Callie Barganier
“Blessings in a Backpack”
Senior in elementary education
Nominated by Alpha Gamma Delta
“I am inviting everyone to help me in supporting the program 'Blessings in a Backpack' this week. 'Blessings in a Backpack' stuffs bags of food for the weekend to send home with students enrolled in free and reduced lunch. Sometimes the only meal these children get is their hot meal at school. 'Blessings in a Backpack' recognizes that hunger does not take the weekend off and that the solution to this problem is right in front of us. I chose this as my platform, because as an elementary education major, I am able to see the affects of this every single day. It is one thing to know that over half of the students in Lee County struggle with food security, but another to see the faces and the hearts of the children it affects. They are truly grateful and in need of the 'Blessings in a Backpack' program.”
Sara Bedsole
“Sara B. for 43”
Senior in communication disorders
Nominated by Alpha Delta Pi
“My platform is the Lutzie 43- Deciding on this foundation as my platform was easy for me. I was a big fan of Philip's. I admired his character and his athletic abilities. This foundation is something that, in my opinion, deserves support from the Auburn student body. I see this week as a great way of providing an opportunity for students to get behind and recognize this foundation, as well as the chance to remember and honor Philip.”
Katie Knell
“Be the Key”
Senior in apparel merchandising
Nominated by Chi Omega
“This slogan stems from the idea that we are all capable and pivotal pieces in bringing others to experience personal freedom, both on a global perspective as well as a local level to therefore contribute their fullest potential to the world around them. By way of addressing enslavement at a universal level, we are better able to understand that we are not alone, and that we have the potential to serve as the key in seeking justice for those who are enslaved against their will as well as the power to influence others' lives locally in order to seek healing and freedom. This platform initially proved unexpected by way of revelation, though this issue is one that I am passionate about as we communicate some topics and issues that Auburn students might not have been attuned to in the past. My overall goal is to draw forth conversations that challenge the students to think both inwardly of their enslavement and beyond as we educate the student body of oppression at a global level, empower students to seek personal freedom and to ultimately encourage them that they, too, have the hope and the ability to be the key to aid in others experiencing that freedom as well.“
Tomi Obebe
“Fully Focused”
Senior in exercise science
Nominated by Student Recruiters
“About a month ago, I was involved in a serious car accident on my way home to Columbus, Georgia. Off of 280, there are a few houses, and there happened to be a car in front of me turning into their driveway. While at a complete stop, I was hit by another vehicle going 70 miles per hour by a driver who was distracted. The impact caused the trunk of my car to compact all the way to the back of my driver's seat and my car caught on fire. Eventually, my car even exploded. I was fortunate enough to be able to pull myself out before then with injuries that will heal over time. Other individuals haven't been as lucky. The collision was the direct cause of the other distracted driving, an act that causes over 200,000 accidents a year; many of them resulting in serious injuries or death. When I saw the pictures of my car afterwards, it made me truly understand what a blessing it is that I am alive. Too many family members and friends have been hurt because of something that is so preventable. It is my goal throughout campaign week to raise money for the national campaign, It Can Wait. It's an initiative by AT&T that encourages drivers to eliminate the number one distraction in your car, your cell phone. We want to let people know the options of using apps to turn your phone off when your vehicle is in motion, handing it to a friend, or even just throwing it in the back seat. Our goal is to share these options with people to stop these accidents and keep our wonderful Auburn Family as safe as possible on the road. I decided on my platform after attending a sermon at White Street Baptist Church; I was distraught about the accident and how much I had lost in my car. The pastor's topic that day was turning your "mess" into a "message" and that's what I hope to do with my testimony. Fully focused is my slogan because when you're behind the wheel, that's exactly how it should be. No matter how great that sunset picture would be on instagram or a really funny snapchat to send to friends. No post is worth a life. I hope people will join me, Tomi Obebe, and remain fully focused when driving.”
Taylor Wesley
“Spread Wellness with Wesley”
Senior in communications
Nominated by SGA
“This platform focuses on mental health awareness and spreading the true meaning of wellness throughout Auburn’s campus. What is so incredible about this platform is that I did not choose it only for homecoming week, but it is something that I strive for everyday. I struggled with mental health and finally overcame it by reaching out for help, and it is such an honor that I now get to share my story of recovery with the student body. 1 in 4 students struggle with mental health, which means everyone is effected by it in some shape or form. If you take out the 'I' in mental illness and replace it with 'we,' it creates the word mental wellness. The goal of this campaign is to not just raise awareness but to come together to foster a community that promotes a greater sense of wellness. We will also be raising money for Auburn’s mental health resources to support students who struggle just like I did.”
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