I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll end up saying it again: the CNU community is unlike any other. During my past three years, I’ve been able to see how Captains look out for, respect and support one another. I could share so many stories of how the community I’ve met here has changed me for the better (and I will in future posts). For now, let’s just start with one story.
This past weekend, I ran a half marathon in downtown Hampton. I had trained for months for this race, and it came up in conversation with my roommates all the time. Though I wanted to see some friendly faces at the finish line, I wasn’t sure if any of the girls in my suite would be able to make it – their Sundays were full of homework, church and dance practice.
As I rounded the last bend in my race course, I could hear the announcer calling out the names and cities of each person who crossed the finish line. There were pockets of people cheering along both sides, but the only thing I could focus on was the giant timer marking the end of the half marathon. Suddenly, I heard my name yelled out.
“LAURA KATE! RUN RUN RUN!”
One of my roommates had wedged herself in amongst other onlookers; she was waving a homemade sign and cheering like she was at an NFL game. I really hope the race photographers caught the grin that spread across my face as I finished the course and jogged towards my best friend.
CNU has provided me with friends who sacrifice their Sunday mornings and love me well, and that’s part of why this university feels like my home away from home.
