WASHINGTON (April 14, 2020) – Howard University sophomore advertising major Kennedy Lewis caught up with her track teammate Nia Gilliam (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and asked 10 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What's your favorite part of track?
A: My favorite part of track was meet day because I love competition and that got my energy going. I love the energy other people bring to the track because they didn't come to lose. So ultimately, they're bringing their best.
 
When I race, I'm not only competing with others because I'm competing against myself. If I don't win, I must improve my time; otherwise, what's the point in competing? My defeat makes me want to work harder.
 
Another favorite part is the sportsmanship between the schools. It is always nice to observe, especially if you have a relationship with competitors on other teams. It's like a family reunion.
 
Q: How did you get started in track?
A: I got started with track during my sophomore year in college. When I was younger, I always wanted to run track but unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity. As a freshman, I tried out and made the team; however, I didn't run or train due to a leg injury.
 
I had to get caught with track terminologies and verbiage, but I was happy to finally run in my sophomore year.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: Believing in myself kept me motivated during my track career. I worked hard and pushed myself to be better. I had my share of tough days and practices, but I'm a fighter and always will be. If I want it, I'm going for it. No adversity will ever stop me because it keeps me motivated.
 
Q: If you were not competing in track, what other sport would you do?
A: If I wasn't on the track team, I would have played football with an outside league.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: I don't have a favorite athlete, but I really admire Toni Harris. Football is my favorite sport, and I've always wanted to play professionally and to watch a young black woman achieve those goals is inspiring. She wants to be the first woman in the NFL, and I'm cheering for her all the way!
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: I don't have a favorite memory because there's so many; however, I always looked forward to J'ouvert on top of the undergraduate library. It was a dope event because of the fete, the paint, the powder, the music, the costumes and the people. It was a time for celebration and release all that stress.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: I have several plans after graduation. I will be auditioning for musicals, plays, films and television. My first love is performing and playing "Nala" in the musical "The Lion King" is absolutely my dream role.
 
I am going to graduate school for my Master of Fine Arts in acting and creative arts therapy and Master of Science in chemistry. Then, I'll pursue my doctorate degree in Creative Arts Therapy and Chemistry.
 
I am commissioning into the United States Air Force as a 2^nd Lt. and I will be joining the Air Force Track Team as a professional athlete and a financial management officer. I'm looking to become a public affairs officer.
 
In the meantime, I will be working on my non-profit organization "Timbre," an organization that provides free creative therapy to underprivileged communities.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I am going to miss a bunch of people, especially my MT20 class. They include Kalen "Kay" Robinson, Lauryn "Laur" Jones, Kayla "Halo" Wheeler, Emmanuel "Manny" Key, Rickey "RB3" Brown III, Brittaney "Brit Brat" Duhaney, Camille "Camel" Capers, Rukiya "Ruks" Henry-Fields, and Neah "Banksy" Banks.
 
In the last four years, they've held me down and been my heartbeat. Although we may not talk every day, I can count on them no matter what. We may have our difference, but we're family and I want to say thank you to them.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My advice is to BE HAPPY! This is your college experience, no one else! Study something you enjoy and join extracurricular activities. Be proud and love yourself for all your accomplishments because you deserve it!
 
Also, don't feel like you're alone and must take on the world yourself. It's okay to ask for help when needed. Talk to someone who is there to help mentally and physically, don't bottle up your emotions inside.
 
If you're optimistic, hard-working, able to solve problems and willing to ask for help, I don't see how you won't be successful.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: Through the midst of it all, I would like to thank God.
 
My family because they're my best friends and biggest support system. They've continued to support me through everything.
 
My professors and cadre for believing and inspiring me over the last four years.
 
Coach [Marc] Harrison for welcoming me to the team and Coach David Oliver (Howard Director of Track and Field) for pushing me.
 
Lastly, I would like to thank myself because I'm the vessel that did it.
 
About Gilliam
 
Gilliam has been a contributing member of the women's track and field squad since 2017. The New York native chose HU because of its academic excellence, proximity to home and HBCU family atmosphere.
 
She made the squad as a walk-on in her freshman year but suffered a leg injury and missed the entire season. After recovering from the setback, Gilliam competed primarily in the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes where she set personal bests in both events during this year's indoor season.
 
Academically at Howard, she made the Dean's List while being a member of the National Honor Society. Gilliam, a scholarship cadet, also made the 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team.
 
Gilliam's senior campaign was cut short due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
In May 2020, she graduates after majoring in musical theater. One of her plans after Howard is to attend graduate school and pursue master's degrees in acting and creative arts therapy and chemistry. Then, Gilliam plans to earn a doctoral degree in creative arts therapy and chemistry.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.