Hazel Clark, former Olympic track star and daughter of famed educator, Joe Clark, credits tough love and a quest to find her raison d’etre for shaping her life in learning. She was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2000, 2004 and 2008. She has won six national titles and two USA Olympic Trials events during her career.
- Primary School: I attended South Mountain Elementary school; I was fortunate to grow up in a diverse and supportive community.
- High School: I attended Kent Place School and Columbia High School. Attending a school with all girls helped to lay a strong academic foundation and confidence--which has helped me thrive throughout life.
- University: I attended University of Florida and participated in figure skating and track and field throughout my HS years. A bad fall on the ice pushed me to hang up my skites and I was a US National Champion in the 800 meters a year after I began running.
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Class/Personal photo and story behind it: Winning the school talent show in 8th grade was one of my best memories. My two friends performing with me ran off the stage and abandoned me mid routine and I improved the rest of the routine. I was dancing to Rhythm Nation in an African Outfit from the Union Flea Market. It was all so wrong yet so right, I was ecstatic when we won first place.
- In school I excelled at: In school I excelled at English. I love to read and write! I was also partial to gym, it’s the athlete in me!
- In school I struggled with: Confidence. Being the youngest in a notable family and the daughter of Joe Clark put a lot of pressure on me to excel. At times, I struggled to feel I was enough.
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After school you could find me: At track practice or running on the roads.
- Troublemaker or Teacher's Pet? Troublemaker for sure! I was a quirky comedian much to my bat wielding father’s dismay.
- You'd be surprised to learn that in school I ... loved performing in plays. My favorite role was Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- In high school people thought I would grow up to be a: Talk Show Host! That is what I told everyone. It is still my dream job to this day.
- Favorite teacher/professor and why: Mrs. Wright. She is special in every way. I am still in touch with her! Somehow, she manages to stay connected with all her students.
- Favorite book: Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
- First job: Professional athlete with Nike in 2000.
- If I could do any job, it would be Talk Show Host
- The course I'd most like to take today: I want to learn to make amazing PowerPoints! That is my goal!
- If I could have any celebrity as a teacher, I’d pick: Oprah!
- Today I learn the most from: My failures and haters--my father told me that people like success, but they don’t like successful people. I understand what he meant today.
- Do you learn best by reading, listening or doing? Definitely listening... I love hearing about people’s journeys. It is the way I educate and empower myself.
- Best piece of career advice I ever received: I would look to my father again. He said to find your Raison D’ Etre and a role that you are so passionate about that it doesn’t feel like work.
- My personal superpower is: Resilience, I was raised in a tough love household, and it helped me to develop a thick skin and learn how to overcome setbacks. This is by far my most valuable superpower. My father’s favorite thing to tell me was “Don’t waste your time complaining - 80 percent of people don’t care and the other 20 percent are glad it’s not them. Figure it out! “