A Student-Athlete's Perspective: Elyse Wilkinson

Sophomore Elyse Wilkinson is a middle distance runner on the Cornell women's track & field team. She has already posted an ECAC qualifying time in the 800m going into the 2013 Ivy League Heptagonal Indoor Track & Field Championships.

1. When you think of the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in our country, what jumps out in your mind?
Wilkinson: When I begin to reflect on the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in our country, much of the focus of many celebrated African-Americans has revolved around overcoming adversity. One such idol who comes to mind is Wilma Rudolph. I first learned about Wilma at the age of 6 when my mother gave me a book about her life. She was a young African-American girl who contracted polio at the age of 4. However, her story only begins as she had to overcome tremendous odds to became the first American woman to win three Olympic gold medals in one Olympic Game. When I was younger I thought she was amazing, but looking back on Wilma’s accomplishments today, I most admire her tenacity and her determination to not let her obstacles hold her back. I find this to be very inspiring because she overcame the difficulty brought on by a sickness that paralyzed her leg and was able to become one of the fastest female athlete in the world. Wilma is a role model to me because as a runner myself; I have also been faced with much adversity. However, having role models like Wilma and keeping faith in God have helped me to overcome illness, injuries and hardships to achieve my goals as an scholar-athlete.
 
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?
Wilkinson: I greatly enjoy being an African-American student-athlete on Cornell's campus because I am able to interact with and learn from all different types of people from different backgrounds and culture. I have not personally been faced with any challenges on the campus regarding my ethnicity, but when I have been questioned by individuals who have certain stereotypes or prejudices, I try to educate them rather than take any offense. I think it is a blessing that I am able to attend such a prestigious university and be exposed to such a rich mix of people from all over the world with a diversity of views and opinions. I feel that I have an important role on campus as an African-American student-athlete because I am a representation that goes against many of the prejudices held against African-Americans. I think it is important for me to educate others and demonstrate that I am just as capable as anyone else. My ethnicity does not dictate who am I or who I can be. I am Elyse Wilkinson and not the color of my skin. I have come across many situations where people assume certain things and I think it is my obligation to correct them where they are wrong because helping to educate others helps to reduce ignorance and apathy in our society.

3. As you reflect on Black History month, talk about one person who has influenced your life and why?
Wilkinson: When I think about the people who have influence my life, I think of my parents. Both my mom and dad have impacted my life in so many ways and are a main reason why I am where I am today. My parents have always pointed out the importance of having a good education, and have granted me access to getting a great education. I went to a private Quaker school where the motto is "Good instruction is better than riches" and I have come to believe this personally. Education is such a powerful tool and I am grateful that my parents exposed me to a love of education early on. In addition, my parents also gave me the opportunity to have many different experiences and broad exposure through my involvement in different sports and in different organizations in my community. Without my parents giving me this exposure and granting me access to a variety of different things, I would not be the person I am today. I am grateful for this because not being in the "majority" has allowed for me to gain confidence and be comfortable with myself in any setting. I am also very comfortable communicating with others by sharing my story and being open and curious to learn more about their story. My parents have shared their wisdom but they have also provided the freedom to explore and figure out things on my own. I think essential tools in life are to remain curious, to be able to think critically, analyze situations and to learn how to make choices and decision that are best for you. I feel that my parents have passed these tools on to me. I am very thankful for my parents because I think they are phenomenal human beings who have not only accomplished a lot of things in their life, but also because of their unconditional love and their sacrifices.
 
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?
Wilkinson: I think my role in being an African-American student-athlete on Cornell's campus and in my communities is to set a good example and to be a mentor for others, as well as to show through my efforts that all of the goals that one sets for oneself can be attained through focus, hardwork, discipline and dedication. There are still many stereotypes present not only about African-Americans, but also about student-athletes. It is important for the younger generations to realize that these stereotypes do not predict their future. It is fundamental for me to lead by example for the future generations to let them know that having confidence is crucial to being successful. This confidence is not limited to being comfortable in your own skin, but also having confidence in setting and achieving goals -- in athletics and in academics. In our society, African-Americans have been subjected to certain stereotypes, but if one knows who they are then there is no reason to feel diminished by these stereotypes. I think my past experiences of engaging with a diversity of people from different backgrounds has helped me gain confidence in myself and what I have to offer to the world. Instead of trying to fit in with the crowd or act the way society expects me to, I embrace who I am and share my story with those who are willing to listen.

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?
Wilkinson: My future goal is to attend medical school and to pursue a Masters in Public Health (MPH). I have become very passionate about the subject of Public Health and Global Health because of the different classes I have taken at Cornell. In my courses, I have been exposed to the stark reality that, in the U.S. and in the world, adequate healthcare is not readily accessed by everyone. I feel strongly that everyone should have access to good healthcare and I want to make a difference and plan to take this on as one of my missions as I pursue my career goals. I hope that as I pursue this goal of mine, it will inspire other African-Americans in future generations to give back to those who are less fortunate and simply make an impact on others. My mother always told me is it better to "give" than "receive," and I am hoping that like me, future generations will find something that they are passionate about where there are making an impact on other people’s lives. As we look at prominent African-Americans leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and President Barack Obama; all of these individuals used something that they were passionate about to have a larger impact on the lives of people around them. I am hoping that I will also have an impact on future generations and they will be inspired by what I have accomplished and not be afraid of setting lofty goals and working to make a difference in the world. My father told me that if my younger sister and I do better than he did, then he has done his job. I want to have this same effect on younger generations. I want them to do be motivated by what I have accomplished, but strive harder and accomplish more than I have.