Meet Rico, the guy you see all over campus with a passion for philanthropy and a ton of school spirit. He’s one of the sweetest guys you’ll ever meet. Check him out!
Name:Â Rico Francis
Year:Â Senior
Majors/Minors:Â Communications, with minors in Civic Engagement & Social Entrepreneurship
Hometown:Â Silver Spring, MD
“So Rico, we know you’re very involved on campus. What all do you do?”
“I’m a member of the Phi Nu Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity, a part of Class Council, and I work with Newport News Public Schools.”
“What do you want to be when you ‘grow up’?”
“I want to be a social entrepreneur. I want to be someone who knows the value of business and intentional relationships.”
“You definitely seem like a leader. What are you most passionate about?”
“Youth Development and Leading Change. It takes a village to raise a child, but a community to develop a leader. I am a firm believer in ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the proper knowledge and resources to change the world. Interning with the public school system, I’ve been able to build a value-based leadership model to help high school and undergraduate college students build intentional community partnerships and programs.”
“If you had to be any cartoon character, who would you be and why?”
“Definitely the Tasmanian Devil. My thoughts and ideas run at about the speed of light. Several of my friends will tell you that if I try to communicate a big idea I tend to stumble over my words from the excitement. Working as a camp counselor for 7 years, I feel like I have a surplus of energy from working 12 hour work days.”
“We can tell you’re a busy bee, but tell us, what do you binge watch on Netflix?”
“The 100. If you haven’t seen it, do it now.”
“Why did you choose CNU?”
“CNU was the first school that did not treat me like herded cattle when it came to the admission process. I was seen as an individual and not as a collective group. The admission office, where I currently work, introduced me to some of the most personable staff. At the conclusion of our first visit, I had the chance to sit and talk with Ms. Linda the first time I was on campus. I will never forget the last few words she said after our near one hour conversation: ‘You belong here.’ From hearing about my passions and involvement from high school, I was given something here that I wasn’t at other schools, intentional conversation. This interaction has helped shaped who my identity was coming to Christopher Newport, a chance to grow, develop, and, like many of us like to quote President Trible, I was ‘ready to set the world on fire.'”
“Any advice for your fellow Captains on how they should spend their time at CNU?”
“Get involved in the Newport News community, not just on campus. Finding a site around campus to volunteer at will help you not only develop professional skills but a network outside of Christopher Newport that can speak on your character. If you don’t know where to start, come out and volunteer with me!”