Beaver Tales
Véra-lyse Rose
Monday, April 15, 2024
Story by Elizabeth Shelley, Writer and Co-founder, Behind the Dam
Nestled amidst Corvallis, Oregon, there exists a young trailblazer whose story transcends borders and embraces the spirit of adventure. “My name is Véra-lyse Rose,” she declares, her voice carrying the musical cadence of her French heritage, “I’m 18, and I’m from France.” As an international student-athlete, her footsteps on the track echo the rhythm of determination, while her heart beats in sync with the vibrant pulse of campus life.
With two elder brothers paving the way in the corridors of OSU, Véra-lyse’s connection to the university runs deep, intertwining family bonds with her aspirations for greatness. “Two years ago, I came here to visit my brother for Easter,” she reminisces, “and I ended up falling in love with this campus, the people I met, and the people at church.” With a boldness that belies her years, Véra-lyse adds, “I was like ‘Okay, there’s a track team,’ so since I have been doing track for years in France, I shot my shot, and ended up being on the team.”
As Véra-lyse’s journey unfolds, we discover that her entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond the confines of the track. “We saw that you have your own business of doing hair,” we inquire, intrigued by her multifaceted pursuits. With a gleam of passion in her eyes, Véra-lyse recounts the origins of Hair By Rose (@hair.by.rosev on Instagram), a venture that blossomed during the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“During the first lockdown, I started doing my hair because I was like ‘Okay, now that I have time, I’m going to do it,'” she explains. “So I started doing braids on myself. And then one of my brothers has locs, so I started to do retwists on him, and then I started braiding other people’s hair.” What began as a personal endeavor soon evolved into a flourishing business, fueled by word-of-mouth recommendations and a growing clientele.
But Véra-lyse’s passions don’t end there. “Do you have any other passions besides doing hair?” we inquire, eager to uncover more layers of her vibrant personality. With a smile, she reveals her love for creating content on social media, mainly through her YouTube channel (@angerose9757).
“I started that last year,” she shares, reflecting on her journey as a content creator. “But then I put too much pressure on myself. I was like ‘Oh, I need to post, I need to post.’ Then I was like ‘Okay, when I have time, I’m going to post, and if I don’t, it’s okay like it’s not the end of the world.'” Through her videos, Véra-lyse offers a glimpse into her unique lifestyle, from the demanding schedule of a student-athlete to the challenges and triumphs of her transition from France to Corvallis.
As she navigates the intricacies of her new life, Véra-lyse finds solace and connection through the digital realm, sharing her experiences with a global audience. “I started doing videos to share that part of my life,” she explains, “and now I also share my new life and the transition from France to Corvallis.”
With each video, she bridges the gap between continents, offering insights, inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie to those who may find themselves on similar journeys. As springtime approaches, Véra-lyse looks forward to delving even deeper into her storytelling, capturing the essence of her evolving experiences and the newfound sense of belonging that she has discovered in her adopted home.
Véra-lyse’s journey progresses, and we witness the seamless integration of her passions, from athletics to entrepreneurship to academia. With a thoughtful expression, she reveals her chosen path: business management.
“It’s going good,” she shares, a hint of excitement in her voice. It was last year when I really started to fall in love with economics. Like I always knew I wanted to do it, but I didn’t know which part I wanted to do.” As she reflects on her academic journey, Véra-lyse acknowledges the evolution of her interests, from an initial inclination towards sports-related fields like kinesiology to a broader appreciation for the complexities of business management.
“I first wanted to do something according to sports,” she explains, drawing inspiration from her athletic pursuits. “But then I was like, no, I want to do something outside of sports because I’m always in sports; I’m always on track. I wanted to do something else because I want to have my own brain in the future.” In her quest for independence and intellectual growth, Véra-lyse finds inspiration in the trailblazing example of Allyson Felix, a successful track & field athlete, whose achievements transcend the realm of athletics.
“Allyson Felix was a big inspiration for me,” she reveals, her admiration evident. “She has done many good things for track athletes and has her brand now, so she really inspired me.” Motivated by Felix’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a difference, Véra-lyse aspires to carve out her own path in the business world, with a brand that reflects her unique identity and values.
With a spark of determination, Véra-lyse outlines her ambitions, emphasizing her desire to create something that transcends the traditional confines of a sports brand.
“I have many ideas,” she shares, her eyes alight with passion. “But I want something like me. I like to dress well and don’t want to do something cliche like a sports brand. I want to do something different and be the one who will make a difference in sports, especially in France.” With a boldness that mirrors her entrepreneurial spirit, Véra-lyse sets her sights on a future where innovation and a commitment to excellence pave the way for success.
In the ongoing narrative of Véra-lyse’s life, we witness the intricate interplay of her diverse passions—athleticism, entrepreneurship, and academic pursuits. Yet, her initiation into the realm of track and field is a tale marked by familial influence and personal exploration.
“I first started doing ballet for seven years, and I did basketball at the same time,” she shares, tracing the eclectic trajectory of her athletic journey. “My biggest brother was doing track, and he also did soccer and handball. So, one day I just tried track.” It’s a serendipitous moment, guided by the echoes of her family’s athletic legacy. This legacy finds its roots in the remarkable achievements of her mother, a former professional track athlete.
“My mom also used to be a professional track athlete, too,” Véra-lyse reveals, her voice resonating with admiration. She won the world championship once, and she really inspired me to be great—she’s really my role model.”
Despite her initial reluctance to run, Véra-lyse finds solace in the exhilarating pursuit of speed. “I don’t like to run, but I like to run fast,” she admits with a laugh, echoing the sentiments shared by many track athletes. Every track athlete will say that. The two warm-up laps—everybody hates that—that is too long.”
