A Student-Athlete's Perspective: Andrew Starks

Andrew Starks was a co-captain of the Princeton football team in 2012. He closed his Tiger career with three All-Ivy recognitions, including being named to the second team following his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he was second in the Ivy League with 96 tackles from his linebacker position.

1. When you think of the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in our country, what jumps out in your mind?
Starks: When I consider the history and the accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States, I reflect on the individuals before me that made tremendous sacrifices to get us where we are today. A great number of people endured hostility, violence and hatred in hopes that we as a nation would one day overcome our differences. Their courage, dedication and passion must never be forgotten.

2. What do you enjoy and what are the challenges in your current experiences as an African-American student-athlete on an Ivy League campus?
Starks: What I enjoy most in being an African-American on an Ivy League campus also proves to be one of the greatest challenges. It is no secret that statistically speaking, African-Americans are still playing catch up in American institutions of higher education. While I have not found it to be alarmingly common, I have encountered individuals (not necessarily affiliated with the university) that seemed somewhat surprised to meet an African-American attending an Ivy League school. I take a great deal of pride in my status as an African-American student-athlete here. The success that I, as well as so many of my peers have had speaks to the progress African-Americans have made in regard to education.

3. As you reflect on Black History month, talk about one person who has influenced your life and why?
Starks: As I reflect on Black History month, one person who has influenced my life is John Carlos. I heard John, bronze medal winner at 1968 Olympic games and one of two Americans on the podium to give the infamous Black Power salute, speak at Princeton last year. His willingness to stand against the grain and make a powerful statement for what he believed in despite sure repercussions is inspiring. His selfless action shocked the world and led to significant advancement for African-Americans in the United States.

4. What do you feel is your role in being a leader or role model as African-American student-athlete on your campus and in your communities both at school and at home?
Starks: My role as an African-American student-athlete, leader and role model is to continue to set a positive example. There is still a great deal of progress to be made in the African-American community on a number of levels. Failure to continue improving and building upon what those before us sacrificed so much to achieve would be a slap in the face to what this month is truly
about. In order to progressively move forward, we have to successfully impact the youth. As collegiate student-athletes, and therefore role models and leaders, we have the ability to reach this country's youth on a large scale. Our success, in addition to the example that we set, can serve as a positive influence in their lives.

5. Projecting forward, what is one thing you would like to achieve or be part of once you graduate to advance the African-American ideal for future generations?
Starks: I would love to be a part of getting the African-American youth more engaged in athletics. Athletics have the ability to develop character and life skills that are essential to achieving success. Through participating in sports, I developed many of the qualities that drove me off the field and particularly in the classroom.