JAMILLA DICK, MEDGAR EVERS ‘03
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD • 2000-2003
NCAA QUALIFIER • 100 METER DASH (12.66) IN 2003
CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST, New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Jamilla’s a dynamic, strong individual who was extremely motivated to excel on all levels as a student-athlete. We have maintained contact since she graduated, and she even asks me to help her in her preparations for her professional endeavors. I firmly believe that her success transcends all areas of her life, she can handle the pressure of achievement and nothing is too overwhelming for her. She understands balance and that’s rare in a young person..”
- MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH ALPHONSO DANCE
What inspired you to play college athletics?
My parents always encouraged me to participate in athletics. As a young child growing up in Trinidad and Tobago I played netball, field hockey and ran track. It was a natural progression to participate in track when I entered college.
Why did you choose Medgar Evers?
I was interested in studying Environmental Science and Medgar Evers College provided the best interdisciplinary program for me.
Can you tell us a single standout moment, while you were in college?
Being awarded my first Female Athlete of the Year trophy and a certificate for having a GPA over 3.2 from the Medgar Evers Athletic Department was a very important moment. It meant that the other coaches from other sports teams acknowledged my achievements, both athletic and academic, during the season.
Tell us about your greatest athletic achievement or game, and why it still impacts you today?
During my senior year I qualified for NCAA 100 Meter Dash during my last race for the season. This was a standout moment because I put a lot of hard work in during the season and was able to succeed in my last race. This still impacts my life because that moment was a great illustration of why perseverance is so important, especially when there is a goal you want to achieve.
How would you sum up the influence your college coaches have made on your life?
My college coach, Alphonso Dance, was able to motivate me to be the best that I could in all aspects of my life…not just track. He understood and noticed my talent, needs, temperament and strengths and weaknesses. Though I didn’t understand his approach at times (which was challenging), looking back his influence molded the person that I am today. He is one of my life mentors; I respect him and his opinion very much. He is still and important presence in my life today.
Talk about being on a team, and the relationships it fosters. Do you still keep up with your old teammates?
Participating in a team enabled me to understand group dynamics, especially that as a group our success or failure would be a common experience shared. Our cooperation was best for us all and this enhanced my sense of accomplishment beyond the track. My participation on teams gave me an opportunity to develop long lasting friendships with teammates who had common interests with me. I keep in contact with a lot of old teammates I had from primary/elementary through college.
Are you able to find time to run, now that your focus is on your career?
I do try to attend a few track events during the year but it is difficult to attend or even participate. My career can be demanding and I don’t set aside enough time for other activities after work.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes, as they look forward to their next chapter in life?
I would advise them to use this as an opportunity to develop great physical, mental and social skills that only this type of environment would encourage. Once they put their best effort forth and make the best choices this experience will be rewarding in so many ways.
What led you to being a scientist?
I have always been interested in the Environmental Science field. My father was an agriculturist in Trinidad and Tobago and my mother (an elementary school teacher) really emphasized the importance of knowing science in our home. Hence, the reason I studied Environmental Science as an undergraduate and then Marine Environmental Sciences as a graduate student. When I left graduate school I was able to work in the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) Bureau of Environmental Science doing Emergency Preparedness and Industrial Hygiene based projects. After working at the DOHMH for two years a new job opportunity at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) doing similar work became available and fit my career goals perfectly.
As a Medgar Evers alum, have you kept up with your Cougars?
I teach part-time at Medgar Evers and I also try to attend soccer and track events during the respective seasons.
How did being a student-athlete help you in your career or family life?
I was able to:
• Develop internal skills to handle pressure.
• Develop good time management skills.
• Be able to focus and concentrate
• Learn how to take risks, and when not to.
• Build my character and integrity.
• Take responsibility for my failure or success.
-- CUNYAthletics.com –