Around the Globe is an LRU Athletics website series that explores the lives and backgrounds of La Roche's international student-athletes. La Roche University is well known for having a diverse community, comprised of student's, faculty and staff from all over the world. In 2019, collegefactual.com stated that "La Roche is One of the Most Popular Colleges and Universities With International Students". Approximately 15% of La Roche's student-body consists of international students. The University's motto is "Engaging Minds. Embracing the World."

Name: Richard Nziza

Sport: Men's cross country

Year: Junior

Q&A

What brought you to La Roche?

At first I really was not sure if I wanted to go to a University far from home. I heard about La Roche from family and friends who were familiar with the College and Alumni that graduated from there. So I decided to apply. Something about La Roche stood out compared to other Universities I had applied to, and it was the seamless application process. The University looked small and yet appeared so  diverse. And I was looking for a place with small classroom sizes, which is what ultimately led me to choose La Roche.

How long have you played your sport? How did you get into it?

I joined the cross country team in my freshman year. Firstly I never ran cross country prior to College. I always played sports for fun and wasn't apart of a team in High School. How I joined this team was quite spontaneous and I am so lucky it happened. It was on freshman orientation day and we were outside having a barbecue event. I was getting to meet new people, and then I met Sierra, she ran for the woman's cross country team, and she asked if I was interested in joining the team. I knew I had zero running experience but I decided to take the chance. And I am amazed at the progress I have made so far if it wasn't for my team, Coach Jeff and Coach Kevin.

Where are you from? What was it like growing up there?

I am from Rwanda, a country that might require you to zoom your map into the Eastern part of Africa. I grew up in the capital city Kigali, a city that I have seen grow and transform over the years. It is one of the most peaceful and cleanest cities in the world, and so much about it makes me so proud of where I am from. When I was younger my dad traveled often and he would bring me chocolates from around the world. And led me to have a global outlook and a yearning to explore.

What has your time in America been like?

My time in America I would say is not what I thought it would be like. I always thought it would be all about the American Dream, but I realized it is nothing like that. Overall none of that has mattered, I am just glad I've got to meet so many amazing people. However, one thing that took me a while to get used to was the food. I still miss my local Rwandan food, and so I have had to force myself to learn how to cook so that I can have a taste of home.

What is your favorite food from back home?

My favorite food from back home is called Isosi y'ubunyobwa n'ubugari. Which is a peanut sauce and a side of cassava meal (looks like a dough). I have loved that since I was a child, and can never get tired of it.

Who is your favorite music artist?

My favorite music artist is Limoblaze, a Christian Afrobeat artist based in Nigeria. His music is so authentic and full of energy. Afrobeat is my favorite genre of music, it fuses African rhythms with modern hype beats.

Who is your favorite professional team?

I grew up watching a lot of soccer because of how popular it is back home, and my all time favorite team has always been Chelsea FC.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

I would say Eliud Kipchoge, a Kenyan long-distance runner,  is currently my favorite athlete. He ran the marathon in under 2 hours! And he said something that sticks me with today and it was that, "No Human is Limited".