By Stephany Bravo
Staff Writer
From choosing which university to attend to finally reaching his last quarter at California State University, Bakersfield, Phsycology major and criminal justice minor Justus Mora shares the difficulties that came along with being a student-athlete and the lifetime benefits of getting out of his comfort zone throughout his college years.
Stephany Bravo: What are you planning to do when you’re all done this spring quarter?
Justus Mora: My plan is to take a gap year between the end of this year 2014 to the fall of 2016 and hopefully enter onto a grad program. I don’t know which one but a grad program is definitely in mind. I thought about San Francisco State University, they have a really good sexuality base program, one of eight in the country.
I am from Sparks, Nevada so I have also thought about University of Reno Nevada, and I have a really good friend that is at University of Utah who says they have a really good Marriage and family therapy program. Those are my top three choices for grad school.
SB: How has your involvement as a student-athlete in track changed your life?
JM: I have made some incredible, incredible friends my four years on the track team. Before I came to college I wanted to join a fraternity because it’s what college kids usually do, but I am so happy I never joined a fraternity because my track team is my fraternity, they are my family. I couldn’t have found a greater group of people to hang out with every single day.
If I were to ever come back for a night or two, I know I can call up some of the guys and they’d let me in their doors with no problem. I am so grateful I have such a great support system. That’s what also got me through my college years.
SB: Tell me about your association with the Alpha Chi Honor Society and Psi Chi The International Honor Society in Psychology.
JM: Most people think they’re both a fraternity because it sounds like they are but they are not. It’s a group of people found in the Alpha Chi name who are dedicated to scholarships, community service, and hold exceptional G.P.A’s. I did well in my sport and also in the classroom so I was worthy of being a part of this group of people that is all about promoting good.
SB: What others achievements have you earned throughout your four years at CSU Bakersfield?
JM: Besides the Alpha Chi Honor Society and Psi Chi Honor Society, I have also been in The Helen Louise Hawk Honors Program all four years at CSUB. They designate certain courses for you to take taught by exceptional staff and it’s designed for a four year program helping people graduate within a four year period.
SB: Who is the most influential person in your life?
JM: That is so difficult because it’s a toss-up between my mom, my sister, and my dad. My dad is the person who got me into athletics. My mom has been such a nurturing soul, anytime I had any type of problem at all she would be the first one trying to help me out. She has always had my back. My sister and I are three years apart and I won’t call her my best friend but she’s my person, I believe its Grey’s Anatomy that I’m quoting but she’s my person. There’s no other way to explain it. She’s that one individual who will always be there by my side. She’s the person I want to impress the most because she’s my baby sister.
SB: How different do you think your life would be if you weren’t a student athlete?
JM: I’ve pondered on a couple of different occasions with my teammates. It’s just so unfound able to think what it is like to be a regular student. I wouldn’t know what I would do with my time. The difference between me four weeks ago when we were still in season and me now I have so much time I don’t know what to do with it, it’s ridiculous! I’d have to join a couple of clubs just to pass the time [if I wasn’t a student-athlete.]
