ABOUT Heidi
University of Tennessee, Sophomore
MY COLLEGE KICKS ASS BECAUSE…
I love my college because it fosters a positive learning environment by being a fun and open campus to all of its students. Football in Tennessee is full of laughs, rich in tradition, and brings together a campus of 27,000 students in one single location. When “Rocky Top” plays, there is not one person that isn’t singing along and jamming out. Whether painted from head to toe in orange and white or donning an orange Lily Pulitzer dress with Jack Rogers, the pride of UTK can be felt by anyone.
THE COOLEST PLACE TO PARTY ON CAMPUS IS…
The best place to party on campus is wherever I am! That may not be necessarily true, but I believe if you are surrounded by good people, you can have an amazing time whether it’s with a couple of friends going to Nashville to line dance or crashing the biggest rager of the year with all of your friends. The students at the University of Tennessee truly love their school and everyone that goes there.
I MAJOR IN…
I am majoring in animal science with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine with a minor in wildlife and fisheries science. What a mouthful! I want to become a veterinarian with a specialist degree in zoological medicine, which will allow me to travel around the world, especially to Africa to work with lions which has been my goal since I was a child. Check out my website heidifree.wix.com/pauseforpaws, which showcases the non-profit organization which I have created.
OH YEAH, AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY KNOW THAT…
One thing you should know about me is that when I want something, I go after it with every ounce of willpower in my body. I graduated high school in three years due to wanting to get a step ahead in my academic journey. I know what you are probably thinking…this girl is such a nerd, but ask anyone and they will tell you despite graduating in three years, I didn’t miss parties, events, or football games, I had unforgettable weekends, hitting 100mph in super old cars while shooting bottle rockets out the windows or taking a pontoon ride down the Delaware River at midnight. But if I want something, I will go after it, without sacrificing my own happiness and enjoyment.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
If I could go anywhere in the world, it would be Africa. I have already stated that I want to work and practice on exotic animals there, but there is also so much more I want to do in Africa. One of the main platforms I advocate for is the elimination of retaliatory killing. Retaliatory killing is when a lion kills an individual’s livestock and in return, the individual kills the lion to prevent it from happening again. The big cat population is already drastically in decline and there are simple solutions to prevent this. I argue for the implementation of bomas, structures which cost $25 each and protect livestock from big cats. Yes, livestock is the sole source of income for so many people, but lions should not be killed for their actions as they are beautiful creatures of nature whose natural instincts drive them to kill livestock, especially ones who are easily accessible. The bomas would protect both the African people and the lion population. I would love to travel to Africa and help build these structures.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE MISS COED 2016?
I want to be Miss COED 2016 because I want to show all girls at all universities that it is 100% possible to be beautiful and fun while also being intelligent and organized. Yes, I completely believe that college is for obtaining an education which will direct you toward a career and the rest of your life, but I also believe you are only young for a short amount of time. I want to be proof that it is possible to get a 4.0 and excel in your academics while also attending the hottest parties, going on crazy adventures, and having the time of your life.
IF YOU COULD GIVE OUR READERS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My one piece of advice may sound cliché but it is so true and that is to enjoy the time you have in college while you are there. Once you’re finished, you’re thrust into the ‘real world’ where there is no one to hold your hand anymore, However, that shouldn’t be a scary thing if you treat your college years right. Yes, you should work hard in classes. If you have a passion, pursue it. It will be an exciting time when you are able to enter the world with the career of your dreams, and if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. You should also have the time of your life. College friends will stick with you the rest of your life and college memories will be the ones that you can tell people about forever. Skip a class or two, go on a spontaneous adventure, and hit on the cute boy in one of your classes. You’ll only regret the things you didn’t do.
