Name: Rashard Johnson
Year: Senior
Hometown: Miami, FL
Age: 22
Major: Sports Management
Her Campus (HC): On October 14, 2016, you were crowned our new Homecoming Chief. How did wining such a big title make you feel?
Rashard Johnson (RJ): Well winning Homecoming Chief was definitely a great feeling because it was something that was greater then I. It was representing my family, my last name, the people that voted for me, believed in me and the people that allowed me to get on the homecoming court.
HC: Becoming Chief is a huge accomplishment. What are some things you plan to accomplish at FSU with your new title?
RJ: With the title, I plan on continuing to be that role model that people look up to; upholding the Seminole creed and the garnet and gold; not allowing the youth to fail and setting that positive example for everyone that follows me, even outside of the black community. Rather than academic or community involvement, I would like to make sure that our community is inclusive and maintain our state as one of the best Universities.
HC: Not only are you Homecoming Chief, but you are also the Black Student Union (BSU) president. What are the duties of a Black Student Union president?
RJ: The duties of Black Student Union president are to act like a safe haven for every student that comes on campus; being able to be that vehicle of communication between the student body and the faculty; making sure that I advocate for any issues that they face on campus, making sure that people transition from high school to college, that that transition is a successful one.
HC: I’ve read that FSU is building a new BSU house. Can you tell me a little more about that?
RJ: Yes, the house has been in the works for 10 years now. I want to thank all of the donors that have contributed money, the people that was on the planning committee, the Black Alumni Association, Dr. Bowden and Mrs. Daniel – just to name a few. The house will be a few houses down from the old BSU house on Woodward Avenue. It’s going to be two stories, a lot of space where different events can happen. We’re going to have an African American studies program going on in the house as well. It’s going to give us a better place to functions and it’s going to enhance the BSU experience and FSU experience through the new generations that come here and students and faculty that is here at the University now.
HC: Are there any other projects that you are currently working on?
RJ: I am working as a manager for the Women’s basketball team. I am also a mentor to two mentees. That’s a project in a sense; even though they’re individuals, I still look at them as a workload that needs to continue to be molded, whether it’s giving them advice about academics or social life or just helping them handle stress of college.
HC: You’ve acknowledged family as being important to you. If there was one person you would thank for motivating you, who would that person be?
RJ: It’s tough to simply name one person. My mom has been there since day one and seeing her going through so much has only motivated me to be great. My entire family is my motivation; my family did not come from a silver spoon background. I definitely have seen rough times growing up with each family member, but the fact that they go through so many things and continue to keep their heads up motivates me to take them out of the situation that they are in. The unfortunate passing of my stepdad has greatly influenced me to graduate as an undergraduate and to continue my education as a masters student.