The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Blog: In the Blocks with Ariel Jones [March 10, 2016]
03.10.2016 | Track & Field / Cross Country
Ariel Jones gets inspired by young fans
In this week's edition of "In the Blocks with Ariel Jones," Ariel writes about her inspiring community service experience and fun with her teammates.
What a great way to spend your off weekend than with people who are excited to be in your presence.
Explore UT is a community service event that we participated in over the weekend. We stood in front of the poster board decorated with former UT champions, with excited children swarming around. A handful of Track and Field athletes showed up for the event that was held in the Red McCombs North End Zone food court of the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial stadium. Athlete's sky-scraped over the children lined up to get our autographs and pictures. One-by-one, with permanent markers in hand, we sign their footballs, track posters and other memorabilia available.
There were groups of children walking the campus, waving to college students passing by. There was so much excitement on their faces. To have the opportunity to be on campus was a dream come true for most of them. As I was walking to community service, a little girl pointed to me and smiled from ear-to-ear. I saw that girl in line to get my autograph; she said she knew I was an athlete by my muscular arms and legs. She was thrilled to get a poster with me on it with an autograph and picture. That moment brought nothing but motivation for me to continue working hard in Track and to be someone that young people could look up to.
After giving his autograph, one of the UT Football players had the children sign his shirt. He felt just as excited to meet the children because some of them were honor students and top of their class. He wanted something to remember them by because they are our future doctors, astronauts, or potentially the president of the United States. You never know who you'll meet at these types of events. It was an honor to give them my autograph and take pictures with these special people.
Two hours passed and the extensive line never dispersed. Dr. Tina Kien, our career service person, warned us if we didn't walk away we would be there all day signing autographs. My original plan was to go home, but I heard about N'Dia Warren-Jacques' birthday festivities. I grabbed my swimsuit and headed out with a large group of track athletes to the captivating Bull Creek site.
The sun pierced the sky whilst the breeze blew evenly; it was a gorgeous day to be in the water with the team. That event encourages the team to bond and is an ideal example of how we could have fun as a team. Can't wait to have more team activities in the future.
-Ariel
Previous entries from In the Blocks with Ariel Jones
Jan. 13, 2016 Preparing for a successful 2016
Jan. 20, 2016 Reflecting on the 2016 season opener
Jan. 27, 2016 Road Trip Roommates Edition
Feb. 3, 2016 Community Service
Feb. 11, 2016 Inspiring Performances at the Husker Invitational
Feb. 17, 2016 Texas 4x400's Make History
Feb. 24, 2016 Looking ahead to Big 12 Championships
March 3, 2016 Women Win Third Straight Big 12 Championship
Players Mentioned
