Falk student-athlete Justyn Knight finds connections in social work and sports

Social work student Justyn Knight ’18 is noticing what it takes to work in the helping professions. By learning about others, and about himself, Knight says he is feeding his passion for lifting others up. “The thing I enjoy most about social work is helping others achieve the goals they set out for themselves,” he says. “Sometimes all people need is some guidance to help them get on the right track.”

Knight is used to giving others encouragement as a student-athlete on the Syracuse University men’s cross country team. This season, Knight was honored with the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Male Performer of the Year honor for cross country for the second year in a row. His near-perfect season consisted of win after win, aside from one second-place finish. The team took home the national title. This year, they finished third.

Knight says the skills he’s learning in the classroom have made him a better leader for the team. “Social work has taught me how to accommodate everyone’s individual needs to help them get the leadership and encouragement they need.”

“The School of Social Work is proud of Justyn. He is most deserving of this athletic honor,” says Director of the School of Social Work Keith Alford, Ph.D., A.C.S.W. “Social work is a profession that promotes the worth and dignity of all humankind. It is not surprising that Justyn has effectively parlayed his social work acumen to his athletic network. He is an outstanding team leader, builder, and player. This is a winning combination on and off the field!”

After graduation, Knight hopes to become a guidance counselor in the educational environment.