University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Alexis Russell
2/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
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In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Alexis Russell
Sport: Gymnastics
Years: 2006-10
Hometown: South Maplewood, Minn.
Occupation: Assistant to the Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
When it comes to reflecting on what I miss about the University, I miss the abundance of people with diverse backgrounds and cultures. The University is truly a great place to meet new people and learn different perspectives in an environment that fosters education.? I also miss the week of finals where there isn't any class and the libraries are packed with students studying for exams.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
?If I could give a current student-athlete advice, it would be to live in the moment and make choices and decisions that you will never look back on and regret. The four years in college really are such a unique time in a young adult's life and I would advise they explore and learn about themselves and what they are passionate about in life. I would also recommend current student-athletes to take an interest in learning how to take advantage of their finances and save! ?Learn how to live with less and save for later!
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
I would have to say all of the Gopher Gymnastics competitions I've attended since I graduated. I really love getting to know all of the girls and cheering them on at competitions. I think alumni share a special bond with the current gymnasts on the team. Seeing them compete and achieve their goals makes that experience special. I also have enjoyed all of the African-American Student-Athlete Reunions. It's so great to see everyone return to campus and update us all on their jobs and families.
What are you grateful for?
?I am grateful for opportunities. Opportunities that have allowed me to grow as a person, professionally and also as a contributing member of society. I am grateful I have the opportunity to take my past experiences and share them with younger women I mentor.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
?Black History Month reminds me of all the sacrifices past generations have made for me to succeed and seize opportunities they didn't have in the past. Black History Month is a celebration of African-Americans who have contributed to this country and persevered through some of the most cruel and unnecessary treatment from those in power. Black History Month gives me perspective and a sense of purpose because I know all the success I achieve in life are attributed to those before me.
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