Meet Your Neighbor: Christine Laursen
Interviewed by Christy Cerrone.
Continuing our series of interviews with our Southern Gables neighbors, to help us get to know and appreciate each other. If you know a neighbor you’d like to have featured, contact Christy, information below.
How long have you lived in Southern Gables? I have lived in Southern Gables for almost 17 years.
What are a few things that you like the most about the Southern Gables community? I love the people. We look out for each other. I also love that our neighborhood is becoming more diverse each year. We have many neighbors who are from other countries and those who have lived in Southern Gables for their whole lives. Our diversity is our strength.
Do you have a favorite memory with your Southern Gables neighbors? My favorite memories are the day to day hellos from neighbors as I walk my dog, Nellie. I love hearing the neighborhood kids playing outside and getting to know each other.
What is the most neighborly experience you’ve had or seen in our neighborhood? We have a real sense of community in Southern Gables. We have cooked meals for neighbors as they recover from surgery, and we order out our favorite meals from local restaurants to support them during COVID. We care not only about each other, but also about the small businesses in our area.
What are your hobbies? Flower gardening and home improvements are my hobbies. I am always painting something in or around my house, and I love all kinds of perennial flowers. I am using about 25% of the water in my front yard now, as it is all flowers and no grass. My gardens are the one place I lose track of time.
What is your favorite quote or saying? “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
I am proud to be a Colorado native who grew up in Illinois. Most of my family is in Illinois, and while I am thankful for growing up with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, the one thing I knew I wanted in my life was to move back to Colorado. After finishing my undergrad degree at Southern Illinois University, I moved back and continue to love our state. I love the diversity among people in Colorado and enjoy getting to know others who have had different life experiences than I have had.
I continued my education with a masters from Regis University and work in higher ed. I grew up in a family of educators and view life as an opportunity to continue learning. Working with students and developing courses for universities keeps me busy. I am fortunate that I can do this from home during these difficult times. I am continually inspired by the compassion and motivation I see in the students I am fortunate to work with in my classes. They give me hope that we can face the many challenges our world is presenting to us now.
Contact [email protected] to nominate a candidate for the “Meet Your Neighbor” series.