If you do not know Tyler Dewey by name, you most definitely know him by sight. This week’s Campus Celebrity is a freshman from Rochester, New York, has long flowing blond hair, frequently carries his guitar with him (he has two in his room), and has been known to go shirtless. On our short walk from the front of the Marketplace to the bench where we conducted our interview, Tyler greeted at least seven people by name with a huge smile and a hug. When I asked about his friendly greetings, Tyler said, “I love meeting people, and I love being able to smile at people and know that we are connecting on a deeper level than just smiling.” Of the moment he arrived on campus at Oxy, Tyler says “I knew that this was where I was meant to be.”
Tyler is a potential Diplomacy and World Affairs major, and in the future he hopes to participate in the United Nations program at Oxy. He hopes to eventually become a senator for the United States. As for his short-term goals, Tyler is currently working on organizing “Dance for Equality,” which would discourage grinding at school events to ensure that everyone felt comfortable. Tyler is also working to organize a “Rally for Equality,” next semester. For the rally he hopes to have 10,000 people on campus and a big-name keynote speaker.
Aside from his obvious love for Oxy and huge ambition, Tyler is our Campus Celebrity this week because he is an active member of Oxy’s community, and was recently elected as an ASOC* First-Year Senator. Tyler decided to run for the position of First-Year Senator because realizing that he could actually make a difference was “really special” to him. Beyond the ASOC, Tyler is an active member in Vote for Equality, and YCCA (Youth Coalition for Community Action).
When asked what he most wanted to share with the Oxy community, Tyler responded, “There have been many times in my life that I have felt out of place or so different from the people around me that I couldn’t belong. Now I finally feel such a deep sense belonging and empowerment through this community, and I am really thankful for being here. Now that I feel that I belong, I feel so much more individual power that I can use to make a difference.”
*The ASOC has meetings every Wednesday night from 10-12 that are open to the public.
Have you met Tyler Dewey yet? Are you jealous of his flowing locks? Who else would you like to see profiled on Her Campus Oxy? Leave a comment below and let us know!