Emma Gilbertson is a senior member of the Wheaton cross country and track and field teams. Emma earned All-Region cross country honors in 2012. Below is a brief interview with Emma.
Q: What is your major?
A: Business and Economics
Q: What (if any) plans do you have after graduation?
A: After I graduate, I will be working as a Loan Officer at a Residential Mortgage Company in Central Illinois. I interned there this past summer and enjoyed working for the company a great deal. Also, I am getting married in January to a Wheaton cross country alumni!Â
Q: Why did you choose to run at Wheaton?
A: Originally, I did not want to run at all in college. I have been running somewhat competitively since the fourth grade. Girls on the Run was the beginning of my running, and I ran cross-country all through high school, mostly because of social reasons. I did not run at all my freshman year at Wheaton. Once at Wheaton, I remember seeing the cross country team around campus on afternoon runs and missing running with a team badly. It wasn't too soon after that I knew I had to talk to Coach Bradley about running at Wheaton. I joined the team my sophomore year, and it is one of the best things that I have done thus far at college.Â
Also, in high school, I swore that I would never run track. Last spring, I decided to give it a try, and I loved it!
Q: What do you enjoy most about Wheaton?
A: I most enjoy the people at Wheaton. I have made wonderful friends at college and gained incredible teammates at Wheaton. It is truly a special place where I have been able to grow and mature in all areas of my life- spiritually, relationally, and educationally. Also, I love the cross country team! It is such a great group of people!
Q: What is your favorite cross country or track memory so far in your time at Wheaton?
A: I love cross country and more recently track! My favorite cross country memory/tradition would have to be the Cookie Bake-off. The girls on the team are split into groups and compete to make the best cookie. The boys' captains judge our cookies and the boys provide entertainment for the evening, which is always highly entertaining. Last year, my team got second to the Wookie Cookie. It is a ton of fun and a tasty tradition!Â
As far as running is concerned, my favorite memory would have to be going to the Gina Relays this spring and qualifying for Nationals in the 10k. It was awesome to have so many of my teammates there cheering me on. I felt incredibly blessed and will remember that race for a long time to come. Also, my sister and fiance were there, which was so special.
