CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
Hailey Clark, a freshman biology pre- med major from Windermere, Florida, says gymnastics has taught her faith, resilience, and tenacity. Her ultimate goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon. During Hailey’s junior year of high school, her Jack and Jill, Inc. chapter heavily discussed the importance of attending an HBCU. “One thing that has really stuck with me was camaraderie – how important it is to be there for one another and to really support one another in such a group like Jack and Jill,” Hailey explained. When Hailey sees the media attention for making history as a Black collegiate gymnast, it shows her how much of an impact the team is making. “After every single competition, seeing the little young Black girls that come down and take pictures with us, saying they really look up to us – there’s not really a word I can find to describe that,” she said.
Hailey’s advice for the current students in Jack and Jill, Inc. is to take advantage of every event and make connections with everyone in their age group. “It’s an experience you won’t get back once you graduate – of course, you’ll still have those connections with the people you met and became friends within Jack and Jill – cherish actually being able to go to those events like teen conferences, workshops, and Jack and Jill day events.” Hailey also encourages the youth to keep pushing through all trials and tribulations. “Life is going to give it to you sometimes, and you really have to keep the faith and you never know what opportunity may come like this one. It’s so reassuring that so many young girls of color are going to have this option now – gymnastics while attending an HBCU. So, never give up. Keep pushing,” she said.
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