Collegiettes definitely know a few things about school spirit, but have you ever had an undeniable passion to give back to FSU? You’ll definitely find that passion in Jean Tabares, the Student Body President Candidate for the Vitality Party.
Name: Jean Tabares
Age: 21
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science, Marketing
Relationship status: Single
Source: The Vitality Party
Her Campus (HC): So you’ve been slated by the Vitality Party as the Student Body President Candidate – what are some of your plans if you’re elected? What vision do you have for FSU?
Jean Tabares (JT): If elected as Student Body President, we plan to work on all of our platform ideas, first and foremost. These ideas came from the student body, and we personally feel that these have to be a priority because they are what the student body was promised. We want to represent the needs of students, not our own. To make sure we are held accountable and honest, we have made sure to meet with faculty where we received feedback and a green light on the tangibility before placing anything on the platform. The vision I have for FSU is to increase the emphasis on entrepreneurship and critical thinking in all majors to make sure we are able to make strides to our reach towards being a Top 25 university. Another priority will be to ensure that student government funds, which come from the students, are being spent well enough to provide resources that enhance the student experience.
HC: What drives you to be a leader on campus?
JT: Leadership to me all goes back to the first time I ever became involved when a great mentor of mine since high school taught me about Servant Leadership. We worked together on the National Jefferson Awards Committee and won second place in the nation in Washington D.C., the best part was meeting National Volunteers and hearing their dedication in leadership to serve others. Coming to Florida State it was a simple decision to pursue this type of leadership. The best sense of satisfaction for me does not come from a nametag, or recognition. It comes from knowing I made a difference in someone else’s life.
HC: What are you currently involved with at FSU? What have you been involved with in the past?
JT: I am currently a member on the Office of Governmental Affairs Board of Directors. Our mission is to lobby on behalf of the student body to Legislators at the Capitol. In the past I have been involved within the 64th & 66th Student Senate where I served as Student Senate President Pro-Tempore. I have also served in the Executive Branch as the Secretary of Academic Affairs working on Florida State’s reaccreditation, with a high focus on critical thinking. Finally, I am also a devout member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
HC: You’re pretty involved! What advice do you have for students looking to get involved?
JT: If you are looking to get involved, be confident and reach greater heights. Just because you have not been involved does not mean that you cannot later in your collegiate career. This is the first step, after that its just all about seeking the information. There are over 700 registered student organizations on this campus just waiting to get more students involved, its all about putting yourself out there.
HC: Now for the fun stuff! What is your favorite memory at FSU?
JT: My favorite memory at Florida State would have to be the first time I was thrown in the fountain. It was my 19th birthday and my close friends threw me a surprise birthday party, which ended up with one cold dunk in the fountain. I’ll never forget it though; it was the moment I realized I had found a family at Florida State University.
HC: We’re dying to know, Dunkin or Starbucks?
JT: When it comes down to it, I’d have to go with Dunkin. Having such a busy schedule, everyone is always looking for a good coffee to keep them going. Their coffee keeps me running and the atmosphere is just a lot more relatable.
HC: Last one, if you had to perform in the circus, what would you do?
JT: Definitely fire breathing, it looks exciting. The exhilaration and ability to get people energized would be a great experience. Plus the experience of being apart of the circus would be awesome as well. I have some good friends in our Circus and they tell me all about the fun times they have with their Circus family.
Source: The Vitality Party