BY KERISA BROWN
“Truth be told, Diversity is worth more than Gold”
With FHSU’s Homecoming Weekend just around the corner, TMN decided to sit down with each of the finalists on the Homecoming court to get to know them as the voting for King and Queen fires up this week.
Eiran Saucedo-Rodarte, who is representing HALO (Hispanic American Leadership Organization), wants to make other students more aware of the positive impact that the Hispanic/LatinX has on FHSU.
“I chose to represent HALO to bring more awareness of the work that the Hispanic/LatinX community at FHSU are bringing to this university, both publicly and behind closed doors,” Saucedo-Rodarte said.
For Saucedo-Rodarte, representing HALO as a finalist means representing and encouraging inclusivity and diversity on our campus.
“I ultimately hope my presence as a finalist encourages members in HALO, as well as other identity/cultural groups, to keep pushing in their efforts for more inclusivity at FHSU,” Saucedo-Rodarte said.
Being able to make real connections and being in a caring, supportive environment is just one of many reasons why Saucedo-Rodarte was drawn to FHSU.
“I stayed due to the culture of support/encouragement that the FHSU community has. I found myself being empowered by mentors to take on many leadership opportunities as early as my freshman year which greatly impacted my FHSU experience,” Saucedo-Rodarte said.
To Saucedo-Rodarte, Homecoming week creates a remarkable feeling of community within our university and the students.
“The synchronicity of energy that everybody feels throughout the week is a very unique feeling,” Saucedo-Rodarte said.
Not only is Saucedo-Rodarte involved in HALO, but he is currently involved in many other clubs and organizations on campus as well.
“My other involvements include being President of Phi Delta Theta, serving as a facilitator for DIversity/Inclusion events for Student Engagement, serving as a Lead for the Hispanic College Institute, serving as a Senator in the Student Government Association, and serving as an Ambassador for the Sias International University Cultural Immersion Program,” Saucedo-Rodarte said.
Saucedo-Rodarte believes that each homecoming candidate who was chosen is a great representation of our students, and has contributed to the betterment of our university in their own unique ways.
“I plainly stand out by representing a group/ideal that is different from what is typically celebrated at our university. Ultimately, voting for me is voting for things that I have been an open advocate for in my time at FHSU. That being Inclusivity, Equity, and Empowerment of all identities,” Saucedo-Rodarte said. Voting for the title of King and Queen will take place from 9:00 AM October 9th to noon October 11th on TigerLink or in Memorial Union from 11am to 1 PM on October 9th and 10th.