Navigating the complexities of collegiate life at Oregon State, Véra-lyse reflects on her experiences with gratitude and introspection. “It’s going good,” she affirms, acknowledging cultural transitions’ inevitable challenges. “There are some parts that are complicated, like the whole culture shock between American society and French society when it comes to many things. In general, it’s really good.”
However, amid the fluctuation of academic and athletic endeavors, Véra-lyse finds a sense of balance and contentment. “I saw myself grow as a woman, as an athlete, as a person, too,” she reflects, her words tinged with pride. “I really like the fact that I’m a student-athlete here because Oregon State suits my personality so well. I didn’t have to make a choice between two things I love—doing track and going to school.”
In a recent development of her journey, Véra-lyse recently signed a partnership deal with Athlete Zone, a subsidiary of Corvallis Custom. Reflecting on this milestone, she shares, “It’s been going well, they’re working on designs now.” With over two decades of industry expertise, Athlete Zone is uniquely positioned to assist athletes in defining and elevating their brand at every stage.
“I already have many ideas for my brand,” Véra-lyse enthusiastically reveals. And the thing is, I’m an athlete, but I’m more than that, so I want to share more about my personality and who I am through the shirts and sweatshirts made by Athlete Zone.” At Athlete Zone, their seasoned team of professionals provides comprehensive support throughout the branding process, from initial brainstorming to niche targeting and retail fulfillment.
As Véra-lyse delves into her vision for her brand, she emphasizes the importance of representation. “Obviously, people know that I’m an athlete, but sometimes people forget that we are also students,” she explains. “So I want to show that part too.”
Reflecting on her journey, Véra-lyse expresses her excitement about the possibilities ahead. “It’s really exciting, it’s awesome,” she exclaims.
Amidst the whirlwind of her athletic and entrepreneurial pursuits, Véra-lyse finds solace and joy in the camaraderie of sports and community. When asked about her attendance at other Oregon State sports games, her response is resounding: “Oh yes!”
Delving deeper, she reveals her affinity for basketball, a sport that holds a special place in her heart. “Which ones have been your favorites so far?” we inquire. With a nostalgic smile, Véra-lyse shares, “Basketball, because I played basketball when I was younger. I often say that basketball is my first love of sports.”
She exudes enthusiasm when reflecting on the thrill of watching basketball games. “I love track, obviously,” she adds, “but basketball is so fun, and I really enjoy watching basketball games. Especially the women’s basketball this season. It was insane.”
Beyond sports, Véra-lyse finds fulfillment in the diverse array of experiences offered by life in Corvallis. “What’s been your favorite part of living in Corvallis?” we inquire. Her heartfelt response: “I would say meeting people like I’ve met so many people.”
As she elaborates, it becomes clear that her time in Corvallis has been defined by the bonds she has forged and the friendships she has nurtured. “I’ve created really good friendships that I know will last forever,” she shares. “My favorite part about being here, especially as an athlete, is always meeting new people. Because in class, people are not always in the mood to, like it’s 8 am, no one wants to make friends at that time.”
Even though the prospect of graduation is still a few years away, Véra-lyse contemplates her future path. Her response is decisive when asked about her plans post-graduation and whether she intends to return to France or remain in America.
“I know I’m not returning to France,” she asserts with conviction. I like America; there are always opportunities everywhere.” Her words echo with a sense of optimism and possibility, reflecting her belief in America’s abundant avenues for growth and exploration.
Delving deeper into her reasoning, Véra-lyse elucidates, “And I don’t like the mentality of the French when it comes to sports.” This candid admission highlights her desire for a cultural environment that aligns more closely with her own values and aspirations.
She further elaborates, “I feel like America is so big that I can just visit everywhere.” For Véra-lyse, America represents not just a geographical expanse, but a realm of endless opportunity and adventure—a vast canvas upon which she can chart her own course and pursue her dreams.
In her resolute decision to make America her home beyond graduation, Véra-lyse embraces the spirit of exploration and possibility that defines her collegiate journey. With boundless optimism and a thirst for new experiences, she eagerly anticipates the adventures that lie ahead on American soil.
To Véra-lyse, being a Beaver transcends athletics; it’s a profound journey of self-discovery and belonging. “What does being a Beaver mean to you?” we ask, and her response resonates with sincerity and depth.
“Honestly, it means a lot because coming here is a brand new thing for me,” she begins, her voice tinged with emotion. “It’s like I’m starting my life again. Starting my life as a Beaver, it’s insane for me.” For Véra-lyse, becoming a Beaver symbolizes not just a new chapter, but a rebirth—a chance to redefine herself and forge meaningful connections in a foreign land.
As she reflects on her decision to join the Beaver family, Véra-lyse’s words ring with conviction. “I’ve known since 2020 that I wanted to be a Beaver, so now that I am one, it means a lot to me. It means the world, honestly.” Her journey to Oregon State University represents a pursuit of academic and athletic excellence and a quest for personal growth and fulfillment.
Véra-lyse emphasizes the profound impact of the Beaver community on her life. “I have experienced healthy relationships with teammates, a coach who is there for me, people who are here for me, and people who truly believe in me.” In her fellow Beavers’ embrace, she finds camaraderie and a sense of kinship—a feeling of belonging that transcends borders and cultures.
In conclusion, Véra-lyse’s journey as a Beaver embodies the transformative power of community and belonging. Through her experiences at Oregon State University, she has discovered her athletic prowess and her sense of self and purpose. As she navigates her collegiate journey, surrounded by a supportive network of teammates and mentors, Véra-lyse embodies the spirit of growth and belonging that defines Beaver Nation—a family away from home, united by a shared passion for excellence and camaraderie.
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Photo by Elizabeth Benson, Behind The Dam