Student Spotlight: Jake Veritas

Name: Jake Veritas (Jonel Jacob A. Santo Domingo)

High School: Sweetwater High School

Major: Television, Film, and New Media (TFM)

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2018

Favorite Quote: “A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” -Ayn Rand

Hobbies: Reading, working out, and meditation.

What is your favorite part about SDSU?

My favorite part of SDSU is the sense of belonging. Whatever your background is, you can always find a group of people who share common interests.

How has the Compact Scholars Program helped you throughout your college career?

It is comforting to know that there are Compact Scholars staff members who can help guide you during times of uncertainty. I was able to formulate a solid class schedule with the help of Mercedes Albarran, the Compact Scholars advisor. If you have any questions about how to navigate through the college maze, the Compact Scholars team is there to provide insight.

Tell us about an experience you have had outside of class. (Job, internship, project, etc.)

I’ve had the pleasure of working with graduate students on several of their film productions, including an adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire and a film that gives insight into the world of the hearing impaired. I am also the lead developer of a fantasy video game called Starfall Rising. It is about a young woman who discovers a magical family secret that could threaten humanity’s existence. With a team of students from a diverse spectrum of majors, I hope to create a masterpiece before I graduate from the TFM program.

What is your favorite class on campus and why?

My favorite class on campus would have to be Philosophy 120, Introduction to Logic. It has helped me separate emotion and facts when evaluating situations.

Are you involved in any organizations or clubs on campus?

I am currently serving as the Public Relations officer for Scholars for Success, the Compact Scholars student organization. I will be the Vice President starting in the Fall. We aim to create a sense of community within Compact Scholars. If you’re a Compact Scholar, check out our site (www.scholarsforsuccess.club). We look forward to meeting you.

I am also the President of SDSU chapter of Young Americans for Liberty, a nonpartisan student group that encourages peaceful discussion throughout the entire political spectrum.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I will be earning a teaching credential to eventually teach at Sweetwater High School, my alma mater. I will also be writing novels and creating video games on the side. I will be a teacher/artist/entrepreneur hybrid.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Plan. Plan. Plan. Make Google Calendar your best friend. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Time is our most precious resource. Use it wisely because the college years will fly by faster than you expect.

Connect with me on social media. I am more than happy to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. http://www.jacobveritas.com/