Art & Life with Shatajah Maximin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shatajah Maximin.

Shatajah, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a track and field athlete. I’ve been running for 11 years. I started my running career as a cross country runner then quickly switched to short sprints during track and field season. I found my passion with track, my freshman year in high school. My older brother was a track runner, and what do younger sibling want to do? Well, out shine their older sibling in everything just to be like them.

Later on, I found my love and calling for my sport. I competed collegiatley on the Women’s Track and Field team at Southern Connecticut State University. Within my college career I’ve set University records, won team Championships and individual championship titles, finished my career with 16x NCAA All-American Awards and a NCAA champion title in the 4×4 relay. After, graduating Fromm Southern Connecticut State University in 2017, I was accepted to train at Altis in Phoenix, Arizona, where I was offered to continue and pursue my career in Track and field this year.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a post-collegiate track and field athlete. I compete in the sprints (100m-400m) I absolutely love what I do. I feel free and alive when I’m competing against another female athletes. I would say I have a strong passion for being competitive. Throughout my track career I’ve overcame some injuries and let downs that would have potentially end my career, but my drive and the dedication I had for myself and my team helped me create a strong fight throughout my season. My message for people is to go after what you “truly” love. Whether it’s sports, art, music, cooking, what every it is you believe in, go after it. Have fun in the process because time will flash before your eyes and the “what if” thoughts and moments you didn’t take will forever be your set back.

Put your all in your gifts and talents something happens in the universe when you commit to your calling and when that happens an over flow of blessing and opportunity fills your drive and motivation. Also, trust the processes, not everything comes to you. You have to continually work hard at your gifts. I hope people will see what they truly want to do in their life and get excited because THEY have the ablility to be great.

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
Success is something you have to work toward. You can’t wake up and expect success to be knocking at your door with the reward. You have to want to work for your success. Success comes down to how bad do you want it. How hard are you willing to work at your gifts/talents? Hard you willing to wake up every morning and dedicate your day to your gifts? Are you willing to research way to better yourself? Those are the things successful individuals think about every day. Throughout college I dedicated my time in school and track. Those were the two things I wanted to see results in. I sacrificed the “typical college life” so I can become successful in my gifts. With sacrifice comes success. Putting your selfish needs aside to better a team, others around you, and yourself. Success should always have a purpose behind it. Why do you want to be successful? For who?

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can follow my journey on instagram @shatajahm_ !

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Shatajahm_
• Twitter: Shatajahw_

Image Credit:
My Life ❤️

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