University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Kelsey Joson
2/7/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
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.
Name: Kelsey Joson
Sport(s): Women's Track & Field
Years: 2008 â€" 13
Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minn.
Occupation: Health Teacher
Twitter Handle: @K_joson15
What is it you honestly miss most about the University?
I miss the community at the U of M. I loved constantly being around my teammates, other athletes and the administration. The energy was amazing; a constant push to be better, network harder and train like champions. Every day you were required to push yourself either academically, athletically or professionally. In the adult world you have to create that pressure for yourself, otherwise you can easily become complacent. I miss the mandatory intensity. Doesn't that sound crazy?!
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
The advice that I would give current student-athletes is to enjoy the moment. Every moment brings something to your life that will help you grow or teach you a lesson. Find the beauty in the injury or the redshirt year, find the beauty in competition, find the beauty in being a student-athlete, because this is just a short four or five years of your life. You want to look back and know that you took advantage of every opportunity you were given.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
My favorite athletic event since I have graduated was the groundbreaking ceremony of our new outdoor track. This one is the most meaningful to me because there was a time it felt like we would never get a new outdoor facility. Even though the U of M athletic department has always supported our team, it finally feels like it now.
What are you grateful for?
I am so grateful for the relationships I have with people. Making genuine connections and networking is one of my favorite things to do. Devoting time to building positive, genuine relationships can produce the most pleasant life experiences. I am so grateful for the people I get to grow with in every season of life.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is a time to celebrate and acknowledge all of the sacrifices that have been and will be made for African Americans. It is a time to appreciate how far we have come but recognize how far we still need to go. This month is a time to come together, be activists and support those around us who are yearning to learn, but don't know where to start.
What occupies your time now?
I am currently teaching health and wellness to middle school students. The rest of my time, even though I seem to squeeze in other things, is given to raising and influencing my daughter!