Homecoming week is by far the most eventful time of the year during fall! Penny Wars, Benny Benassi, Monsters University, and Spirit Splash events made this year’s Homecoming week memorable. Throughout the past couple of weeks, however, a handful of individuals have been tirelessly competing to become your Homecoming King and Queen. You’ve seen them twerk their way to the top, introducing you to this years’ UCF 2013 Homecoming King and Queen: Joe Romo and Katie Waser!
1.What’s your major?
Katie: I am majoring in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology.
Joe: My major is Psychology with a minor in Biology
2. Who is your favorite musician?
Katie: I’m not sure if I have a favorite musician. Most of the time, you can find me listening to 80s or 90s music. The classics always put a smile on my face!
Joe: I would definitely have to say Taylor Swift, not even gonna lie!
3. What is your favorite thing about UCF?
Katie: I would say two items at the top of my list would be my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and Knight-Thon, UCF’s Dance Marathon. Pi Phi means more to me than I could ever explain and is my biggest source of support here in Orlando. Knight-Thon has given me the opportunity to give back to my community and interact with local families that have left a lasting impact on my life.
Joe: My favorite thing about UCF is the sense of community. Anywhere you go on campus whether you know the people there or not, everyone is so friendly and welcoming! I also love how student centered our university is! There are so many ways for the students here to get involved and take leadership opportunities that not only help them grow personally but professionally as well!
4. Could you share a fun fact about yourself?
Katie: I have the same birthday as my dad! He is exactly 36 years older than me and we celebrate together every year on August 5th.
Joe: I have run over 5 half marathons!
5. How did it feel to win UCF Homecoming King/Queen?
Katie: I was shocked, humbled, overwhelmed with happiness, and most of all thankful. It was the best possible combination of emotions and I have my family, Pi Beta Phi sisters, my Knight-Thon family, my fellow student leaders on the President’s Leadership Council, and the rest of my amazing friends to thank for it!
Joe: I felt so much pride and excitement! Winning King also pushes me to want to work harder and be able to give even more back to the university that has shaped me into the leader and person I am today. It was amazing being able to represent O-Team, I made some of my best friends through it; and to be able to represent such an amazing organization to the university was such a privilege.
6. What was your favorite event during Homecoming week 2013?
Katie: if I had to pick one, I would choose dancing on the stage at Spirit Splash. It was so awesome to see so many Knights and feel the energy from every direction!
Joe: My favorite event during Homecoming 2013 would definitely have to be Spirit Splash! The energy from everyone was overwhelming! Seeing everyone storm the pond, hearing them chant the fight song, and having all of these students come out for our largest tradition was amazing and I will never forget it!
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Katie: After graduating with my master’s degree in child life, I hope to be a practicing Child Life Specialist at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
Joe: In 5 years I see myself working with students and helping them grow as leaders through campus involvement. Currently I am applying to graduate programs in Higher Education & Student Affairs.
8. What clubs/organizations are you a part?
Katie: Currently, I am the Communications Director for Knight-Thon, the New Member Coordinator for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, and the Historian for the President’s Leadership Council. I also put aside one day each week for the past couple of years to volunteer at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Joe: This year my main focus was being Founding President of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. I am also on O-Team 2013, a Resident Assistant for housing, a 4EK Alumni Ambassador, a member of the Honors College, and on the Knight-Thon Morale Team!
Now that you got to know your royalty better, I hope you look forward spending the rest of the year cheering them on!