Educational opportunities are very important to Salisbury senior women’s cross country runner Olivia Cloud – especially opportunities for young learners, regardless of their background.  Cloud hopes to make a positive impact in education after finishing her running career, and she’s learning how to do that through her classwork and extracurricular contributions to several honor societies.  INTRODUCING … Olivia Cloud.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I began running cross-country in the 7^th grade. I continued in the 8^th grade, but took a year off from running during my freshman year of high school. I started competed again my sophomore year and finished out my entire high school career strong. I’ve been competing for Salisbury University since my freshman year.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major in college is English and Secondary Education. I plan to teach middle or high school English after I graduate in May. I am proud to attend a University that originally started out as a teacher education school. The most important thing I’ve learned is how to build instruction around students’ interests and needs.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot on campus is the location of the statue of Sammy the Seagull. It is my favorite because it reminds me of my pride for the school and it is also the spot where many team photos have been taken over the years.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   My favorite place to visit would have to be Ocean City, Md. I love relaxing on the beach and reading a good book! Watching the waves crash and laying in the sand always helps me relax and appreciate life. I also love to run along the water’s edge.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   I am a member of a number of different honor societies. I actively participate in my school’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, which is the International Honor Society in Education. For this, I attend different professional development events, complete community service projects, and participate in other activities. I also am a member of Lambda Iota Tau, which is the International Honor Society for Students of Literature, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. I am also the cross country representative for the S.A.M club. For this, I serve as the student athlete mentor for my team and relay information to athletes about how to make smart choices in school.     

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   The most memorable experience for me would have to be the CAC championships at York during my freshman year in 2011. I remember it was snowing and my teammates and I were bundled up in hats, gloves, and hoodies before the race giving our team speech and cheer. I had never raced in snow before, so it was definitely a new experience for me. It was a cold race, but it was such a good feeling when we won that year.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   Other than my family members, my high school coach, Johann Odom, is the most influential person in my life. He has always believed in me and pushed me to become the best I can be in every area of my life. It is always nice whenever I get to see him or talk to him on the phone. He listens to me and provides me with advice. Lastly, it has been great sharing our faith together now that I am out of high school and we can talk about such things.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   If I could change anything about the school education system today, I would like to find a way to make sure students have the materials they need at home to be successful in school. Students who come from poverty or a low economic status are at a disadvantage when they come to school because they lack computer access at home and even books to help strengthen their reading ability. Sometimes, these students aren’t allowed to take materials home from school because the school is afraid that they won’t come back. I think the negative stereotypes about children need to be eliminated. Students shouldn’t be viewed as lazy for not doing their homework because the truth is they might be working after school to help provide money for the family or they might be caring for their siblings while their parents work. I would want to change these stereotypes because I believe all students should have an equal opportunity to learn. I think getting the message out there would help eliminate the stereotypes.   

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  As an English major, I love to read books for enjoyment. I like seeing how the plot develops and I especially like when the plot takes a turn that I was not expecting. After finishing the book, I like to go watch the movie in theaters.  

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   My advice to elementary school children would be to enjoy family time and play time with friends. I would tell them to cherish their relationships that they have. I would also tell them to start reading-at bedtime or whenever. It is important for children to become literate individuals and learning to read and developing a sense of enjoyment from reading starts at home.  

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite sports team is the Baltimore Ravens! They are my favorite team because I was born and raised in Maryland before moving to Virginia after my completion of the 9^th grade. I pride myself in rooting for a team that represents the state I grew up in.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   I would like to have dinner with Erin Gruwell, the teacher who created the Freedom Writers Diary, because she inspired and helped so many low-performing students in her class who had experienced violence in their lives. I would also like to have dinner with Sarah Dessen because she is one of my favorite authors. Finally, I would like to have dinner with my sister Brooke because we share a special bond and she is my best friend.