Farmer Focus: Sophomore Joseph Bukassa
‘It’s where I get to shine. I truly feel like myself and my mind isn’t focused on anything else.’
This week’s Farmer Focus is on sophomore Joseph Bukassa who is in track and hopes to inspire other athletes.
SNAPSHOTS
Favorite artist: Lauryn Hill
Sweet or sour: Sweet
Favorite food: Mango
Books or movies: Movies
Favorite candy: Three Musketeers
ZOOMING IN
Q: What made you interested in track?
A: “Even since I was little, I was fascinated by how fast olympians and other athletes could run and I guess that just stuck with me. Later on in middle school, I became more interested because I noticed I was faster than other students and I wanted to join track.”
Q: How long have you been in track and why did you decide to continue being in this sport?
A: “I have been in track since seventh grade. I chose to continue because it feels like I was meant to be a part of it. I believe track could help me get scholarships to universities so I can get my degree and hopefully help my family.”
Q: Is track something you want to pursue in the future? Why or why not?
A: “It is definitely something I am considering. I’d pursue it if I can go to college for it or go to the Olympics so I can make money.”
Q: What are some of your favorite memories in track?
A: “My favorite memory is from eighth grade when we were doing our four by one relay and our team was behind, but when I got the baton, I caught up to the others and got us the win. That’s just one of many memories, I enjoy almost every moment in track.”
Q: Who inspires you the most and why?
A: “Jesse Owens inspires me a lot because he won four gold medals in the Olympics in Germany. He’s just someone that I look up to and hope to be like.”
Q: Why is track important to you?
A: “It’s where I get to shine. I truly feel like myself and my mind isn’t focused on anything else. It’s a time where I can do something I enjoy along with my friends.”
Q: What advice would you give to other people wanting to be in track?
A: “[I’d tell them to] just be really consistent and aim for better times because there’s always room for improvement. I would also tell them not to slack off too much during practice because focusing on what I need to do has really helped me improve.”
Q: What is one of the most important lessons track has taught you?
A: “It definitely taught me how to be humble because at first, I had the expectation I was going to win all the time but now I know that you win some and you lose some. Either way I’m doing what I love.”
Mrs. Bradley • May 19, 2020 at 5:01 PM
Proud of you Joseph!