Every year, the UCF community comes together to celebrate Homecoming. This wonderful week of endless events, school pride and “Knight/night” puns galore all lead up to the big game and crowning new UCF royalty – Homecoming King and Queen. They’re representing our school and, spoiler alert, they’re great at it. These two are equally as humble as they are awesome. Get to know your Homecoming King Michael Irene and Homecoming Queen Ashley Jaramillo!
Let’s start with the basics. What’s your major?
Ashley Jaramillo: Interpersonal and Organizational Communications with minors in Marketing and Leadership Studies.
Michael Irene: My major is Business Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship.
Tell us about your campus involvement!
Ashley: This year, my main involvement is as an active member in Pi Beta Phi Women’s Fraternity. I am also the Director of Campus Life for SGA. One of the main roles this position gets to work on is planning the student day for Light Up UCF and Universal Knights.
Michael: Interfraternity council, active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, CEO Knights, Multicultural Student Center.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Ashley: Driven, optimistic and warm-hearted.
Michael: Dedicated, inspired and motivated.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
Ashley: I will be running my first half marathon this December!
Michael: I’ve run over 10 half and full marathons.
What’s your favorite thing about UCF? Favorite UCF memory?
Ashley: One of my favorite memories at UCF just recently happened. It was being at Spirit Splash as a court member. The energy during that event was incredible and everyone’s pride in being a Knight is so apparent. Hearing everyone chant the UCF Fight song as they’re jumping, splashing and taking part in our largest tradition was something that I will never forget.
Michael: My favorite thing about UCF is it’s diversity, unique culture and vast opportunity. My favorite memory is winning homecoming king!
What does winning Homecoming King/Queen mean to you?
Ashley: Winning Homecoming royalty has been such an honor. It reminds me to continue representing UCF to the best of my abilities in everything that I do. Having been selected, I hope to inspire others to get involved and contribute to their university. Being a UCF Knight is what you make of it and if you put your heart in your work it will take you very far.
Michael: It means that my fellow student body believes in me to represent this school and that they appreciate all the hard work I have put in over the past three plus years to make a positive impact in the students, school and local community.
Describe how it felt winning Homecoming King/Queen!
Ashley: Winning honestly felt surreal. It was a strong mix between feeling happy and yet in a daze because I couldn’t believe the reality of what had just happened. I clearly remember turning the corner and walking off the field and being greeted by all of my sisters and close friends in a swarm of hugs, chants and pictures. I was so proud to have been nominated by Pi Beta Phi and represent them throughout the week. It was especially memorable to have been crowned by last year’s queen who was also a Pi Phi and one of my best friends.
Michael: I felt proud, relieved, happy, excited, motivated. Although I have worked so hard to get to this point, I know the work isn’t over yet. With this title I now have more motivation and higher expectations to continue to make this school better and better myself as a person and contributing alumnae when I get to that point so I can give back to the people and the University that gave so much to me and made me who I am today.
What is your inspiration?
Ashley: My inspiration is my family. They sacrificed so much for me to have the opportunities that are available today, and I want to make them proud and serve as a role model to my younger siblings.
Michael: My inspiration is my family and friends who have always put their necks on the line for me, I can’t let them down and will do everything possible to make them proud of me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ashley: I see myself serving in a position where I can impact student development programs and be an advocate for education. Currently, I am in the process of applying for graduate programs in Higher Education and Student Affairs
Michael: In 10 years I see myself as a local business owner and investor creating opportunities and jobs for my local community and young hardworking people.
Well Knights, there’s your 2012 UCF Homecoming Queen & King in a nutshell! I’m certainly inspired by these two go-getters and I wish them luck in their future endeavors!