How SRLA Changes Students’ Lives

(After participating in SRLA) I will never let anyone tell me something is impossible; that word has no meaning to me.

Arturo

These four magnificent years I spend with SRLA have been the best of my life.  Participating in Students Run LA has shown me that nothing is impossible once you believe in yourself.  It has also shown me that if I fully apply myself I can reach the highest status in our society.  This experience will help me not only in college but in my whole life.  Completing the marathon showed me that only I can want better for my life and that only I can achieve that goal.

Luis

The whole experience of SRLA proved (to) me and many others that I was capable of doing things that (I) never thought about before.  This Marathon inspired me to think big and never give up on anything no matter how impossible it might seem…Before entering Students Run LA I never really thought about my future or never really had any dreams to reach to.  After meeting new people through (SRLA), I know that when you set goals for the future you learn to go over anything to achieve them.

Daisy

(The Marathon) gave me the confidence that I needed and gave me the determination to attack other goals that I had in mind.  As a result of this I also managed to perform better in school because I wanted to excel in everything I do.

Antonio

I am sure everyone will remember the marathon this year, in 2011.  The rain was relentless, the wind drove fat stones of water into our bodies, and fighting off the cold was a constant battle.  In the weeks since, I have said it was quite like a five-hour, frigid shower.

Camila

How SRLA Promotes Education and Graduation

If I can complete a marathon, graduating will be a piece of cake.

Cesar

Training for the marathon has not only taught me how to pace myself in long distance runs, but as well as how to manage my time with school.

Sylvia

I do not think that I would have ever been accepted to a four-year university had I not participated in SRLA because it was through this organization that I met people who talked to me about college, and finishing the marathon is the evidence that convince me that I am capable of graduating from a four-year university.

Joaquin

I apply to school the same attitude I have towards the marathon.  I am not afraid to take challenging classes that will prepare me for my future career.  I treat those classes as if they were just another obstacle, which I must overcome to reach my goal.  If I do not understand something for class, I spend extra time trying to learn instead of giving up.

Christina

At first, I was thinking of just going to community college, but running the marathon has made me see that anything is possible.

Alejandro

Before SRLA I had been a decent student with only dreams of college, but no real plan in mind. However, after SRLA…I’m completely focused on college, planning to earn my bachelors degree and pursuing my future career.  Being a marathon runner gave me the confidence and motivation to chase after my academic goals.

Marisa

How SRLA Keeps Students Out Of Trouble

Students Run LA has been a great support in my life because I have used my training as a guiding light on the highway of my life to keep me away from drugs, gangs, and addictions. Running and (the) clarity that it gives my mind have inspired me to be a productive member of my family and society.

Hamilton

(SRLA) provided me with a different perspective than the one I am accustomed to; I no longer saw violence and hatred roaming the streets, but U.S. citizens cheering on students to finish their task.

Elizabeth

(SRLA) has influenced me to go to school and become a role model in my community after I graduate from college. I want to develop more programs like SRLA for students who are on the borderline of becoming gang members

Rodrigo

While running, I feel as if all my problems have disappeared and my mind is clear…running gives time for me to get away from any situation.

Erica

How SRLA Helps Students Improve Their Health

When I first joined the SRLA program, I was overweight and had high cholesterol.  At first, I struggled running a mile but throughout the years running became easier for me.  I started losing weight and my high cholesterol decreased.  Running became one of my favorite hobbies.  This is my third year in the SRLA program and I have lost 45 lbs.  My doctor told me that now I am in great condition and I do not have high cholesterol any more…Being healthy is the best feeling anyone can have…Thanks to the program, my health has improved dramatically.

Daniel

I think of Students Run LA not only as an extracurricular activity but as a part of my healthy and every day life.  By running I know that I am preventing diseases, making myself healthier, and also being a good role model for younger brothers.

Cristian

Running every day after school was beneficial because it released stress and I was in great shape.

Ileana

SRLA taught me the proper things to eat and helped me exercise regularly.

Walter

How The SRLA Leaders Have Tremendous Impact on SRLA Students

I am fortunate enough to have an amazing Leader (David Arbogast) that has guided me for seven years to never give up and led me to the right path of a healthy lifestyle.

Katia

I was inspired to join Students Run LA…by my math teacher, Mr. Buck…He inspires his students to achieve the impossible; anyone can run it, regardless of age, color, size, shape, or whatever obstacles there may be.  I can still remember him telling me on the first day of practice for the marathon that “obstacles just make you work harder.”

Kevin

My leader (Mr. Dunbar) showed me that the only way that I can have a successful life and be something in life is to further my education.

Luis

Mr. Cedillo, SRLA Leader, has helped me shape my character towards others, my attitude about things, and also helped me set long-term goals.  Mr. Cedillo (gave) the directions, gave me the route, but it was all up to me whether to finish it or not.

Keren