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Step Aside Disney, Florida State’s Jana Arnold is Our Real Life Cinderella

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter.

One of my favorite things about this column is my chance to meet the many amazing individuals that make up the Seminole Nation. When you put us all together, there is no doubt in my mind that we can move mountains. However, it is individuals like Jana Arnold that act as our building blocks to create change. They are the support in our system, the guidance we turn to, and in a way they are our royalty. I received several anonymous nominations for senior Jana Arnold. She’s a Psychology major with a Homecoming Court nomination under her belt and she has plenty to keep her busy. Check out our interview! 

Her Campus (HC): What made you choose Psychology as your major?

Jana Arnold (JA): I was interested in seeing how people thought. I was very interested in the social psychology aspect.

(HC): What do you plan on doing when you graduate?

(JA): I plan to go to graduate school to get my Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

(HC): Tell me about the organizations you’re involved in, the roles you play, and what made you want to be apart of them.

(JA): Well, I’m a fourth year Marching Chief. I did marching band all throughout high school and marching Chiefs looked awesome, so I wanted to join. I’m a brother of a national co-ed service fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega. I’m involved in various committees and even chair a few of the events. I hadn’t heard of it until I became an orientation leader, but I discovered that it was based on leadership, friendship, and service. The people were fantastic and I fell in love!

I am also a Princess candidate on the 2013 Homecoming Court. I wanted to leave my legacy behind and show my Seminole Pride the best way I can.

(HC): Do you have any favorite moments or memories from being an OL?

(JA): The entire experience was a favorite memory of mine! It’s an experience that’s impacted everything about my life, including my career path!

(HC): Do you have a job? What do you like about it?

(JA): Yes- I have two now actually! I am a campus representative at Kaplan. I work with great people and I love being able to help people out with their questions about graduate school testing. I am also being hired as a Resident Assistant in Ragans this week. I’m so excited and I know that I am going to enjoy every aspect of the job!

(HC): You’re on the Homecoming Court; tell me how that’s affected you? Are you excited about this opportunity? What does it mean if you win a position on Homecoming Court?

(JA):  Being on Homecoming Court is a dream come true. I feel like a real life Cinderella! This opportunity has made the fall of my senior year even more amazing than I ever could have imagined. I’m so excited for everything that’s going to happen the next couple of days; I want to hold on to every moment! Winning Homecoming Princess would mean leaving behind my legacy: that Homecoming Court is for women of all shapes and sizes who bleed garnet and gold and take pride in that spirit. It’s about being you who you are, loving who you are, and that in the end means being a Seminole.

(HC): What’s your favorite thing about Florida State?

(JA):  This is going to sound cliché́, but everything! What isn’t there to love about Florida State? I love the school spirit, the pride, the campus, the chills I get when I hear the Hymn, the excitement on campus during football weekends, and the tradition.

(HC): What advice would you give to young women trying to make their way in the world?

(JA): Don’t ever let people tell you that you’re not good enough. You’re not just good enough-you are exceptional and extraordinarily beautiful just the way you are. If I’d let the idea of my being larger than average get in my way, I never would have applied to be a member of the Homecoming Court. Surround yourself with people who support you and make you smile. But most importantly: find what you love and never let it go!

Kalie Marsch is a senior at Florida State University majoring in Editing, Writing and Media within the College of English. She aspires to work in magazine publishing and editing in the future, and lives for New York Fashion Week. When she's not busy with work or school, she loves to shop, read magazines and online style blogs, sit down with a good book, or go to the gym. She is obsessed with New York City and plans to move there after graduating from college. Kalie also loves being involved on campus and meeting new people. She is super excited to work with Her Campus and looks forward to helping make the FSU chapter the best it can be!