Name: Morgan Ned
Major and Class Year: MN: Finance, 2017.
Hometown: MN: Houston, Texas.
Campus Activities: MN: Pom squad and I am a peer mentor.
8 AM classes or 3 finals in one day? MN: 3 finals in one day.
Fun fact about you? MN: I did pageants when I was younger.
3 ways someone can win over your heart: MN: You have to be funny, be able to hold a conversation, and you have to love food and try new foods.
If money didn’t matter, what would be your dream career? MN: travel blogger!
Celeb crush: MN: Michael Ealy
What celebrity would play you in a movie of your life? MN: Gabrielle Union
If you’re going to cheat your meal plan, what do you cheat it with? MN: The spicy chicken deluxe sandwich meal with a lemonade at Chick-Fil-A
If you had an all expense paid trip to anywhere, where would it be? MN: Santorini
Favorite place to eat? MN: Pappadeauxs
Why UTSA? MN: It honestly wasn’t my first choice, I just settled. But I fell in love with it as soon as I got here. The campus itself is what first caught my eye and the people I’ve met are what have kept me here. I’m glad I didn’t end up anywhere else.
Why did you decide to try out for Pom Squad? MN: I’ve been dancing my whole life and I simply wasn’t read to give it up.
How was it auditioning to be a captain? MN: It was quite a long process with a lot more factors than people think. I had to teach, choreograph, perform a solo, write an essay, have an interview, and so on. But it’s because you aren’t taking on a leadership role in front of just 15-20 girls, you’re now a leader of a band of 200+ people, and all of the student staff has to work together.
What has been your best experience with Pom Squad? MN: Getting to go to New Mexico was one of the greatest memories. It was a lot of fun getting to experience UTSA’s first ever bowl game with my best friends. Also performing at Kyle Field was quite an experience. I have never performed in front of that many people.
What legacy do you want to leave in Pom? MN: I hope I am remembered for the passion I have for dance and growing as a team. Growing as a team means far more to me than growing as a dancer individually. I feel 10 times better when we accomplish something as a whole rather than just by myself. It’s great when one person learns a new skill or whatever the case may be, but it’s so much more exciting and fulfilling when all 15 of us nail it. That’s what a team is about. It’s about growing and evolving together. I hope my efforts as a captain and team member have showcased just that.
What advice would you have for any girls trying out for Pom? For the girls trying out for Pom captains? MN: It’s great to be an amazing technical dancer, but our team is far more than that. You have to know how to dance with energy and personality. Of course skills are a must and we have expectations, but we focus just as much on the energy put behind everything we do. For those trying out for captain, don’t be afraid to step up and make your voice heard now. Give critiques, acknowledge anything you notice, and make your team feel good. It shows that you are capable of taking on the position and that you are looking out for the team. Of course, don’t just do it for the sake of the title. Do it because you believe in your team and want to help them grow and develop as dancers. best.
Advice to incoming freshman: MN: Get involved! You’ll regret missing out on so much if you don’t. I’m sure anyone involved on campus can attest to that.