Q & A with Jamila Smith

Jamila, a freshman on the Track and Field team specializing in throws, looks to bolster an already potent squad.

Tell us a little bit about your background, where you are from, what your major is and how you came to the Ivy League.

I was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn. This year I am a freshman, and as of yet I haven't decided on a major. The Ivy League was brought to my attention because I was recruited by a few Ivys for track and field.

Was there a time when you thought, "Hey, I could go to an Ivy League school" or was that always in your mind?

I never had the mindset that there was any reason why I couldn't go to an Ivy League school. So I would say the possibility of my attending an Ivy League was always in my mind.

What perceptions did you have about the Ivy League when you first arrived?

I attended a college preparatory school for both middle and high school; so I anticipated the level of difficulty not to be unbearable. I did, however, anticipate a large number of "geniuses"; people who graduated at the top of their classes, and who have won numerous academic honors.

How have those perceptions met with reality?
I've only been attending Dartmouth for five months, but so far my expectations have been accurate.

What about going to an Ivy League school most appealed to you?

I'll admit the name and reputation of the school was the most appealing part of going to an Ivy League school.

As an African-American, what experiences have stood out to you about adjusting to college in the Ivy League?

There hasn't really been any stand out experiences for me in the Ivy League.

Since you've been in college, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you as an athlete and a student?

My most memorable moment as an athlete was our first indoor meet of the season. Just being surrounded by the array of talent, and knowing that I was a part of that. My most memorable moment as a student is orientation week. The students hadn't begun classes, but it was a week to get adjusted to a new life away from home.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

At the risk of sounding cliché, I would have to say Martin Luther King, Jr. I admire him the most because in the face of adversity he maintained his beliefs, integrity, and commitment to the cause.

Who had the biggest influence on you as you grew up? Why?

My parents, they taught me right from wrong, up from down, instilled a strong work ethic, and provided an avenue for me to have a successful life.

In an age of ultra-glorification of athletes and sports, what would be the best advice you could give to a middle schooler about the value of education, and the best role for sports in their education?

I would tell a middle schooler that education is key. One day they may not be able to compete in athletics, but if they have an education they can hold on to that forever. The best role for sports in your education, is to let them be apart of your education and be the vehicle that provides the way to further your education. There's a great deal to be learned from sports that is applicable to real life, and if you perform at a high enough level doors will open that you never imagine.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young African-American who has aspirations to attend an Ivy institution?

You can do whatever you want to, don't put or let others put limitations on yourself no matter what the reason.

***Please note, this story was written for a previous Ivy League Black History Month celebration. It is reproduced here for archival purposes and has not been updated.***