Name: Sibak Sung

Major: Sport Psychology (Ph.D.)

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

What made you choose the FSU Sport Psychology Program?

Some friends of mine who went to the same university in South Korea were at Florida State University studying sports-related majors including sport psychology. They encouraged me to consider the FSU Sport Psychology program. Since I was searching for a sport psychology program in the United States, FSU seemed to be the most suitable school. I also liked the fact that it was one of the most popular schools for sport psychology program as well.

What has been your most memorable moment at FSU so far?

When I went to the football stadium to watch football for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the cheering crowds. Then I was amazed at how good FSU was at football and was honored to watch it in person. As I was a national athlete in my country, I was soaked into the sports spirit while the game was on.

What advice do you have for future students?

FSU has amazing facilities and services, such as the gymnasium and career center. I have started to use them lately, so I recommend future students utilize them. Especially for sport psychology major students, we have experimental research equipment in the sport psychology lab in the Stone Building, so I recommend that future students consider using it for their research.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am currently researching human behavior to improve performance when playing sports. The target of the research covers athletes as well as the general public who play sports for their health or who enjoy the activities with family and friends. I would like to apply my knowledge and research to teach athletes and students in university.

What was it like competing at the highest level of speed skating?

I had participated in the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 for speed skating and it was the highest level in my life as an athlete. Standing on the starting line and hearing the whistle announcing the game has begun made me thrilled. It is important to maintain optimal competitive level during the game, and especially if it is the Olympics, [competitiveness is] the most important factor. There are big crowds and the players who participate are at the top of the level in the field, so it was hard to maintain that level. I am proud of what I achieved.

How has your sport career influenced your academic career?

My sports career not only influenced my academic career but also my life as a whole. I learned how to compete with others based on the sports manner and how to manage my personality. I also learned how to endure for my abilities to continue to grow and evolve.

Anything else you would like to add?

It was not easy to start my academic career since I spent my early life speed skating. I feel like I am starting from the bottom again. I love what Steve Jobs said about “connecting dots.” He spoke about the dots representing every episode in one’s life. And when connecting them, it becomes a line and a life. So, I take this step as another chapter of my life and it is a “dot” that will continue my story.