#FightTheStigma during Movember
During November, the Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) along with the student organization Redefining Athletic Standards (RAS) will host Movember. Movember is focused on fighting the stigma against men’s mental health. We spoke with RAS President Terry Johnson to learn more about the org, Movember and his experience.
What are you studying and why?
I am studying Construction Systems Management. I grew up around construction because my grandfather was a general contractor, and it has always surrounded me. I am fascinated by how things are built and how they can be put together.
How did you get involved with RAS?
I helped found RAS last year in August with the previous president Austin Mack and Student Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) advisors. We gathered a group of guys to talk about starting a student org for male athletes, mainly African American male athletes.
We wanted to break the stigma of being “just an athlete” on campus, and to network with one another. RAS has helped me to meet athletes from different sports and to learn how their experiences have differed from my own, and I have learned to network among them.
How do you define RAS?
RAS is a student organization that supports and advocates for black male athletes. We strive to give a voice and keep athletes involved through giving back, increasing graduation rates and integrating in college communities.
What sport do you play here?
I am a 400 Hurdler for Track & Field at Ohio State. In high school, I played everything from football to baseball. I didn’t actually start running track and field until my junior year and signed to play at Ohio State my senior year.
What does the Movember event mean to you?
Movember is a way to spread awareness that it is okay to talk about men’s mental health. Most men would rather not talk and as a result, they receive very little support. We want to highlight that it’s okay to talk about it and to assist one another through it. We want to make some real changes in society. Whether they be athletes, family members, or strangers, we want to do as much as we can to break the cycle and to start a conversation.
How can people get involved in Movember?
We are hosting barbershop talks in late November and would love people to check it out. We will be talking about mental health, how we see it, how we’ve grown up seeing it and its effect on our lives. We will have alumni and current students discussing the changes in mental health and its stigma throughout generations and how we can continue to improve. All are welcome, athletes encouraged to attend.
Any advice for Ohio State students?
My best advice to athletes and students is to get involved and make yourself valuable in that organization you choose. You will learn a lot about yourself.
For more information about Movember, visit the CCS website.
