Gerson Miranda
As I sit back and remember the impact Steve had in my life I am met with feelings of warmth and gratitude. Our lives began to overlap while I was thousands of miles away from my native Nicaragua. The US, Midwest, and Calvin were all brand new experiences that I had no frame of reference for and were a bit overwhelming to say the least.Steve welcomed me into his life while were in our dorm floor at 3rd Werp. At first we bonded over our love for soccer. We played pickup soccer on Fridays and on our dorm's hallway! But man, the conversations that would follow would fill my heart and mind with depth and curiosity. We spoke of Science, Theology, Nature, and the oddities of life. These conversations were often a refuge to me as I was navigating a brand new world in America and specifically Calvin.His gentle demeanor and genuine curiosity were refreshing as we debated and discussed; it was a welcome change from others who did not know how to engage ideas without becoming defensive or dismissive.Steve welcomed me to his home and family for freshman year Spring Break. I was going to stay on campus by myself, but the Carnegis household invited a stranger to spend a week with them! Steve took me to my very first Pro soccer game, where Columbus Crew won! I remember Guillermo Schelloto scoring a beautiful goal from outside the box at the last minute, and the stadium exploding along with a group of Latinos chanting away "Yo si le voy, le voy a Columbus!" Man, what a great memory!Incidentally one of my most impactful memories was the next Spring break when we hiked a section of the Appalachian trail with a group of friends. At one point during the hike, once we climbed a ridge filled with frozen trees and heavy winds, he taught me that when you have a heavy pack and have a steep slope ahead of you, you run.We ran down the mountain at full speed until we reached the bottom. I was surprised that my ankles and knees held up, and my body knew what to do. I was empowered.This moment has come to me in times where life's load seems too heavy while raising a family and running a business, or navigating relationships. The steep slope seems daunting and treacherous, but I remember the encouragement Steve gave me that day. Just "go for it, and your legs will know what to do."As I look back, I can't help but be grateful for the time that our lives shared the same space and time. So long, my friend.-Gerson Miranda