Zoie Burgher

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE MISS COED 2016?

I think I’m a good, yet broken role model. Too many people these days get caught in the lies the world feeds them, i.e. you are not beautiful enough, not smart enough, not good enough. I’m here to say that I was told all of those things, and here I am. I am not perfect, but I am me- and I have a will to be heard.

THE COOLEST PLACE TO PARTY ON CAMPUS IS…

The best place to party is wherever you find comfortable. For some, it’s the formality of the bar, or the mystery of the club. Others, it’s the home pregame turned party where everyone bonds in a common unity; regardless, it’s anytime you stop, look around, and realize- ah yes, this is college.

THE MOST MEMORABLE THING I’VE DONE SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR IS…

I went through a rough time in my first two semesters at Florida State, due to outward pressures and extensive bullying. I spiraled downwards, convinced that each second of pain I endured was owed to me, because I deserved it. At one point, I was told that I would not be allowed to come to back to Florida State. Through the grace of whatever powers that be, and the love of my friends, I was able to carry on; to face my lot with dignity and grace. Slowly, over time, through a tenacity of heart and an unwavering passion, I worked towards my goals. Mine is no sob story, it is a story of what happens when you believe in yourself, and the right people believe in you… and here I am to tell it: you are never alone. They told me I would no longer be here, and here I am.

MY COLLEGE KICKS ASS BECAUSE…

I love my university because it is a fascinating mixture of incredible people, and I mean that- from the most objectively boring to the most interesting. The way my university interacts never ceases to amaze me. We are an examination of the human condition; from winning a national championship, to bonding together to heal the broken hearts and shattered minds in the wake of our school shooting. Our instances do not define us, our conduct under pressure and our willingness to move forward dictates the tenacity and passion that is Florida State University. We are broken, we are whole, we are Florida State Seminoles.

THE MOST MEMORABLE THING I’VE DONE SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR IS…

I went through a rough time in my first two semesters at Florida State, due to outward pressures and extensive bullying. I spiraled downwards, convinced that each second of pain I endured was owed to me because I deserved it. At one point, I was told that I would not be allowed to come to back to Florida State. Through the grace of whatever powers that be, and the love of my friends, I was able to carry on. Slowly, over time, through a tenacity of heart and an unwavering passion, I worked towards my goals. Mine is no sob story; it is a story of what happens when you believe in yourself, and the right people believe in you… and here I am to tell it: you are never alone. They told me I would no longer be here, and here I am.

I MAJOR IN…

I’m majoring in international affairs, which is a catch-all for a variety of concentrations; mine is religion. I am fascinated by languages and believe that through understanding people’s motivations (i.e. religion), you can understand them. What do I want to do with it? You’ll find it silly, but I want to change the world. One heart at a time. I want to show the world that you and I are not so different.

OH YEAH, AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY KNOW THAT…

I’m bilingual (English, Spanish), soon to be multilingual (Polish) after my stay at Arizona State this summer. I have an obsession with video games and always have, and have an amazing talent for making things unnecessarily awkward. All in all, I’m a compassionate person with a drive and passion to match.

AT SCHOOL, I’M INVOLVED IN…

Oh gee, this is a bit of a sore topic. I was involved in both the Democrat Club and Republican Club, predominantly because I love listening to people battle their opinions profusely. I played rugby for a semester as well.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

I would travel back to Auckland, New Zealand just so I could tour the places I grew up and reminisce on days past. I think that it’s important each day to laugh, to love, to hurt, and to reminisce.

DESCRIBE YOUR LAST FRIDAY NIGHT.

I played Battlefield 4 on Xbox until my eyes got bleary from too many tequila drinks because I do what I want. I say that like that to be sassy, but I mean it; I believe life is about living as you please, not how you feel you should live it. Last Friday, I had a date with my Support class on Operation Locker.