Senior Stories: Learning What I'm Capable Of

Claudia was a recipient of the 2019 SRLA Scholarship. She currently attends UC Berkeley. In honor of this year’s scholarship application becoming available to current SRLA Seniors, we are sharing her story!

The personal challenge that Students Run LA gave me was with myself. At the beginning of middle school, I had a  hard time finding my place at a new school and I was scared of a lot of things, especially failing to be a leader to my family. When I joined Students Run LA, however, I discovered a newfound confidence in my abilities that I never felt before.

My first marathon was the first time I had ever pushed myself so much. It was at mile 23 where I felt everything, from my legs to my shoulders. I was struggling and I felt tears start to form in my eyes. During the run, I forced myself to look forward because I wanted badly to sit down on the sidewalk and stay there. I was slowly walking when one of the SRLA leaders, who most likely noticed the pain I was in, came up to me and gave me a warm smile as well as an invitation to run with her. She put some Minnie Mouse ears on my head and we went on for the next 3.2 miles. She gave me words of encouragement that lifted my spirits and helped me cross the finish line. It was there where I witnessed the power determination and resilience had but also how an act of kindness towards someone causes a big difference in their lives.

Students Run LA prepared me for my future by showing me what I am capable of. The challenge that Students Run LA gave me changed me by instilling a positive attitude towards everything I do. I was no longer the 7th grader who was why and doubted herself. The resilience and determination I learned throughout my 6 years of running have allowed me to be where I am today, the first in the family to be graduating from high school.

To make a donation to support the next class of SRLA runners to help them work towards their goals like Claudia did, please click here.