Staff Spotlight: Daisy Ballin-Diaz

 

This week's Staff Spotlight features our Fresno State Connect Student Assistant, Daisy Ballin-Diaz

Tell us about your professional background.

Before becoming part of OCED I had many customer service jobs. I was a barista at Starbucks for two years, I worked in retail (The Limited store at Fashion Fair Mall) for about a year and a half, I worked at Fresno State’s Dining Hall for 2 years. In high school I worked during the summers, I had a job as a Childcare worker for WIC, I was a Sterilization Technician for a local dentist office, and I worked in general labor for a fruit packaging and processing facility. 

Who inspires you?

The person who inspires me the most is my mom, it might be a bit of a cliché to pick her but she is honestly one of the strongest and loving people I have ever known. My mother has endured many hardships throughout her life and she has overcome each and every one of them. My mom migrated to the United States from Mexico in her early twenties and she has lived in the U.S for about 40 years. She inspires me to work hard for what I want, she makes sure to remind me that the failures that I may encounter throughout my life will only make me a better person and act as a motivator for my goals. 

What was the best concert you've ever attended?

The best concert I have attended was one that I went to this past August. I flew to Mexico with some friends to go see Julion Alvarez, a Mexican regional music singer, live in the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco. 

What are you currently watching on Netflix? 

I watch a variety of shows on Netflix, I can’t just stick to one. Some of my favorites are Mind Hunter, The Office, Monarca, Schitts Creek, and the Patriot Act. I mostly enjoy shows that are either comedy or drama filled. 

What's the coolest project you're working on right now?

I am currently majoring in Economics at Fresno State and for my Urban and Regional Economics course, I am conducting a survey with two fellow classmates on the economic development impact Fresno State student volunteers have had on the El Dorado neighborhood in Fresno.

What's your favorite local meal? 

I recently discovered the restaurant Heirloom and I enjoy eating their chicken or tri-tip dish with a side of rice and vegetables. But honestly everything on their menu is delicious, I strongly recommend going there for lunch or dinner! 

What was your first job?

The first job I ever had was when I was 15 years old and I worked as a Childcare worker for the Salinas WIC office. It was a summer job that I was able to get thanks to a summer program in the area that was helping teenagers find jobs in the area.