Senior Cameron Clause stood at the starting line of his final heptathlon event in the national indoor track and field meet. Exhausted from the first six events he had already finished, his mind was calculative. He thought only of the strategy in running this last race. As the gun sounded, he took off, only to realize that within the first 50 meters his shoe had come untied.
“I didn’t care and I kept running. I ended up finishing second in that race and receiving fifth along with an All-American title overall,” Cameron said. “That experience was incredible because everyone was there to help each other as you’re competing against yourself.”
As a member of the Men’s Track and Field team, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and Gustie Greeters, Cameron enjoys finding interconnectedness with people not only at his meets, but within the Gustavus community.
“Cam bleeds black and gold. He exemplifies what it means to be a Gustie. He is a positive guy who always wants to become better, whether it’s in track, as a student, or a friend. He give 100 percent in everything,” Junior Nick Carlson said.
When he finds free time in his busy schedule, Cameron likes to have personal conversations with people. He strives to get closer with people through deeper meaningful conversations.
“He is well-liked and well-respected by his peers,” Assistant Dean of Students Megan Ruble said. “I think Cameron is a great combination of a strong male role model who has a definite sensitive side.”
During his time left at Gustavus, Cameron hopes to make the most of everything and meet more people. One of his fondest memories so far was made during a Wednesday night tradition that he and his roommate dubbed “cereal night.”
“We had a bunch of friends over in our room for cereal night. We just get together and eat cereal but we always have a theme and this one particular night it was a scary theme so we all decided to go to a graveyard,” Cameron said. “Nothing happened, but it was just about being with those people and doing something we don’t normally do. That made it enjoyable.”
His willingness to get to know people and simply enjoy their company is an attribute that friends say makes Cameron deserving of Gustie of the Week.
“Cameron is deserving of Gustie of the Week because of the lasting impact he has left on his friends and the Gustavus Community as a whole,” Junior James Urquhart said. “His personality is outgoing, insightful, and he has a genuine drive to help others.”
As a Chemistry major and minor in classics, Cameron is currently in the process of applying and interviewing for dental schools. He hopes to find out if he’s accepted by Dec. 2nd.
“In the future I see Cam graduating from grad school and taking his next step toward his full potential,” Carlson said. “I also see him being a successful person in whatever he does as a positive stand up guy who respects everyone.”
As a senior, Cameron believes that the best word of advice he could pass down to others is to get involved.
“Take a step out your door and get involved in something. I’m not the same person I was when I came to college and I’m glad. Don’t be afraid to take risks even if things don’t work out. Failure is the best way to learn. And don’t be afraid to come say hi to me in the halls. I always love to talk,” Cameron said.