|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The road to royalty open to all
To the editor, When I came to the U of A, I would never have imagined being nominated for Homecoming Queen, let alone being a semi-finalist. Homecoming queen was always something that could never happen to me... it didn't seem like a realistic goal. Then last year I knew two people who were Homecoming King finalists - J.J. Rico (no relation) and Tiamo Devettori, they made Homecoming real to me... They were 'the someone' I could identify with. So I decided to do the same for others, to make it real for them, and I applied for the process. I was nominated by Residence Hall Association and turned in my application in order to be eligible to sign up for a mixer and an interview. The mixer was the night before the interview and was semi-formal. It gave the candidates a chance to meet the elite Bobcats. Everyone was really nice and I heard several times during the night that it was just like Rush. I felt like a majority of the candidates knew most all of them and I felt like an outsider at moments. But I am a fairly social butterfly, so I didn't let that get in my way. I knew a couple of the Bobcats and it was great to meet the rest of them. Over all it was good, because it made me less nervous for the interview. The interview is scheduled for about 15 minutes, but usually lasted about 10. The room is set up with the Bobcats in a U-formation and the interviewee in the middle. It is an intimidating set-up, but I thought it was great, a good chance to be graceful under pressure. After the interview the Bobcats then narrowed it down to the semi-finalists and had an informal mixer at one of the Bobcats' house. It was nice and everyone was still really friendly. There was alcohol there, but no... not everyone drank, which was comforting. It lasted about an hour and 40 minutes. They now had to narrowed down to five finalists from all of the qualified candidates. I did not envy their situation. The finalists were "kidnapped" the Monday after the last mixer. And Homecoming week has activities that happen out on the mall stage at noon everyday. So that is my experience with the Homecoming royalty process. This letter was in no way meant to bash the Bobcats... they worked incredibly hard during the whole process and are behind the scenes during most of the week/weekend activities that are put on. I wanted to share my knowledge to those who otherwise would never know. And I wanted to thank all of you who voted, tried to vote, or thought of me, for your support. I know that students whom I have never met voted for me and though "Homecoming queen isn't really something a write-in could win", keep speaking out about what you want and don't let anyone tell you your voice doesn't count. If the polls had their act together your vote would have. But remember it will always count to me. Thank you for bringing me into your hearts. If anything, I hope I only broke a little ground for those who come after me, the hard working "little Guy" who isn't suppose to win. Maybe the Bobcats should turn their thinking from Homecoming being "about the five finalists" and remember that it's all about the students.
Janet Rico
|
