Front and center, you see a guy holding a Birds Aren’t Real sign in the student section of sports games. He’s one of the loudest fans at the games, hyping up his peers around him as he creates a fun environment for others. Who is this school-spirited student?
This student is Asher Anderson, a junior marketing major from Mesa, Arizona. Because of his ex-girlfriend and cheaper expenses, Anderson ended up finding his way to Utah Tech University. Anderson is now an ambassador for Utah Tech and the president of the club, Birds Aren’t Real.
During the interview to be hired as an ambassador, Anderson liked the culture and leadership growth that was offered through the program. He hoped that by joining the ambassador team, he could inspire students to attend Utah Tech and contribute to the school through this position.
Anderson didn’t want to go to college at first, but once he got here, the social aspect was something he started to enjoy. He enjoys the fact that someone can make a friend at one event and end up being lifelong friends.
Some of his favorite memories since being at the university come from the retreats that the ambassadors go on and how they get to bond with each other during their free time.
“We always do a vulnerability activity,” Anderson said. “Everyone gets really emotional and shares something.”
The ambassadors create a family-feeling culture, which is something he wanted to show the rest of the campus through Birds Aren’t Real. This club was created in 2022 as a way to bring school spirit to campus, especially against Southern Utah University, whose mascot is the Thunderbird.
Nick Fajardo, a senior history major from St. George, is the founder of the club and now vice president. Fajardo and Anderson are friends, and after a phone call, Anderson was convinced to apply as the leader.
“He has been a very positive influence on it [Birds Aren’t Real],” Fajardo said. “He is a great hype man and a great leader for our club.”
This semester, the club went with the alumni ambassadors to SUU to support the women’s volleyball team in Cedar City. Anderson said they wore chicken heads to the game and created an away student section for the team. This was one of his favorite events this semester.
Utah Tech alum Devon Rice said: “Asher’s work with the Birds Aren’t Real club has been exciting and fun to watch. The events and experiences his club has provided for the students this year have all been very engaging.”
The club has been involved in many events like hosting a Taylor Swift vs. Kanye night. At this event, a live DJ would play whoever’s fan base was the loudest.
“He has a can-do attitude, and because of him and the team we have right now, we were able to pull it off and it was pretty successful,” Fajardo said.
While the club partakes in multiple events, Anderson doesn’t think that is the main goal of the club. He said he wants to create an environment that is fun for everyone.
“The whole goal is so people can find that niche because some people like that small community,” Anderson said. “Maybe they’re not interested in art, crafts or reading but just want to meet people and be social.”
Through his time in both leadership positions, Anderson said he has gained different leadership qualities, with the main one being problem-solving. He hopes to use this skill as he continues his college experience.
Anderson said: “I’m the type of person that if my friend wants to jump off a cliff, I’m doing it. I want to be with people, and so if that’s going outside, hiking or playing sports, if there are people there, I want to be there.”
