I am currently going into my senior year at San Diego State University with a major in journalism and a minor in sociology! I moved to San Diego from New Hampshire in 2022 to begin college. Growing up, we travelled to Southern California often to visit family, and it was always my dream to go to school here. Next year at SDSU, I will be co-editor-in-chief of The Daily Aztec, president of our Society of Professional Journalists chapter, and president of SoundWave A Cappella!
About Calista Stocker
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have family on both the East and West Coasts, as my mom moved out to go to college in New Hampshire and I did the opposite, going back to Southern California! I love having connections across the country, and it is always special when the coasts combine for every few holiday seasons.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been involved in journalism since my senior year of high school, and hope to follow this passion for the rest of my career. What I love most about journalism is that it gives you the opportunity to speak with people and learn things you otherwise would not have. There are so many stories and new perspective I have been able to share just by speaking with members of the community.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Some advice that carries me through is reminding myself that I won’t know unless I try. Take on the challenge, apply for the job, test out that new restaurant. Don’t deny yourself opportunities; you will never know unless you try.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I see myself as a reporter for a local broadcast station. I love both digital and broadcast news, and hope to be involved in many sectors of journalism throughout my career.
Calista Stocker & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ever since I moved here, I have had the opportunity to try so many new foods and cuisines that I just can’t get at home. One restaurant that stands out to me is the local chain Sushi Kuchi, where I tried sushi for the first time, and Kogi BBQ, where I tried Korean BBQ for the first time!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here since fall of 2022, and have held a couple different on-campus jobs throughout my nearly three years at San Diego State University!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Being on such a large campus and doing the work that I do, I talk to so many new people all the time. By far, I meet the most interesting people when I go downtown and conduct on-the-spot interviews with residents.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Something I love about San Diego is not just how diverse our neighborhoods are. Coming from a small town in New Hampshire, our suburban towns are very similar to each other. Here, neighborhoods right next to each other can have something completely different but equally valuable to offer. For great Italian food and nighttime walks, I’ll head to Little Italy. For cute boutique and gift shopping, with a side of ice cream, North Park is one of my favorites. For a relaxing day of museums and scenery, Balboa Park is my go-to.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Somebody that I would love to have lunch with is philanthropist Melinda Gates. I fell in love with her book, “The Moment of Lift” after reading it for one of my sociology classes, and it would be an honor to speak with her about her years of philanthropy and her focus on uplifting women across the world. I would probably meet her at Cucina Urbana, a classy, women-owned Italian spot.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
While I have a plethora of comfort movies that I go to time and time again, my favorite movie of all time might be Good Will Hunting.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Something about me that I don’t think people expect is that I enjoy strength training. I have been a bit busy this last month so I haven’t made it to the gym, but I typically go three to four times a week and hope to continue getting stronger!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
It’s cliche, but I would rate Balboa Park a 10 out of 10. It is my go-to spot to take nonlocals, and has so much to offer to the community for free.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Someone that inspires me to be better are my fellow students and colleagues at The Daily Aztec. It is a joy to see all the amazing journalistic work that former and current editors are doing both in San Diego and beyond, and I am always looking to model their work ethic and drive to help others.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
My ideal San Diego Saturday would consist of grabbing lunch at The Breakfast Company, shopping at a local flea market to shop, and wrapping up the day with eating In N Out while watching the sunset at Mission Beach.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
When I think of home, I think of safety, comfort, and nostalgia, Visiting home is becoming more and more rare for me, which only makes it all the more special when I do visit. The house I visit is the same house I have lived in since I was born, and there are so many traditions and local spots that I always make time for whenever I make it out there.
Website:https://calistastocker.myportfolio.com
