Members of the
OVC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently had a virtual meeting to discuss items that were impacting student-athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting the group discussed how they are engaging with their teammates, how they are doing course work remotely, what they have learned during social distancing and what they miss the most about being on campus.
Our ninth feature is with Tennessee State senior track and field athlete
Amani Taylor. Taylor is from Groton, Connecticut and has served as President of the OVC SAAC. She has been a multiple-time selection to the OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll and OVC Academic Medal of Honor.
What is one tip you have learned to successfully complete your academic work remotely?
"One tip that I have learned, actually isn’t that new. I have always been told that I should study and/or completely work within time increments, so the work will not seem too overwhelming or so I won’t burn out too fast on one subject. I have never really used this method, regardless of who told me, but it has come in handy now that I am home and have to have more self-discipline when it comes to getting work done. Making sure there is a nice balance between work and break is crucial to having a successful academic semester, especially now that we are doing our work remotely."
What have you done to keep a positive attitude during our social distancing?
"I have started taking time for myself more, since I am not confined in the house with four other people so everyone needs their space sometimes. I will meditate, listen to new music, play video games, watch tv or go on a walk/exercise during this time because it helps me clear my mind and detox from the day and all the things that seem to be overwhelming me. I’ll try my best to do this once a day, every day if I can and the weather permits. Sometimes, I will think about my future after the social distancing and that helps me stay positive, because I think about all the plans that I am making with my friends and the fact that I am going to my dream graduate program and it just boils down to the fact that life will go on and that we can and will overcome these hard time and come out with even better than before."
What have you missed most about not being on campus this spring?
"There are two things that I miss the most since not being on campus this spring are my friends and travelling this outdoor season. I miss being able to make plans or spontaneously go out with my friends. I miss being able to knock on their doors and bother them after class or practice. As hard as this season was, in my opinion, I was really excited for outdoor season. It is something about finally being able to compete outside after being indoors for a few months that makes competition even more sweet. I love travelling with my teammates and creating memories with not only them, but also with members from other teams that we are competing with. The variety of people I meet and the bonds that we create make cheering for the other team so exciting because you want everyone to do their best."