The Loveliest Village

I

t is that time of year. Groups of students in matching t-shirts, colorful billboards around campus, posters taped to every restaurant.

It is an Auburn Election.

I am currently running for Miss Homecoming. Campaigning began Monday at 3 p.m. and will end Friday at 9 p.m. This past week, I have learned much about Auburn, my fellow students, and myself.

First off, many individuals are unfamiliar with the process. It begins with interviews. Any organization on Auburn’s campus is eligible to nominate a senior female for Miss Homecoming. From there 20 young ladies are chosen to continue in the interview process. After second round interviews five ladies are chosen to run a campaign and it is up to the student body who wins.

Each candidate is then given a month to prepare and plan a campaign. From organizing a staff to designing a logo in addition to ordering t-shirts, posters, nametags, billboard wood and much more all to fit into the limited budget of $600. It is all quite a challenge!

So here I am. It is Thursday and the campaigning will soon come to an end and Miss Homecoming will be announced. However, the truth is that if it all just stopped and we never actually found out who won the bowl I would not even care, much less notice. I have realized what it means to enjoy the ride, because that is what this week has been!

Having the opportunity to run for a position or title at Auburn is a unique opportunity. All week I have had an excuse to hang out with friends all day long. A typical day usually consist of meeting friends at 8 a.m. for breakfast followed by campaigning in downtown coffee shops, restaurants and campus. We will find somewhere fun for lunch and keep trucking that same path till the organizational meetings begin that night.

Meetings usually start about 5 p.m. and can last till after 9 p.m. Then the real fun begins, campaigning at the bars! It can defiantly lead to an interesting night, but one filled with good times, great friends and unforgettable memories!

I have met numerous groups on Auburn’s campus including Freshmen Tiger Tuesday students, SGA members, Aubie volunteers, Impact volunteers, wrestling club participants, the individuals in the Greek Community and many more!  

The group helping out is scheduled on shifts of about 1-2 hours, so I get to constantly see new faces. This provides a great chance to build relationships with the students that volunteer to help. I have made new friendships and built on old ones.

One of my favorite parts is having an excuse to approach total strangers. Auburn offers such a diverse group of individuals and sometimes we need a reason to go out on a limb. Meeting Auburn students that are different from me in many ways has been an amazing realization. I am also confident in the fact that there is something offered at Auburn for EVERYONE!

While it has been one of the most exhausting weeks of my life, it has also been one of the most rewarding. I know I will forever treasure this experience regardless of the outcome. I will take with me many memories and friendships. I am thankful for the opportunity and this is a ride I will never forget.  

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