After endless campaigning, a primary election trim-down, and an intense secondary string of final votes, Lucie Calderon and her presidential running mate were named the VSG President and Vice President elect for the 2013-2014 school year! So now that it’s been made official, HerCampus set out to schmooze with the new VP to learn a little bit more about her as Vanderbilt Student Government’s new second-in-command! Campaigning with the slogan “It’s Time,” we wanted to find out just what makes Miss Lucie Calderon tick!
1) How did you first become involved in VSG? Had you previously been involved in student government?
I ran for Hank House President my freshman year and got a whopping 7% of the votes… Or maybe it was 7 votes, I’m not quite sure. But then I applied for FYLP (First Year Leadership Program, now called Commons Programming Council) and loved it. It really helped me build my relationships with peer members of the organization as well as the upperclassmen, and it built my interest to stay involved the next year. For the past two years, I’ve served as Director of Special Events on cabinet and have had a great time with it!
2) How did you and your running mate (Isaac, our future Prezzie!!) meet? Why did you two choose to run together?
We met freshman year through VSG stuff actually. (He was Sutherland House President). FYLP and House presidents didn’t really mix much then, but we ironically got set up as dates for my White Carnation formal for Chi Omega in the spring. Kind of cute now that I think of it.
3) What were your motivations for running for Vice President?
I just really love the organization, and even more so, I have a great love for Vanderbilt. I knew I wanted to give back in some way, and for me, the best way to do that is through getting involved. I wanted to pursue an exec position in VSG, and I was so honored when Isaac asked me to be his running mate. I was ecstatic to work with such a qualified and deserving candidate!
4) When you came to my chapter to discuss your platform, you talked about a cultural outreach program that you seemed incredibly passionate about. Would you mind reiterating this vision to our readers and explaining its significance to you personally?
A huge part of the vision we have for Vanderbilt is enhancing the life of our students. While that seems to be a very broad statement, we’ve approached this from several angles to see how we can best do that, and one way is to enrich the outreach we have with the Nashville community. I want to make it easier for students at Vanderbilt to experience what Nashville has to offer, including anything from discount tickets to the amazing museums we have (like the Country Music Hall of Fame or The Hermitage) to pre-sale tickets exclusively reserved for Vanderbilt students to different music venues. I would love for people to graduate from Vanderbilt not only with an academic degree, but I would love for them to have facilitated access to the amazing opportunites exclusive to Nashville in order to also tack on “Nashvillian” to the diploma.
OK, now reorienting our direction strictly from politics…
5) What else are you involved in on campus?
I’m President of the Swim Club, and I absolutely love being a tour guide and selling Vanderbilt in any way I can. Otherwise, I share an amazing sisterhood with the ladies of Chi Omega, and I served on VPB Homecoming Committee this past fall.
6) On the subject of cultural experience, what has been your favorite “outside the Vandy-bubble” experience since living in Nashville?
Last year, I was fortunate enough to be one of two lucky winners of a VPB drawing to attend the CMAs with a friend, and it was probably the coolest thing I have ever attended. But then again, being within touching distance of the stage at the Grammy Nominations was a phenomenal experience. Hunter Hayes might as well have been singing to me, and T-Swift and I held hands for a solid 1.5 seconds of glory.
7) What are your summer plans?
I’m so excited to study abroad in Aix en Provence this summer! As soon as I finish my MCAT, I’m flying straight over to enjoy a summer of macaroons, croissants, and amazing French bread- and classes too, I suppose.
8) Can we expect any future candidacies in your future–where do you see yourself in five years?
Haha I’ll leave the politics to Isaac and his fabulous Political Science capabilities. I’ll hopefully be in med school or serving in my first year of residency!
So, CLEARLY, VSG’s new Vice President Lucie is hitting it out of the park. Next semester I’m sure we can expect some great new campus initiatives…and possibly some delectable French cooking a la Julia Child from her escapades in Aix en Provence!!