Kira Deerman is no stranger to The Ohio State University Homecoming Court. The fourth-year ODI Scholar (MSP) from Grove City, Ohio, spent her freshman year working at the Longaberger Alumni House, where she met court members and learned about the tradition of Buckeye spirit and service.
“I got to help with Homecoming Court on the day of, and they just all seemed so adult and so accomplished. That was what got me interested,” Deerman said. “So many Homecoming Court members have gone on to do so much good work for the communities they’re a part of. I take a lot of pride in knowing that I get to be a part of such a longstanding tradition.”
Now, the human development and family science major with minors in American Sign Language and global public health is on the court herself, where she is using her platform to fundraise for the Homeless Youth Research Fund. Deerman became familiar with the issue of homelessness as a Department of Human Development research assistant and member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity.
“Homelessness is extremely difficult for all ages, and young homeless people often don’t even have their own records or forms of identification,” Deerman explained. “I believe we can make a tangible difference in the lives of unhoused youth and connect all unhoused people with the resources they deserve.”
Deerman is heavily involved on campus as a teaching assistant for the Department of Human Development, a business office assistant for University Press, and a student panelist for the Office of Student Life. She is also in Human Development and Family Science Club, Undergraduate Student Government, and Cap City Percussion.
“If you want something, you just have to ask for it,” Deerman advised. “Every job that I’ve got and every executive board position that I’ve received has come from asking one person, and then continuing to ask up the ladder until you make it to those resources you’re looking for.”