Monicah Jebor is Off and Running
On September 23, 2017, freshman Monicah Jebor finished second among women cross country runners at the LIU Post Invitational with a 5K time of 19:46:48. A week later, her 6K time of 24:57:9 at the CSI International secured Jebor her first career win. The East Coast Conference (ECC) recognized her as a Women’s Rookie of the Week twice during the season.
Not bad for someone who has only been running competitively since 2012.
A native of Eldoret, Kenya, Jebor came to NYIT on both an academic and an athletic scholarship. Her determination to excel at her chosen sport shone through in race after race, as Jebor garnered a reputation as a highly skilled cross country runner. She brings that same determination to her classes. Majoring in biological studies, Jebor admits that being a student-athlete comes with certain challenges.
“I have to train, and at the same time I have to study,” she said. “I may have practice in the evening after classes, but I also need to do my assignments. Sometimes training might be hard, and so it’s difficult to do my work because I’m tired.”
Teammates, coaches, and professors lend support and encouragement, she noted. “I like my teammates; they are friendly and that makes me feel good.” NYIT, she added, provides the tangible and intangible resources necessary for success. Diverse academic opportunities, help in adjusting to student-athletic life and a support system specifically designed for international students create a winning atmosphere for Jebor and other athletes at NYIT.
Hard work aside, Jebor said that running cross country provides her with cherished experiences. “I enjoy traveling to meets and competing with students from different schools.” In general, NYIT presents a special opportunity for Jebor, who hopes to become a nurse after graduating. “I see everything differently,” she said, “and this makes me happy because the environment I am in is better than in Africa.” Although she misses Kenya, Jebor noted that the atmosphere at NYIT and within the cross country team creates a second home for her in the United States.
