Humans of St. Lawrence: Ronnie-Sue Starnes

Lokesh: Hey everybody! Welcome back to Humans of Saint Lawrence. In this edition, we will be speaking with one of St. Lawrence’s most joyous and bright personalities, Ronnie-Sue Starnes! Ronnie-Sue, how are you?

Ronnie-Sue: I’m doing great today! I sat in the chapel today and felt peace there. How are you?

Lokesh: I’m excellent, thank you! So, Ronnie-Sue, tell us a little bit about yourself and feel free to go into as much detail as you would like.

Ronnie-Sue: I was born in Tucson, Arizona and moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota when I was six. Then, I moved to Texas when I was 15, which I really liked. I loved my childhood because, growing up, me and my sister played a lot of sports. My primary sport was dance, which I did from the age of two all the way to 13. After that, I started playing volleyball and did so up until my senior year of high school. On top of that, I held a lot of leadership positions in high school, but the ones of note were being a Campus Ambassador and involved with the Hope Squad. 

Lokesh: Can you tell us a little bit about those positions?

Ronnie-Sue: So, as a Campus Ambassador, I represented Prosper High School and gave tours, while Hope Squad is an organization designed towards Suicide Prevention and Peer Intervention (something that I was elected into). This was definitely my favorite one to be a part of because it really impacted me and others I had interacted with at school. I’d say that having held this position is one of the reasons why I love psychology so much.

Lokesh: That’s awesome. Now, speaking of interactions with others, what exactly brought you to the St. Lawrence Center?

Ronnie-Sue: So, KU was the only place I wanted to go to and, actually, was the only college I applied to because I was drawn in by its exciting school spirit. During my junior year of high school when we were quarantined, I looked up the St. Lawrence Center and loved the community so much that I wanted to get involved when I came to KU. I started following GoodCo on Instagram for a while and kept up with KU Catholic. Now, I’m here!

Lokesh: Well, I’m glad that you’re with us! What are the ways in which you’re currently involved at St. Lawrence?

Ronnie-Sue: Some of the things that I’m currently involved in at St. Lawrence includes serving as a Team Lead for GoodCo, living in the Fiat House and running Slow Drip on Fridays with them, being involved in a bible study, as well as leading one!

Lokesh: What would you say are some of your fondest memories at the Center?

Ronnie-Sue: I would say that the GoodCo retreat last year was really, really fun; honestly, I would also say that about all of the retreats that I’ve been on. The community aspect is really awesome and I think it’s great that upperclassmen are inviting everyone to things so that they can become involved with the community. I also see the St. Lawrence Center as a big family and, in fact, I’ll see around 5-10 people from the center on campus daily.

Lokesh: I would definitely say the same! Now, what advice would you give for those wanting to become involved with the community?

Ronnie-Sue: I would tell them to walk in and say, “Hey! Can you tell me some of the ways that I can get involved here?” because I know someone will welcome them. It’s all about taking that first step.

Lokesh: What would you say are some of the things that you value in life?

Ronnie-Sue: I value the gifts of joy, happiness, and pure laughter. I would also say that I value the idea of “love them well” and also letting people know that “Jesus loves you” is more than just words.

Lokesh: Excellent! Building on that concept of “love them well,” what does the concept of friendship mean to you?

Ronnie-Sue: I think the concept of friendship means being able to grow with another person in life. I think it’s also being able to laugh with one another, while also helping each other through highs and lows; loving them how they need to be loved and giving them the ability to be free with themselves. 

Lokesh: Who would you say are some of the biggest influences in your life?

Ronnie-Sue: My mom is a big inspiration to me, but other big influences for me are Mrs. Pecory because she became like a second mom to me in high school and was very important to me during my senior year of high school. I would also say that the people I’ve met in college who are big influences include the other Fiat girls, the SLC staff, and Monica Gleason, my friend from summer projects.

Lokesh: That’s awesome to hear! Any parting words?

Ronnie-Sue: I want you to know that you’re loved and that people are actually incredibly loved by Jesus. I hope that if I confront someone, I’ll also be able to love them.

Lokesh: Thank you, Ronnie Sue!

Ronnie-Sue: No problem!