Her Campus Boise State: Thanks for speaking with Her Campus Boise State today, Nick! We’ll start with the basics: how old are you?
Nick Propp: My pleasure! I’m 20 years old.
HC: And what year are you here at Boise State?
NP: I’m a sophomore, but as of right now I’ll be graduating in Fall 2015.
HC: Very nice! Not too far off. Where’s your hometown?
NP: Missoula, Montana.
HC: Okay, now we’ll move on to some more important questions, such as: what is your favorite candy?
NP: Snickers.
HC: Favorite beverage?
NP: Water, actually. Haha!
HC: Really? No coffee, tea, soda, adult beverages…
NP: Ehh… I’ll drink those, but I definitely prefer water.
HC: Very interesting– and healthy! Are you a vegetarian, by chance?
NP: Nope!
HC: Relationship status?
NP: Single!
HC: Any pets?
NP: Yes, actually! I have two shih-tzus back home, but none currently with me. I DID have two chinchillas for a while when I was in the dorms, though…
HC: Wait, wait… did you just say chinchillas in your dorm room?
NP: (Laughing) Yeah, my roomie and I just saved up and got them!
HC: That’s crazy! This is probably a silly question, but… are chinchillas allowed in the dorms?
NP: Unfortunately, no… we only had them for about two weeks before my RA came into the room saying he had heard rumors about chinchillas… they were gone within a few days.
HC: How sad!
NP: Yes, but fun while it lasted!
HC: I bet! Aside from raising chinchillas, you seem to be pretty involved on campus. Do you mind telling us what organizations you are involved with?
NP: I’m involved in YoungLife and the Corral, but most of my energy goes to Dance Marathon, for sure.
HC: Let’s starts with YoungLife and the Corral. Can you tell me a little about your involvement with these groups?
NP: Sure! The Corral is the student section at student sporting events– they are especially active at basketball and football games. I am President this year, and it has been quite a bit of work. This year, we started the student tailgating section, and that was really fun.
HC: School pride, I love it! What were the “ups” and “downs” of being in charge of the Corral?
NP: The toughest part of being in administration is getting everyone organized and decided which ideas to implement. Attending all the events and seeing plans come together is definitely the best part.
HC: Very nice! That does sound fun. And YoungLife?
NP: I’ve been involved in YoungLife since 8th grade.
HC: Wow!
NP: Yeah, it’s just such a great way to meet people and get involved on campus and in the community, as well as a great outlet for anyone of faith. It’s really laid-back. We hang out and just generally have a great time. I love it.
HC: Nice! That does sound really fun. You also mentioned Dance Marathon? Can you explain what that is all about?
NP: Of course! Boise State Dance Marathon is a 17-hour dancing marathon held in the Boise State Rec Center. The idea is that kids with really tough illnesses don’t get a break from their surgeries and hospital time, so we try and go 17 hours straight dancing, without breaks, to show our support. The event is put on through the Children’s Miracle Network. It’s awesome because every single penny we make goes directly to the local St. Luke’s Children’s Ward. We actually exceeded our goal by $29,500 this year, for a grand total of $37,000.23! It was absolutely unbelievable.
HC: That’s so awesome! Where does all that money come from?
NP: We encourage the “dancers” to fundraise throughout the entire year, set a personal goal, and do whatever they can to reach or exceed their goal.
HC: What’s the most challenging part of putting together Dance Marathon?
NP: One of the hardest parts is finding people who are really passionate and are willing to fully invest. It takes a lot of time and energy. At the actual event, it’s also hard to motivate participants to stay for the whole 17 hours.
HC: I can imagine– sounds exhausting, but for such a great cause! What’s the best part of Boise State Dance Marathon?
NP: Definitely the kids’ faces, and just interacting with them in general. During the marathon, we have kids come share their stories with the dancers. Hearing what they deal with regularly reminds me that I really can’t complain about the little things in life when there are five-year-olds who have had 50+ surgeries in their lifetimes so far, and are looking at a lifetime of health complications.
HC: That sounds like such a powerful experience. Thanks for being so involved, and keep up the great work!
NP: You are definitely welcome! Everyone should try and go out for Dance Marathon next year. It’s such a great experience; if you’re a part of it, you’ll understand.