The Head Honcho of Homecoming
Writer: Ariana W. / Editors: Savannah T. and Grace C. / Photographer and photo editor: Olivia E. / Graphic Designer: Savannah T.
Tori B. believes “all of [her] roads lead back to Delta Zeta.” She tells the story of how only a few weeks after she received her bid from the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Delta Zeta, a few sisters invited her to the Involvement Fair on campus. It was there that she was approached by a representative from one of Florida State University's oldest traditions, Homecoming.
Next thing she knew she was a member of the Spirit Force, a Homecoming committee dedicated to working at and managing the homecoming festivities. Spirit Force introduced Tori to the world of Seminole Spirit and school pride. It taught her what Homecoming is all about and allowed her the opportunity to be a part of the magic. This experience would set the course for the rest of her time at Florida State.
Tori has participated in FSU Homecoming all four years of her college life. She has been involved with nearly every aspect of the planning and execution processes of putting on the annual events. She has been the Production Chair, during which she spearheaded the Homecoming Pep Rally. She has also been the Operations Director which required her to deal with logistics and scheduling for all of the events.
Most impressive, for the past year and a half Tori has been the Overall Director for the 72nd Florida State University Homecoming. Her main job is to serve as a liaison between the executive council and the administration of the school. She helps the members of the executive council detail their plans and encourages them to think outside of the box and try new things. Tori devotes several hours every week to make the creative wishes of her executive council a possibility.
Her responsibilities “have ranged from being a brain-stormer to a question asker” throughout trying to plan the week-long event amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Tori was faced with the great challenge of redesigning every aspect of Homecoming in order to create a safe space for students. As the face and voice of Homecoming, she became responsible for the health and safety of the entire student body at Florida State. How will she host a pep rally, parade, court, and more?
All of the beloved Homecoming traditions from previous years will still be happening just "reimagined" as a result of all of Tori’s dedication. Many of the events will be a hybrid between in-person and virtual. Events such as Homecoming Live! will be live-streamed and recorded, but will also allow a safe amount of in-person audience members. A specific goal of Tori’s was to make sure every student would be able to experience Homecoming in the safest way. Tori explained why giving every student the opportunity to attend Homecoming events was so important to her, “You only get four Homecomings simply put, I love Homecoming because it makes me happy. I want students to know they can still expect to have a Homecoming that is going to feel happy for them too.”
Planning such a massive event in such unprecedented times has not been easy and she explicitly shared her gratitude for being able to rely on the massive support system which is both the Homecoming Council and the Panhellenic Association. Being a part of Delta Zeta has taught her what it truly meant to have a sisterhood full of such genuine and empowered women. It was this sisterhood that encouraged and supported her throughout her entire Homecoming career. Tori explains it best:
“The Panhellenic community has shown me that through supporting others we empower each other. I have been able to achieve all my goals through being supported by my sisters and the entire Panhellenic community. Panhellenic really does empower us to succeed. I never understood what woman empowerment was until I was a part of this community. And I am so, so grateful for that. It is what got me through college.”