By: Leigh Cesanek
TCNJ’s 2012 Homecoming Queen, Janika Berridge, had never thought of running for Queen until this year. She represents everything TCNJ looks for in a model student: incredible involvement, a passion for school spirit, and enthusiasm for the school’s growth. After deciding to run, she hoped to keep the legacy of ambassador wins for queen alive and to bring in a win for her own homecoming team.
“Yes!” was the first thing that ran through Janika’s head was when her name was announced as Queen. But more than anything, says Janika, she was relieved. “I was gripping on to my escort’s arm so tight. After they announced it, I was so happy that the wait was over,” she said.
The last two Homecoming Queens were also Ambassadors. In an effort to represent her organization, the Ambassadors, Janika said, “I wanted to keep the torch going and carry the legacy on.”
“Whatever happens, happens,” Janika thought as she put posters all around campus. Her involvement on campus is what she believes allowed her to connect with people. Belonging to multiple and different groups on campus is what allowed her to meet so many people in some many diverse parts of campus over her years. Janika is active in ASA, Circle K, Pyschology Club, The Signal, the EOF program, and Ambassadors. These groups, she says, allow her to help build “a stronger, connected community.”
Taking advantage of the opportunities that TCNJ offers is something that she believes really helped her network and allowed her to know many other students. Some of these opportunities that she experienced firsthand and that she describes when giving her tours are the strong points of TCNJ. Small class sizes, research involvement, familiarity with professors, and resources such as the Tutoring Center and Career Services are big opportunities that she took advantage of and encourages others to do the same. Janika majors in Psychology, minors in Photography, and will soon officially declare a minor in Spanish. This spread of education also allows her to reach out to people in the different departments of the college.
Winning the title was one thing, but now that the task is accomplished, there is more ahead for Janika. “The task does not end after winning,” she said. The Homecoming King and Queen have to work with the Alumni Affairs Office. She would assist with programming and reach out to recent and past alumni to increase their involvement with TCNJ. As far as what else Janika has planned to do with her new title, she’s not completely sure. But you can be assured that this isn’t the last piece of good news you’ll be hearing of her.