Finding your balance with Jath Codrington

He skates. He glides. He grooves. Known to dart past students in a flash with his advanced footwork on eight wheels, Jathniel “Jath” Codrington, a junior aeronautics major, has a talent unlike many others at Charleston Southern University. 

Codrington has been roller skating for over 10 years, and his love for the sport has only deepened with time. 

He admits to previously trying hoverboarding but quickly realized that the battery life of newer hoverboards would not sustain him as he made his way around campus. 

By spring 2023, Codrington had worn out his initial pair and needed an upgrade. It was then that he was gifted his second pair of skates by Brittney Greer and the Residence Life team. 

Though many may view him as a celebrity on campus, Codrington is very humble in his abilities. 

“I don’t like the idea of being praised because of my roller skating,” he says, “I’m just a normal person with personality.”

To Codrington, roller skating is something he does as a means of transportation and to have fun. He finds the most enjoyment when he can add his own style to a seemingly simple activity. 

The best place for him to get into his element is at the front of campus during sunset. When the vibes are just right, he dances and listens to reggae music while getting lost in the mesmerizing world around him. 

Codrington, like so many, is not just involved in one thing. In fact, the former pianist admits he has been inspired by many of his friends to try other skills.

“One of my other friends plays guitar,” he continues, “Then, I have another friend, like I said, he makes beats, but he’s also a rollerblader.” 

In life, challenges are inevitable, and it is helpful to know how to overcome them. When it comes to roller skating, Codrington has found that balance is one of the most important parts of overcoming. 

While his first lesson in balance may have begun on eight wheels, it has taken him to greater heights as an aeronautics major.

“One thing we have to learn about flying a helicopter is keeping it balanced…like balancing a marble on the top of a platform,” he says.

Whether a student is trying out something new like roller skating for the first time or merely juggling a hefty workload, the best piece of advice is to master the art of balancing. Do not be afraid to step outside of what is comfortable to discover that inner passion. 

Codrington is the perfect example that when you find that niche, nothing can stop you from pursuing it.

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