Ngozi Musa is a senior on the Harvard Track & Field team, competing in the sprints. The
2019 Ivy League Heptagonal Outdoor Track & Field Championships take place Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5, at Princeton’s Weaver Track.
IvyLeague.com: The Ivy League offers a balance of athletic, academic and social opportunity. How do you use that balance to make the most of your experience?
Ngozi: Through the Ivy League and my time at Harvard, I have been able to strive for both athletic and academic excellence simultaneously, as well as pursuing passions through other extracurriculars outside the classroom. It is inspiring to see other student-athletes, my teammates, and my friends pursue both academic and athletic excellence, as well as pursuing their personal passions. At Harvard I have been able to create my identity on and off the track through opportunities in my house, and through clubs and organizations. Throughout my four years at Harvard, I have had the privilege of competing for and being captain of the women’s track and field team, serving as a Student Chief Marketing Officer for the Athletic Department, being a part of Harvard ‘s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and serving as a Publicity Chair for Harvard’s Global Women’s Empowerment Group. The opportunities and support that Harvard provides to its students is unmatched. I have had some of the most rewarding experiences and met people that will be my lifelong friends.
IvyLeague.com: The tradition of this league is unrivaled. How did the tradition of the schools and League play into your decision-making process when selecting a school?
Ngozi: The tradition of the league and its institutions played a major part in my decision-making process when selecting a school. The most important aspect of my decision was finding a school and a program that allowed me to pursue both academic and athletic excellence. The tradition of the league and the schools also played a major part in my decision because I wanted to be a part of the history and the legacy that the Ivy League has established and continues to create.
IvyLeague.com: You are constantly juggling many different aspects of your life. How do you thrive across all of the different tasks you are asked to do without letting anything fall?
Ngozi: At Harvard, you are juggling academics, athletics, and social aspects of your life. In order to thrive across these different aspects, I have had to learn how to manage my time effectively and efficiently. Every year, you learn more effective and efficient ways to do so as a student athlete. Another important lesson I have learned when juggling so many aspects of life is to not be afraid to ask for help. As a student-athlete at Harvard, sometimes you feel like you have to have it all together. However, I have learned that this is not the case - no one has it all together. I have learned how to lean on my teammates and my coaches for support when needed and how to be a supportive teammate and friend. The skills and lessons I have learned through being a student-athlete at Harvard are incredibly valuable. I feel very confident that those skills I have developed and the life lessons I have learned will help me in the corporate world next year.