April 17, 2009
Tahari James is one of ten children in her family, so it came almost as second nature for her to run around doing a million things at a time - track practice, internships and school, among other things. This Branford, Conn., native was psyched to get out of her hectic household. Her sanctuary: the Track and Tennis Center at Boston University.
James chose BU for several reasons. She pointed out each reason with her skinny fingers, "My scholarship, the school itself, the networking abilities that the city offers..." She joked that BU was also far away enough that her parents "could not pop in on [her]", but if an issue presented itself, she could get home easily.
She is the oldest girl in her large family and was semi-bashful when asked if she believed her eight younger sisters looked up to her for everything she has accomplished. She brushed off the school records she holds and even joked that she didn't know why she had been voted captain the last couple years. However, her eyes lit up when she started on her future as a track athlete.
James is looking to take the professional stage as she has been in contact with the U.S. Track affiliates and also the Nike Olympic Track team in California. She was quick to attribute all of her accomplishments to her track coach, Robyne Johnson. James believes that her track coaching staff is one of the pivotal reasons she has found success. "I never thought I could get to this level, and my coaching staff taught me to take the necessary strides and get to the next level," James continued, "They allowed me to believe in myself and really break through my personal glass ceiling."
As a fifth-year senior, James has learned a lot about herself and she is grateful for having the time to do so. "I've really learned to be patient and to control my temper. People aren't going to be where you want when you want and you certainly can't expect things to change for the better overnight."
When asked what it was like to be a fifth year, her immediate response was "Weird. There is such a generation gap--I've started dating myself." Despite the age gap quips about herself, she would not change a thing. She really believes she has had an advantage having had an extra year to work on relaxing and really improving her technique.
Although track is extremely demanding, James finds time to indulge herself. She admits to being somewhat of a gossip magazine buff. "If I had three dollars left in my bank account, I'd charge the gossip magazines and take the overdraft fees in stride," she said, and when she's not in her athletic sweats, she is in heels. She has also been told by friends that she is a good cook; however, her dishes are international, so don't think you're in for a classic burger and fries.
While James has accomplished so much, she has not only highlighted herself as an individual, but has also propelled the track team forward, placing BU on the map. This All-American could not be prouder of the athletic department and everything it does. "This athletic department is going places," she said.
Steph Walker is a senior in COM from Winchester, Mass., and a member of the women's lacrosse team.
