probably my best memory.
Q: What advice do you have for current SDSU students or recent alumni?
Take advantage every day of being an SDSU student. Make friends, build connections, join organizations, have fun doing what you love, make mistakes and learn from them. Most Importantly, make sure you’re giving it your all at whatever you are interested in. For recent alumni, make sure you are practicing the skills that you learned at SDSU in the real world. Always stay in touch with your former peers and check up on them.
Q: Do you have any special projects, awards or recent accomplishments you'd like to share?
Getting my dream job of working for ESPN straight out of college has got to be at the top of my list! It still feels unreal! As if it was something out of a movie.
Q: Any other additional information we should include in your spotlight?
I take a lot of pride in being a DACA recipient. As someone who has had multiple hardships and a chip on my shoulder for most of my life, I think I turned out pretty well. I’m proud to be able to represent the other thousands of DACA recipients that have had similar struggles to me and look at me as an example that anything is possible!