Nick Diaz is one of the newest members to the UF cross country/track team. Diaz is a freshmen and is finally getting adjusted to the Gainesville lifestyle. Since his home is in Miami, he does miss his family and his mom doing his laundry, but he knows that the opportunities here at UF are like no other. Diaz’s dedication and determination to school and the team are truly inspiring to others.
Name: Nick Diaz
Age: 19
Major(s): political science and English
Her Campus: How confident were you about going to school at UF?
Nick Diaz: “At first I was a bit skeptical about getting into UF because of my SAT scores, but my ability to run helped as well as my good grades in high school.”
HC: What emotions were going through your head during your first day of practice with the UF cross country team?
ND: “I was so excited! I was already getting ahead of myself picking up the pace during the run that my teammates were actually telling me to hold back. I was just happy to be running with a group of guys that were [sic] able to keep up with my pace, because in high school I never had anyone to push the pace but myself.”
HC: What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not running, studying for tests or trying to figure out where you are on campus?
ND: “Hanging out with my teammates is always fun. It’s always nice to chill with them outside of practice, just hanging around watching TV and relaxing. Sometimes I’ll hang out with other UF athletes outside of my team, which can be refreshing.”
HC: Is there a special bond between all UF athletes? Or do students usually stick to hanging out with people from their own sport?
ND: “There is definitely a special bond within my team. As far as the other athletes go, we pretty much all know each other and support one another.”
HC: Besides running fast, are there any other interests or special talents you have?
ND: “I wouldn’t call it a talent, but I definitely like to go to the gym a lot and lift weights when I can. My interests right now mostly revolve around school, and right now my passion is political science.”
HC: Where do you see yourself in five years?
ND: “I see myself graduating from UF, back at home in Miami and having my mom and aunt be my campaign managers. I strive to one day run for office and to shape the future of our state or federal government.”
Photo courtesy of Nick Diaz