The 2014 MTV VMAs were busy with designer-clad celebrities, absurd performances, and corny introductions. From Nicki’s “Anaconda” routine to the Robin Williams’ tribute, the awards show was packed with a variety of pieces, and among the more heartfelt was Miley Cyrus’s acceptance of the Video of the Year Award.

Instead of retrieving the trophy herself, she sent homeless man, Jesse Helt, to claim it along with an endearing speech to raise awareness for struggling homeless youths.

When watching the young man carry out the speech – while a very tearful Miley cheers from the sidelines – it isn’t hard to wonder: what happened to the former twerking sensation?

At the 2013 VMAs, Miley seemed to be an entirely different person; she was someone who grinded on foam fingers and shook her derriere in scanty costumes, and someone who left the public in utter shock. According to senior Ryan Cotter, her 2013 performance was nothing short of “pretty awkward.”

Yet this year, she seemed mature and reserved, advocating for a cause as significant as homelessness. “I feel like she’s seen what she’s done wrong and has learned,” says sophomore Christine Miller, but this complete transformation has left many doubting her authenticity and questioning whether or not she actually cares about the cause or if she only wants to redeem herself from last year’s catastrophe.

Although several people lean toward one possibility over the other, freshmen Emma Holton says, “I think that she probably partly [cares], but it might have also been good for her image.” Whether “it’s just a publicity stunt” for her own self redemption as junior Meryl Barns believes, or it’s an earnest effort to help the homeless, Miley’s act definitely brought more attention to the issue.

Senior Lisa Logan states, “I feel that since Miley is a celebrity…more people will [care and donate].” There are over 600,000 homeless people every night in the United States, and Miley helped give them a voice.

To Donate, go to: http://www.prizeo.com/miley

By Nurah Lambert