Homecoming Queen. It’s difficult to define the true meaning of the title. It’s still hard to understand how I became Homecoming Queen and the journey that led me to this honor.
I spent my time in college trying to make friends, be a good friend, love people, and — only because I had to — studying and spending hours working on projects in the art building. I felt like I knew a lot of people on campus, but so did several of my friends so I didn’t think anything of it. I was queened by Beta Omega Chi my sophomore year and that, paired with being in Delta Gamma Rho, enlarged my number of acquaintances. Even more, I think, more people on campus became aware of me, my name and what I stand for.
Last fall, when it came time to vote for which girl would represent our club, I thought of about 10 other girls who I thought would be perfect to represent DGR, but unfortunately could only vote for one. A few days later a girl in my club walked up to me and said, “Congratulations Heather.” I smiled and said thanks, but walked away trying to figure out what on earth she was talking about. Later I ran into our president who also offered her congratulations and I asked her what was going on. When she told me I had been nominated by the club to be the Homecoming representative, I didn’t know what to say. I was so surprised and knew I had just received a huge honor and was humbled by that knowledge.
I continued to be surprised when later we were presented in chapel and I learned that the student body voted me into the final four. In my head all I could think was, “How do so many people know who I am?” From there, it was the crowning ceremony that completely shocked me. My name was the one announced over the microphone as being the Homecoming Queen for 2012.
The whole experience was so humbling for me. I know that all of it was a huge reminder of love from God. I have always looked at girls who were nominated for the Homecoming court and those that won the title and always thought they must be perfect. I am far from perfect. I could not believe Harding had just crowned a girl that was not confident, was scared of getting to know most people beyond surface level and who grew up convinced people, outside of family, did not like her. So what did Harding see that I could not?
The best part about all of it was sharing it with my family. My dad escorted me onto the field, and my mom, sisters and brother-in-law were all supporting me from the stands. Seeing the tears of surprise and joy roll down my mom’s face is something I will never forget.
People may wonder what the duties are of the Homecoming Queen. Well, that is a great question. All that has been asked of me is to be at the Homecoming football game during 2013 in order to pass down the title and honor to this year’s queen.
I am still bewildered by the knowledge that I was the 2012 Homecoming Queen. I frequently think it cannot possibly be true. I am sure I wouldn’t believe it if I did not have a tiara sitting on my desk that I occasionally look at and puzzle over how I was the girl that was crowned.
