Life On Our Lake with Catherin
Segment #2 from Our Lady of the Lake University
Transcript
Let’s meet Catherin, a junior biology major from Mission, Texas. She’s here to tell us all about the activities students can take part in on Elmendorf Lake Park, whether you’re participating in an outdoor learning lab or taking a kayak out for some fun, it’s a cherished recreational space for both students and locals. Tell us more, Catherin.
– Thank you for that great intro, Alex. I grew up in a small town in the Rio Grande Valley about four hours south of San Antonio. I attended a charter school where I had most of the same friends from pre-K to 12th grade, so transitioning to college was scary. I wasn’t sure how I’d adjust, but to my relief, I quickly found my place at Our Lady of the Lake University. Classes are small, the professors are helpful, and students are friendly. Although I attend college in a big city, OLLU is a small community that has the warmth and feel of home. As a junior biology major, ane of my favorite activities is hands-on learning at Elmendorf Lake, an outdoor lab right next to university. I participated in a six-week summer lab program looking for invasive plants that can kill bacteria. Other biology students have gone out in boats to collect plankton from the lake. But the lake is more than just a lab. It’s great for recreational use too. Some students kayak, others fish, and even hike. There are 1.6 miles of trail that wind around Elmendorf Lake Park. That’s 30 acres of tranquil and beautiful space. The most dragging sunsets can be seen from the park amid beautiful sight and sounds. Ducks paddling in the water and egrets soaring through the light and shadows. It is a photographer’s paradise. But that’s not all. Every April, OLLU holds a Confetti 5K run to raise money for student scholarships. The race takes runners and walkers past native trees and plants along the banks of the lake, and through the picturesque park. The university got its name from nearby water. It was founded on the lake in 1895. More than 125 years later, students continue to enjoy its beauty and benefits. Back to you, Alex.
– Catherin, we will meet you on the lake after this. Who wouldn’t wanna relax out there after class? And how cool is it that students are able to get hands-on learning experience right there in the water? The blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes it a beloved destination for both residents and visitors alike. We’ll see you out there, Catherin. Take care.