Still unsure who’s running for Homecoming Queen? Meet Sophia Li, Amani Walker, Menddy Mercado, and Eden Lindeman!
Name: Sophia Li
Age: 20
Major: Fashion merchandise
Year: Senior
Why are you running/why did your org choose you:
I can’t think of a better opportunity to represent the school that I love so much in a different light. It is the last semester of my senior year and I can’t think of a better way to end it. Homecoming is about school spirit and everyone coming together, all 30,000 of us. I am really enthralled with people and culture and I feel like I represent VCU outside of the Greek life bubble. I really do bleed black and gold everyday—I am going to be the proudest alumni!
Sophia has been involved in various activities throughout her college career at VCU. Her activities range from Strut, the Merchant leaders program, and a number of community service activities. An individualistic and naturally energetic person, she hopes to pursue fashion opportunities abroad or in the big apple.
Name: Amani S. Walker
Age: 21
Major: Dual Degree in International Studies and Political Science/ Double Minors: French and Women’s Studies
Year: Junior
Amani considers herself as an optimistic, genuine young woman. Ms. Walker “walks the walk” by leading the youth in her community. Speaking of walking, she doesn’t like long walks on the beach but dreams of traveling to the shores of Spain and South Africa as a diplomat in the United Nations.. This North Carolinian wears her southern hospitality like second skin and loves to get jiggy at the Piggly Wiggly! Amani is a Resident Assistant and is heavily involved in many organizations around VCU like the NAACP, Ram the vote, and SGA to name of few.
Much of who I am today, I must attribute to the beautiful people I have met and amazing experiences that I have had at VCU. As a young ram three years ago, I set out walking the missing bricks with a fiery passion to make a difference at our university, our community, and the world beyond these walls. SGA was the first organization that I got involved in as a freshman. With VCU being large institution, it was hard for me to find my niche. In SGA, I found people who welcomed me with open arms, leadership skills, and a wealth of self-confidence. As a third year member and leader in the organization, it is these things that keep me there and what motivate me to help someone else.
A leader is just a servant to its people. Being Homecoming Queen is more than a popularity contest, but it is an opportunity to give back to the university that has given so much to me. As Homecoming Queen, we are given the privilege to be the voice of students and represent them accordingly. Sometimes people don’t have the confidence to speak up and don’t believe they can make a difference and I want to help those people. After all, someone paved the way for me. I want to be able to empower others to reach their goals and “Make It Real” at VCU.
Name: Eden Lindeman
Age: 21
Major: Environmental Studies
Year: Senior
I feel that I can represent VCU well and would be honored to have the opportunity to further my opportunities with VCU so we can continue to improve our university. I love how diverse VCU is and how no one is afraid to be themselves. You can be who you are on this campus and no one judges you. I also enjoy being in Richmond, the city opens up many opportunities that I may have not had if I went to another University. Homecoming week is one of the only times at VCU where we all get together and celebrate our school.I’m definately shy at first but once you get to know me [you will] find that I can actually be really outspoken and goofy!
Name: Menddy Mercado
Age: 20
Major: Community Health Education with a minor in Psychology
Year: Junior
I am running for homecoming queen because I feel like I can relate to many students on campus. I have always been excited to meet new people, even though at first I may seem a little shy, I’m a blast once you get to know me! I also did not start off college knowing I wanted to be involved in Greek life. I was one of those students who believed Greek life was not for them, however, I took the time to learn more about the organizations on campus and figured, why not?
I believe I’m a good representation of the student body here at VCU. If I’m selected I will promote campus involvement. Many students still have yet to be involved on campus for many different reasons but there are so many organizations that can fit anyone. I will also promote volunteering and/or community service because they should be important to all students.