Devin Beggs
Class Level
Graduated
Degree and Major
B.A. in English
Hometown
Modesto, CA
Biography
I was born on May 25, 1988 in Cookeville, Tennessee. Currently, I lead two lives: one is the adult, going to college and trying to stay on the path towards a good career. The other is the little kid in me, bassist/background vocalist in the Modesto band The Evening News, who cares for nothing more than rocking out.
Here are a few quick facts about me:
Tamarinds are the tastiest fruit ever in my opinion.
My favorite band is Rage Against the Machine.
I do not like political parties.
I like to play chess, but no one in my family will play me.
I believe the addition of the writing section to the SAT was a wonderful idea.
My house in Tennessee was struck by lightning and burned up. No one was hurt.
Why did you choose CSU Stanislaus?
I actually applied to four UCs in addition to CSU Stanislaus, and got accepted to all of them; but, a lot of factors pulled me towards the CSU. First, it's closer to home, so I can keep playing music with the guys throughout college. Second, the Honors Program really made me feel like I could stand out and just be creative. Third, it's such a pretty campus. Finally, yes, money. It's waaaaaay cheaper to go to CSU Stanislaus, especially with the Honors Scholarship I received, and I decided I didn't want to be in perpetual debt, especially if I end up as a starving musician.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Use your professors' office hours. Do it! Too many students are too shy or apathetic to go get help, but it's important that you do because a) it shows that you are motivated; b) it will increase the quality of your papers or help you pass a difficult test; and c) your professor will be glad you spent the time and effort. Also, be careful, because you're in college now. Some professors will teach the class their own beliefs in the guise of factual information. Know when you are getting opinions and when you're getting the real deal, and don't ever compromise your own beliefs.
What has been your favorite academic or student life experience so far?
The Evening News was asked to play for the CSU Stanislaus radio station, and that was a great honor. We had a one-hour slot, played about six songs, and were interviewed. The guys working at the radio station were really cool and fun to work with, and I think we made some new fans.
What is your career objective?
writer, musician, professor...options are open
What clubs, sports, and activities have you participated in?
I used to play soccer, basketball, and run track, but currently the only activity I really engage myself in is music: I play bass, piano, drums, and a little bit of guitar, as well as writing my own music and lyrics. But I'm still in my first semester at CSU Stanislaus, so I have a lot of time to explore. Or maybe I'll start a club myself. If anyone would be interested in starting up a Chess Club, just let me know.
Who is your most influential personal and/or University mentor?
My personal mentor is and has been my girlfriend, Catherine. If not for her prompting, I may have remained a slacker and not even applied to any colleges. Or worse, I would have missed the deadline to sign up for the SATs!
At CSU Stanislaus, Bret Carroll has been a great mentor. He teaches my Honors 1010 class and, after grading one of my essays, he suggested I see him before I write my next one. I did, and he showed me specifically how to improve my papers, advice which I applied to my other classes as well. Since then, I have participated more in class and I feel more comfortable discussing my ideas. Heck, I might even get an A in his class...
E-mail Address: dbeggs@csustan.edu
