Run Like A Girl
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, every Tuesday and Thursday will be dedicated to one female who is changing the world in honor of National Women's History Month.
The first woman I interviewed was Taylor McCorkle. Since she was incredibly humble in all of her answers, let me give you some background. I've known Taylor for five years. In those five years, I've seen her be extraordinarily successful in and out of the classroom, but she has never once bragged about her accomplishments. In fact, she answered these questions on a bus ride home from an Ivy League track meet on a Saturday night. She failed to mention that she set a new school record for UPenn that very same day while also placing in two races. If I was that fast, I would make strangers on the street watch me sprint. Taylor's humility and ambition are just two of the things that make her worth watching. Without further ado, I give you Taylor McCorkle.
What was the first thing you wanted to be when you were a child?
TM: When I was a child, I always wanted to be a basketball player. Basketball was and still is my favorite sport, and I love it with all my heart. However, in high school I learned that I was better at sprinting than at basketball, so I decided to pursue my track career in college.
What made you get into running? Please keep in mind the last time I full out sprinted was when one of my nephews let the dog into the street. I could never do what you do.
TM: I began running as a member of my middle school's cross country team. Unfortunately, it was no secret that my legs and endurance were not fit for cross country running. My coach, upset because I frequently walked parts of the trails on meet day, told me that I would never be fast or have a career running. Her words actually motivated me to join my high school track team. I originally joined it for endurance to help me in basketball which I also played in high school. I planned to quit the track team after my freshman year because I was never a fan of running. However, my high school track coach, George, convinced me to continue running track, and I'm so glad he did because now it means everything to me.
What are your goals now?
TM: My current goals are to 1. Do well in school. I think that is one of the most important goals you can have because education is your future. You always have to keep that in check and be on your game when it comes to grades. 2. Prepare for outdoor season. My team (UPenn) just had its indoor championship meet. We are gearing up to kill it in the outdoor season and I could not be more excited! 3. Be happy, because that's the best thing you can do for yourself. Just be happy with yourself and your life.
What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
TM: The biggest obstacle I have overcome is The University of Pennsylvania. Coming into this Ivy League institution as a recruited athlete is a bit scary. The coaches basically get you into the school if they want you bad enough, and that's kind of how things worked with me. I'm not sure that I can say that I would've gotten into this school if I hadn't been recruited. With that being said, I thought I wouldn't be able to handle the pressures of an Ivy League school. Thankfully, it's really not as bad as it seems. My grades are perfectly fine, and yes, I do have late nights and there are times when I wonder why I chose to come to an Ivy League school. With that said, I also love Penn. I love it because it challenges me and forces me to work hard for what I want both in the classroom and on the track. Penn is a division 1 school. During track season, we are barely at school, but we are still expected to compete well and finish our school work on time. Yes, it's a challenge, but who wants something that comes easily to them?
Who are some of your female role models?
TM: My three female role models include my mom, my nana, and you Ms. Coleman. My mom because she's simply amazing. I think everyone looks up to their mom in some way. I love her because of all the sacrifices she's made for me and my brother. She's truly an angel and my everything. My nana because she's my best friend. I can talk to her about anything, and I admire her for her perseverance. She has lost one of her two sons, and she suffered from bladder cancer. She's just an amazing fighter. Lastly, I admire you because I know you've been through a lot too. I don't know exactly what goes on, but I know it's not fun. However, you came into school so so happy and lively everyday and I wish I could be the same way. You're amazing.
What advice would you give to a 13 year old girl?
TM: You're young. Enjoy life. Yes, boys suck. You'll have some heart breaks, but try to break their hearts before they can break yours. Just kidding. Be nice, ladies. Be happy because life goes by quickly, and it would kill me to know that you wasted it being sad. If something in your life isn't making you happy, let it go. You don't need negative weight holding you down. Love, love, love with all your heart. Laugh. Seriously, some of my fondest memories are when I almost peed my pants. Girls, it's OKAY to be yourself. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Be strong and be independent. Make wise decisions and be aware of your surroundings. Never be afraid to ask for help. Enjoy the little things in life. Go on adventures. Experience what the world has to offer, and DREAM BIG, LADIES. Attack your goals head on, and don't stop until you achieve them!
You'll appreciate this one. What song do you like to listen to before a race?
TM: On competition day, before I turn on my loud, slightly explicit rap songs, I listen to two songs. They are both titled "Who You Are" and one is by Jessie J and the other is by a Christian group called Unspoken. These two songs are not pump up songs at all, but they convey a good message. They basically tell me that I am good enough to compete in whatever meet I'm at that weekend. They tell me that I deserve to perform well. And if I'm having a bad day, they tell me that "it's okay not to be okay", but that "you never fall too hard that you can't get back when you've lost who you are" Remember that ladies. I like these songs because they give me confidence and peace of mind before I race.
You can follow her @tay_mccork.
