Shannon’s alarm goes off every morning at exactly 7:30 a.m. Each day, she gets up, gets ready and conquers the day. With a schedule as busy as hers, alarms ring constantly throughout the day, but being in charge of such a big event – how could they not? Amongst many other things, Shannon Wichmann is a junior at Florida State University and an Odds & Evens Chair on FSU’s Homecoming Council. Keep reading to find out a little bit more about both, Odds & Evens and Shannon – a person anyone would be lucky to know!
Quick Facts:
Three words to describe me: passionate, hardworking and ambitious
Fun facts about me: I have four cats at home. I’ve met Barack Obama. I had a tumor. I was a competitive dancer my whole life. I love yellow!
Favorite quote: “I want to be like a sunflower; so that even on the darkest days I will stand tall and find the sunlight”
How long have you been involved with Homecoming? This is my first year on Homecoming Council!
What position do you hold on Homecoming Council? Odds and Evens Chair
HC: What is Odds and Evens?
SW: Odds and Evens is a large-scale field day style, competitive sporting event that is a part of Homecoming Week! At this event, teams made up of FSU students compete against each other in games of dodgeball, flag football and soccer. Odds and Evens is one of FSU’s oldest traditions that was brought back last year, and we are continuing this tradition with a fun and modern twist. It’s a great way to get out and active, celebrate FSU spirit and enjoy a friendly competition with peers.
HC: How and why did you get involved with Homecoming?
SW: I love Homecoming! I have since I arrived at FSU, I am the type of student that is over-involved and attends all of the events. One of my advisors from a previous leadership position (shout-out to Jessica!!) worked with Homecoming and introduced me to the opportunity and encouraged me to apply, even texting me the link to the application the day it was released. I think Homecoming is just such an exciting and amazing time to be a student and celebrate our school and our spirit. I wanted to be able to help and do my part to make it happen and make it enjoyable for all FSU students, just as much as it was for me.
HC: What’s been your favorite part of Homecoming Council?
SW: Easily the people! There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make everything that is FSU Homecoming happen, but I don’t think it would be possible without the amazing group of people that make up the Homecoming Council. The amount of support within those 29 students and three advisors is so special. There is always someone to lend a hand, someone who knows how to make a bad day better, have the right thing to say to motivate and encourage, or just make me laugh. I think that no matter the stress that might come, we can conquer it all together!
HC: What’s the hardest part about being in your role?
SW: I would say the hardest part of being on Homecoming Council is what most people don’t see. There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make every aspect of the week happen, obstacles faced and processes that we have to go through that many students don’t know and often don’t even consider.
HC: Homecoming is put on by a lot of people working together. Any advice for working in big groups?
SW: I think the best way to handle working in groups is to communicate and work together. Being clear with what you need, if you need help, what you are doing and keeping others in the loop is the best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly. In a big group like Council, everyone has a job to do but we all interact and work together in order to get our jobs done individually. So, I think that being helpful and supportive and really just listening to what others need and how they can be helped, makes everyone successful in the end.
HC: How do you think this involvement will help you in your future endeavors?
SW: This role has given me so many valuable experiences that I will carry with me for future endeavors. The process of planning and logistics for the event, working with others on Council as well as with University Faculty, and the perseverance to bounce back and keep going when there is an obstacle has helped better my work ethic and given me experience in situations that I know will occur in future positions and careers.
HC: Any advice for freshmen?
SW: Try things! It can be so intimidating at first, I know, but just trying things is the best way to find where you fit and feel comfortable and enjoy what you are doing. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a position or if you don’t like the first thing you try, just keep going!! This campus is huge and there is somewhere for everyone to be involved. And come out to Homecoming events!
HC: Why should students go out to Homecoming events?
SW: Homecoming events are so fun and FREE! There is something for everyone: Karaoke? We’ve got it! Sports? That too! Food? Oh yeah! Want a good show? Don’t miss your chance to see amazing FSU student performers AND Pete Davidson at Pow Wow! All free! Follow @FSUHOMECOMING on social media for details (turn on notifications for the latest on special events and pop-ups as well!).
All images courtesy of Shannon Wichmann.
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