As another UAB Homecoming approaches, Mr. and Ms. UAB prepare to pass on their titles after their year of service comes to a close.

Mary Ann Jimenez, Miss UAB and senior in public health, said this experience has been unforgettable for her.

“Everyone has made us feel like we’re special and that we are leaders on this campus,” Jimenez said. “I am really grateful for that.”

Jimenez said that as she looks back on her year, she remembers the nerves and excitement that filled the air during homecoming 2019.

“We did get crowned during (UAB’s) 50th year anniversary so we got a really big homecoming,” Jimenez said. “Our names get called and I just start crying immediately. This is what I’ve been wanting since freshman year, this is what I’ve been working towards.”

Jimenez said when she heard her name, she felt as though she was the only one on the field.

“It’s such an amazing feeling, I can’t even describe it,” Jimenez said. “Just hearing everyone cheer and get excited.”

Each year, the top ten Mr. and Ms. UAB candidates are interviewed before the final selection is voted on. Jimenez said that is her favorite memory from this experience.

“I really enjoyed the interviews,” Jimenez said. “This past week we interviewed all the Mr. and Ms. UAB top ten finalists and just getting to meet them, getting excited with them and reminiscing those feelings was priceless. It makes me feel like I’m (running) again.”

Jimenez said she is thankful to everyone that supported her during this year and can’t believe how fast it has gone by.

Markell Jones, senior in medical industrial distribution, said winning the title of Mr. UAB was a dream come true for him.

“It’s been really exciting having this position,” Jones said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of ever since I came to school here.”

Jones said that throughout his year of service, he has seen UAB’s diversity displayed through different events, his favorite being UAB’s Talent Show.

“I would say my all time favorite event was the talent show,” Jones said. “I never knew (how) many talented students are on this campus. That was super eye-opening for me.”

Jones said his favorite UAB memory was standing on the field at Legion Stadium, hearing his name being called for the title of Mr. UAB.

“Whenever I was on the field and I heard my name, I blanked out for a second and felt like I was the only person on the field,” Jones said. “It was super exciting because I didn’t think I had a chance (of winning.) When it happened, I was excited and I heard my mom screaming (and) cheering over everybody. It just made me feel so good that I could make her be proud of me and what I’ve accomplished in college.”

Jones said his time at UAB has brought joy into his life because he feels as though he was able to write his own story here. Jones said he has advice to the next Mr. UAB that is crowned.

“Be flexible and embrace the experience,” Jones said. “You never know what will happen. Make sure you do it 100% and enjoy the time that you have on campus. It’s a cool year and it will fly by.”