What brought you to Auburn?

I was introduced to Auburn through track and field. I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship and run on one of the best teams in the nation. As it turns out, there were several other talented New Yorkers on the team, two of who had been on my high school team.

I really became comfortable in my own skin at Auburn. Outside of athletics, I became a better student and got involved in what I consider some outstanding organizations. I left Auburn as a captain of the track team, a president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a vice president of the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen. I suppose if I had to choose from all the great things that I experienced, it would be when they called my name as a Plainsman. I was standing all alone in a large crowd of students waiting to cheer on their friends. I felt a bit out of place because I was still wearing my workout gear from track practice while everyone else was dressed for the event. It seemed that everyone had their dorm mates or sorority/fraternity brothers and sisters there to cheer them on. I’m not sure if there had ever been a varsity athlete chosen, but it sure felt like a foreign place for me to be. The list of accepted new members seemed endless, and just as I was about to give up hope, it happened. They called my name and it seemed like everything had stopped. People looked around and then one unfamiliar co-ed looked in my direction and asked, “Is that you?” I must have acknowledged her because the next thing I knew her arms were around me, and she was congratulating me. I don’t think I ever ran across campus so fast. At that moment, I knew I belonged.

What was the biggest challenge while at Auburn?

Although race issues were a challenge, it was a wonderful blessing to interact with people who thought differently, lived differently, and acted differently. Being a bi-racial New Yorker wasn’t exactly an easy thing to be in the Deep South at that time. There were moments when my skin was too dark and other timed when it was too light. What I learned from this challenge were patience and acceptance. I also learned how to develop relationships that looked beyond the façade of appearances. Overcoming the challenge of race identity has made me more capable, and for that I am grateful for my time at Auburn.

What was your path after Auburn?

After Auburn I returned to New York where I enrolled in graduate school at Brooklyn College. I graduated with a MS in Sports Psychology and spent many years working as a clinical director for several not-for-profit community-based organizations. I eventually found my way into the public school system where I work as a director of guidance in a middle school on Long Island. In addition, I am a college counselor and lecturer. I also have a small private mental health practice, and although I recently gave it up, I have coached high school track and field since I left Auburn. My current passions are raising money for my foundation (josephtolesfoundation.com)/(quarters4camp.org) where we provide a camping experience for kids living in foster care and raising my adopted son while I look for another child.

Why is staying in touch with other Auburn alumni and friends important?

There was so much I took from Auburn that I wish I was closer in proximity and interaction. There is no other place that I know of that has the spirit of Auburn and it certainly has made a lasting impression on me. Staying in touch with those who share a common experience makes us a part of the larger picture and connected to the memories of why we are who we are.

I can be contacted at Tolesfoundation@aol.com or facebook.com.

Questions?
Contact Tanja Matthews '92 334.844.1113 email