As a part of the USATF Week of Thanks campaign, we are spotlighting some of USATF's most dedicated members with a short feature (Humans of New York-style) on USATF.org and our social media accounts. Here is our second feature with 18-year-old Ezekiel Clark from Minneapolis Minnesota and a member of the Minnesota Flylers of the Minnesota Association "I joined USATF when I was in 8th grade (early 2017) and it has been a wild ride! I’m on the Minnesota Flyers T&F team and it has been all about a family-feel type of community. Having my teammates always pushing each other over the years really impacts each other on our push to hit all our goals in the sport. I can remember when I was younger looking up at the seniors and thinking I want to be where they are in the future, and I pushed myself to get to where I am today, and to help other kids do the same thing I did. Being on a USATF club team has just been about helping the young athletes continue what has been started. Just setting amazing examples so they know when they get to that leadership role that it will be just as strong. I try to be the best sport I can in respecting the sport of Track and Field. When USATF hosts these big meets I do my best to help, clean up starting blocks, move hurdles, help officials, just so everyone can have an easier and more fun day. I am most thankful for the leaders of the USATF community, without the leaders that have led me up to today I wouldn't have had that rock to step on to get to the top. Coaches, seniors, parents, you name it! They have all helped so much regardless if it was a little bit or following me all the way here. Something that people should know about me is I am very unique. I don't care that I act differently than a lot of people because that makes me, me. I don't try to act like someone I am not because you won't get anywhere with that. If someone has the chance to meet me you won't have a hard time remembering who I was :) When going through all these tough times from COVID-19 all the way down to a simple workout, I always tell myself "think about how far you have come rather than how much more you have to do.” When I am in a workout I tell myself "Hey, you got this! You have already done 10 sets, you only have 10 more." Rather than "Oh my gosh, I have 10 more sets. I don't think I can do this." It really helps focus on the positives and really pushes me even outside of the sport. Last thing I will leave you with is that I want the USATF community to know about me is I am partially deaf and have hearing aids, but it in no way stops me from pushing as hard as I can and doesn't come up as an excuse for anything. The point is to show that regardless of any physical or mental traits you have, you can always find ways to do what you want to do. Be our next Member Spotlight! Share your USATF journey here for a chance to receive a complimentary annual VIP adult membership courtesy of @teamtoyota! Whether you’re new to the sport or a long-term veteran, click the link in our bio to submit your story. The second Tuesday of each month, check back for Tuesdays with Toyota when we will share that month’s Member Spotlight. USATF Week of Thanks - Member Spotlight: Angie Jepsen