A student perspective: Beyond the Game
BY TAJI JOHNSON
My path from collegiate athlete to aspiring sports psychologist
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamt of being a collegiate athlete at the Division 1 level. It's been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. So, when I finally got here, it was no surprise to me that my expectations were high. After playing four years at Boston College and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology, I decided it was time for a change and chose to transfer to the University at Buffalo. A significant factor in my decision was the prestigious Graduate School of Education. I am currently pursuing a master’s of education degree in education studies with a focus in counseling.
During the season, my day-to-day life is pretty hectic, as I essentially have two full-time jobs at once. However, having been in this environment for so long, I've learned to navigate the nuances and manage each day smoothly. With morning practices combined with classes throughout the day and evening, being a student-athlete requires immense commitment and focus. Almost every hour of my day is accounted for and has a purpose. My biggest struggle during the season is finding personal time for myself. But growing up, my mother always taught me that you make time for the things you want to do, so it's not impossible. I am truly blessed to be in this position, and I never take it for granted.
This fall, I will be taking classes in mental health counseling, foundations of psychology and counseling, and ethical counseling. My passion lies in mental health, especially for athletes. My career goal is to become a sports psychologist, working with collegiate and professional athletes on their mental health and performance. As an athlete, I know that mental health has only recently begun to be openly discussed, despite being an ongoing issue since sports began. My goal is to continue destigmatizing mental health issues and advocate for them to be treated with the same importance as physical injuries. I believe that by combining my personal experience as an athlete with the knowledge I gain through my education, I can formulate effective strategies to address these issues head-on and contribute meaningfully to the education community.
UB has been instrumental in my personal development and my journey through college, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on this community in any way I can.
Photos courtesy of UB Athletics
GSE students: Interested in sharing your student experiences and perspectives in Learn magazine? Contact us at gsenews@buffalo.edu.