This past weekend FIU hosted the 10th annual Relay for Life, an event where the community gathers to honor those who have survived cancer, raise awareness on reducing cancer risks, and raise money for the American Cancer Society. This week’s Campus Cutie is the Executive Director of Relay for Life 2014 and was responsible for planning the very successful event, raising $115, 553.44 and counting. Jenny Cordero’s passion and close relationship to the cause helped make history at FIU breaking the three year $100,000 goal mark.
Age: 21
Major/Minor: Psychology & Sociology/Anthropology
Hometown: Miami, Fl.
Hobbies: Dancing, going to the movies, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach.
Involvements on campus: Currently I am the Vice President of Recruitment for Delta Phi Epsilon and am an active member of Order of the Torch. For the past years, I have been the secretary chair for M.E.D.S., Greek delegate for WishMakers, Court Affairs Chair for Homecoming, Social Media Coordinator for Delta Phi Epsilon, Recruitment Guide for Panhellenic, and have participated in relay for the last two years as Survivorship chair and Mission director.
What inspired you to become involved with Relay for Life and how did you get involved?
In 2011, I attended my first Relay at FIU. I participated with my team. I became inspired to attend when I saw that there was a survivor lap and I would be able to meet other survivors. After I spent the night at the event, I decided to apply for Survivorship Chair when applications came out.
What is your favorite part of the event?
After this year, the Luminaria service has become my favorite part of the event. As a cancer survivor and currently undergoing chemotherapy again, there were 8 luminaries at my feet: one for each year I have been battling this disease and each one from someone who cared about me to honor me with one. For me, this part of Relay is for reflection and for honoring those who diligently fought till the very end. It gives me hope that one day I will be standing as a full survivor. This year was more special to me because I had 30 of my sorority sisters donate their hair, and wonderful friends and boyfriend there to support me throughout every lap.
What responsibilities are included in being the director of Relay 2014?
As a director, I shared my responsibilities with my other incredible directors that made this event possible. I oversaw the subcommittees of mission, finance, and marketing. Being a director, I was involved with different FIU departments to ensure full participation in our community.
What was the most challenging part of being director for Relay? What was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of being director for this year’s Relay had to be balancing an event of this magnitude with also receiving cancer treatment. During the fall, I was in a stable condition but that declined in the spring. Fortunately, I was able to be at the event and give my full support. The most rewarding part of this experience had to be two things! I was so happy and honored to work with people who were close to me thanks to past years of Relaying and other involvements. Also raising as much money as we did. For three years, our goal has been $100,000 and knocking on the door the morning when Relay finished and hearing that we had surpassed over $115,000…I was ecstatic and it’s a moment that I will never forget!
Do you have any advice to share with your fellow collegiettes?
Lupita Nyong’o’s acceptance speech at the Oscars truly struck a cord in me, especially with her closing line “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.” To my fellow collegiettes, if there was any advice I could share with you it would have to be to have patience and perseverance in your dreams. Sure they may take some time, even be altered along the way, but they will work out. If you are not afraid of your dreams, then they are not big enough. Always be positive and never be afraid of failing. It has taken me three years to reach my goal, and thankfully with community support and my incredible committee it was possible.
Do you know someone who should be FIU’s next Campus Cutie? Find out how here!