the Hoedown Throwdown. Photo by Morgan Schleif.
Junior Alex Elizárraga wins title
How does it feel to be this year’s Mr. Concordia?: It feels spectacular! I never would have guessed I’d receive such a title at Concordia. It’s a crazy feeling. But I also don’t know how to handle the attention…I really don’t want to come off as if it’s gotten to my head or something. But I’m very happy and honored!
What was your favorite part about the competition?: I think my favorite part of the competition was probably performing the Hoedown Throwdown. I’d honestly been so nervous I’d make a fool of myself. I think I still may have, but people seemed to really enjoy it, and I like entertaining people, so it was a really fun experience.
What made you want to compete?: Well, I think asking what made me enter and what made me compete are two different questions. I entered with somewhat of (you only live once) reasoning, but I made the decision to compete when I realized just how much I needed a win in my life right now. Overall, I did it to show this school I love it, and I’m happy to be here.
What do you hope to accomplish during your year as Mr. Concordia?: As Mr. Concordia, I really hope to emphasize personal relationships with people on campus. I’ve made the classic Cobber move of getting too involved, so I don’t get to sit down and talk with people, new people, as much as I’d like to. I’d like to be a positive, friendly presence on campus and someone people feel they can always say hi to, even if I struggle sometimes to remember their name.
If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would you say?: If I could give one piece of advice to students…I’d say, calm down and embrace the moment. Embrace that there are hundreds of people around you who you can meet who can change your life. Embrace the feelings you have, whether good or bad, and don’t pretend you have to keep up a “Happy Cobber” facade all the time. And lastly, enjoy some you-time. Find things you love and do them. Embrace yourself. Working on these things has made my life here at lot more enjoyable.