Stay tuned for more interviews with women changing the world. Next week, I will be talking to a woman who has served multiple tours overseas with the Air Force.
The first woman I interviewed was Taylor McCorkle. Since she was incredibly humble in all of her answers, let me give you some background. I've known Taylor for five years. In those five years, I've seen her be extraordinarily successful in and out of the classroom, but she has never once bragged about her accomplishments. In fact, she answered these questions on a bus ride home from an Ivy League track meet on a Saturday night. She failed to mention that she set a new school record for UPenn that very same day while also placing in two races. If I was that fast, I would make strangers on the street watch me sprint. Taylor's humility and ambition are just two of the things that make her worth watching. Without further ado, I give you Taylor McCorkle.
What was the first thing you wanted to be when you were a child?
TM: When I was a child, I always wanted to be a basketball player. Basketball was and still is my favorite sport, and I love it with all my heart. However, in high school I learned that I was better at sprinting than at basketball, so I decided to pursue my track career in college.
What made you get into running? Please keep in mind the last time I full out sprinted was when one of my nephews let the dog into the street. I could never do what you do.
TM: I began running as a member of my middle school's cross country team. Unfortunately, it was no secret that my legs and endurance were not fit for cross country running. My coach, upset because I frequently walked parts of the trails on meet day, told me that I would never be fast or have a career running. Her words actually motivated me to join my high school track team. I originally joined it for endurance to help me in basketball which I also played in high school. I planned to quit the track team after my freshman year because I was never a fan of running. However, my high school track coach, George, convinced me to continue running track, and I'm so glad he did because now it means everything to me.
What are your goals now?
TM: My current goals are to 1. Do well in school. I think that is one of the most important goals you can have because education is your future. You always have to keep that in check and be on your game when it comes to grades. 2. Prepare for outdoor season. My team (UPenn) just had its indoor championship meet. We are gearing up to kill it in the outdoor season and I could not be more excited! 3. Be happy, because that's the best thing you can do for yourself. Just be happy with yourself and your life.
What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
TM: The biggest obstacle I have overcome is The University of Pennsylvania. Coming into this Ivy League institution as a recruited athlete is a bit scary. The coaches basically get you into the school if they want you bad enough, and that's kind of how things worked with me. I'm not sure that I can say that I would've gotten into this school if I hadn't been recruited. With that being said, I thought I wouldn't be able to handle the pressures of an Ivy League school. Thankfully, it's really not as bad as it seems. My grades are perfectly fine, and yes, I do have late nights and there are times when I wonder why I chose to come to an Ivy League school. With that said, I also love Penn. I love it because it challenges me and forces me to work hard for what I want both in the classroom and on the track. Penn is a division 1 school. During track season, we are barely at school, but we are still expected to compete well and finish our school work on time. Yes, it's a challenge, but who wants something that comes easily to them?
Who are some of your female role models?
TM: My three female role models include my mom, my nana, and you Ms. Coleman. My mom because she's simply amazing. I think everyone looks up to their mom in some way. I love her because of all the sacrifices she's made for me and my brother. She's truly an angel and my everything. My nana because she's my best friend. I can talk to her about anything, and I admire her for her perseverance. She has lost one of her two sons, and she suffered from bladder cancer. She's just an amazing fighter. Lastly, I admire you because I know you've been through a lot too. I don't know exactly what goes on, but I know it's not fun. However, you came into school so so happy and lively everyday and I wish I could be the same way. You're amazing.
What advice would you give to a 13 year old girl?
TM: You're young. Enjoy life. Yes, boys suck. You'll have some heart breaks, but try to break their hearts before they can break yours. Just kidding. Be nice, ladies. Be happy because life goes by quickly, and it would kill me to know that you wasted it being sad. If something in your life isn't making you happy, let it go. You don't need negative weight holding you down. Love, love, love with all your heart. Laugh. Seriously, some of my fondest memories are when I almost peed my pants. Girls, it's OKAY to be yourself. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Be strong and be independent. Make wise decisions and be aware of your surroundings. Never be afraid to ask for help. Enjoy the little things in life. Go on adventures. Experience what the world has to offer, and DREAM BIG, LADIES. Attack your goals head on, and don't stop until you achieve them!
You'll appreciate this one. What song do you like to listen to before a race?
TM: On competition day, before I turn on my loud, slightly explicit rap songs, I listen to two songs. They are both titled "Who You Are" and one is by Jessie J and the other is by a Christian group called Unspoken. These two songs are not pump up songs at all, but they convey a good message. They basically tell me that I am good enough to compete in whatever meet I'm at that weekend. They tell me that I deserve to perform well. And if I'm having a bad day, they tell me that "it's okay not to be okay", but that "you never fall too hard that you can't get back when you've lost who you are" Remember that ladies. I like these songs because they give me confidence and peace of mind before I race.
You can follow her @tay_mccork.
Stay tuned for more interviews with women changing the world. Next week, I will be talking to a woman who has served multiple tours overseas with the Air Force.
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