There is a familiar saying that states “home is where the heart is.” If this is so, then I have found my home here in Ruston, Louisiana.
My name is Fox Faircloth, and I was born and raised in a small town outside of Houston, Texas. I am entering my sophomore year at Louisiana Tech University and basing my studies in the College of Business. I am often asked how and why I chose this quaint Louisiana town as my sanctuary for the next four years — “Wow, you’re so far from home and your family! Wait, you spend your summers here, too?”
I don’t mind the inquiries. For me, the answers to these questions are quite simple.
I found myself in Ruston near the end of my junior year of high school, touring the Louisiana Tech campus over spring break. My first real impression of Ruston was given through my admissions recruiter for Tech, a woman named Leslie, who has become one of my dearest friends. Leslie embodies the kindness and hospitality that is common to the people of Ruston. Through her hard work and dedication, I absolutely fell in love with Louisiana Tech.
There was a deciding moment during my time touring Tech’s campus that proved to me the character of the university. While sitting in on a class in the College of Business, I received an upsetting phone call. After exiting the classroom, I found a stairwell in which to continue my conversation. The call ended poorly, and I stayed in the stairwell, attempting to collect myself. A student walked by, glancing in my direction. I averted my eyes, embarrassed. As I walked toward the exit door to meet Leslie for our next activity, it began pouring rain. Without an umbrella or rain jacket, I felt defeated.
A few minutes passed as I stared outside, wondering what to do. A truck pulled up to the curb outside and a student jumped out. He ran up the sidewalk and opened the door to the stairwell. I was surprised to see it was the student who had passed earlier and shocked when he turned and offered me an umbrella. As I took it he said, “You looked like you could use this,” turned around, and walked back into the rain.
I never got the opportunity to thank that student, and I never found out who it was. That small act of kindness was what sold me on Louisiana Tech. If Ruston was a place full of people like that, that was where I wanted to be.
I’m okay with being six hours from home because I have a support system here, built on the love of the Louisiana Tech family. I chose to be a part of this community because when I’m here, I feel like I’m home. I spend my summers in Ruston because any time I’m not, I’m wishing I was.
These people, and this town, have my heart. Never before have I experienced such kindness, or felt so welcomed, loved, and appreciated, by a group of strangers. I was incredibly blessed to join the team here at the CVB. I’ve been given the opportunity to express my love for Ruston with locals and visitors alike, sharing the joys of living in this small town I call home.
I’m writing here to share those joys with all of you. I hope that you will join me on this journey as I continue my time at Tech and in this wonderful little town of Ruston, Louisiana. I’d love if you would share this post with friends and family alike. Until next time, my friends!
Fox is a Texas native who proudly claims Ruston, LA as her home. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management at Louisiana Tech University. Fox is an avid queso-eater and outdoor adventurer. As an administrative assistant for the CVB, she enjoys interacting with locals and visitors alike, all while sharing her love for #RustonLA. Fox oversees the CVB’s online calendar of events, visitor information and newsletter requests. She can be contacted for online event submissions.
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