Q&A with Heather Schaefer

Last October, the Student Athletic Board elected Heather Schaefer as 2009 Homecoming Queen. The IDS interviewed Schaefer and asked her about her involvement at IU, her experience being Homecoming Queen and what she is doing now. Homecoming Queen Heather Schaefer and King Cale O’Bryan celebrate at the 2009 Homecoming football game.

IDS What school did you graduate from in the spring?
Schaefer I graduated in May of 2010 from the Kelley School of Business with a bachelor’s in marketing. I was in the top 1 percent of the Kelley School.
This summer, I started training with Cardinal Health as a sales representative for health care. In two weeks, I will be moving out to New Jersey to start as an actual sales representative, which is very exciting. Health care is a great field.

IDS What were you involved in at IU?
Schaefer Well, I was in the Kelley School. I was the on the executive board for the Student Business Ambassadors program as the day host coordinator, I was president of the IU Student Alumni Association senior year, and I spoke at graduation.
Most of my involvement was with SAA. I got to put together Homecoming events, and I helped put on the first Nearly Naked Mile at IU, which is very exciting. It was very exciting to be able to experience Homecoming from the other side when I won Homecoming Queen after all those years planning and working the events.

IDS How was the experience of winning Homecoming Queen?
Schaefer My advisor from SAA encouraged me and gave me the confidence to apply for court. I never expected to be on court. I remember standing out on the field being so excited, nervous and cold, and I was in complete shock when they called my name. I couldn’t believe it.
It was one of the best feelings. It was definitely the highlight moment of my college career and one I will never forget. I was so happy and grateful and shocked. I got the crown and the sash, which I still have, and flowers, along with a $500 scholarship, which was so wonderful.
I got the glow, and afterward a friend and I went to celebrate at Bluebird, where the band Dot Dot Dot was performing. They saw me in my crown and pulled me on stage, and the lead singer sang me the hit “Here in Your Arms” by Hellogoodbye, which was so incredible.

IDS What do you miss about IU?
Schaefer Oh gosh, I miss it so much. First, I miss all of the fantastic people — the people at IU are the nicest and friendliest. I miss walking around campus and the feeling you get. I always took the time to appreciate campus as I was walking by the Union and seeing the changing leaves.
IU is so prestigious and great. Everyone knows how great the reputation of a Hoosier is. From the diverse people to the outstanding staff, it couldn’t get much better or give students a better chance at success.
With the spirit of learning, pride and optimism, along with the opportunities, anything is possible at IU if you apply yourself in a beautiful environment that fosters growth and learning. Always take the time to appreciate the campus.
Stock up on knowledge from the diverse and prestigious faculty, and know that as a small-town, nerdy girl, anyone can be anything at IU.