Q & A with Candace Arthur

Candace had a strong freshman year for the Elis in the sprints with personal bests of 7.99 for 60 meters, 12.31 (100 meters) and 25.09 (200 meters). Candace was a key member of both the 4x100 and the 4x400 meter relays, each of which scored at Outdoor Heps.

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

My name full name is Candace Madeira Arthur and I am Caribbean-American. My parents are from a small island in the caribbean called Carriacou, which is only thirteen square miles. I have been raised with many of the same ideals that my parents were reared with, and as such value family and education. I was able to realize my dream of going to an Ivy League institution through recruiting. During my college selection process I decided among schools that recruited me. I was very fortunate to have such great options. In the end I chose Yale University and am majoring in History.

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

The idea of going to an Ivy League school was always in my mind. My aunt went to Brown University for undergrad and Yale University for Medical School. Since I was a very young child my family said we were very similar in many aspects, so going to an Ivy League school was always the plan. My parents raised me to expect and try for the best, so it seemed natural for me to want to go to one of the best universities. My dreams began looking more and more realistic as I began to be recruited.

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

I was very nervous when I arrived because I thought that the students would be very stuffy, and not as diverse when it came to doing other activities besides studying.

How have those perceptions met with reality?

I have realized that similar to myself the students here are very well rounded. Each student has brought with them unique talents and interests and are more than willing to share those things. Though everyone is very intelligent, being that they have been accepted to an ivy league institution, they are also very exceptional in other arenas.

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

The aspect of going to an Ivy League school that appealed to me most was the degree of networking that it would provide, as well as the opportunities that would come with having an Ivy League degree.

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

It is very comforting and inspiring to be around other African American students who are very intelligent, ambitious and talented. I do not feel as if I had to make a big transition from high school to college, being that I went to a school where not many African American students were.

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

The most memorable moments for me as an athlete have been running at the Heptagonal Meet, and whenever we win a meet. It is a great thing to see a team come together and do something as a unit. Track is in many ways an individual sport, but when you have each runner running for their team, it is really special. I have many memorable moments in my short time here at Yale. I will always remember the times that I have spent with my friends, laughing, going to events together, or debating issues big or small. Yale has also given me the opportunity to meet Al Sharpton, Kofi Anon and Sonia Sanchez. Taking part in the Black Solidarity Conference and Black Student Alliance have also been memorable events.

What historical figure do you admire most and why?

The historical figure I admire most is Malcolm X. I admire the way he brought the black race together and inspired black pride. I admire his courage to go against the norms and fight against the constraints that society constructed. I also admire Malcolm X for his courage to admit when he was wrong and change some of his ideologies.

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

My parents had the biggest influence on me as I grew up. They gave me unconditional support and always thought that I was great. Them believing in me, helped me to believe in myself. My parents never doubted that I would be able to go to an Ivy League institution, or win a race. I am grateful to them for making me what I am today.

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 the most important thing you can acquire. With the proper education doors would open for you that in other cases would not. My parents have raised me to be a very well-rounded individual, and I would advise anyone to be the same. Sports can help develop your skills in time management, teamwork and help you to learn to conquer fears. Athletics brings a healthy balance in people's lives. Many life lessons can be learned on the field, track or gymnasium.

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

I would tell them to never stop believing, because you have to believe it first to achieve it. There is no glass ceiling but the one you create, so my advice would be to reach until you can't reach anymore. For many years Ivy League Institutions were not open to African Americans and I would urge any African American to take advantage of the fact that they can attend such prestigious institutions.

***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.***