Ashly: Lessons from SRLA

Ashly is a senior at Venice High School, she has been part of SRLA for 2 years and became captain my last year.

Ashly with her Pasadena Half Marathon Finisher Medal.

SRLA has impacted me in many ways after my first marathon. Throughout the course it wasn’t easy as it seemed, your legs are tired and feel like giving up. I saw many kids who seemed to struggled like I did to get to the finish like. I’d drag other kids with me to not give up and keep running making sure the bus didn’t pick us up because we are all one family on the course.

But without my coach who also helped me finish the marathon, I wouldn’t be able to finish, shoutout to Mr.Smith! Once you see the finish line, tears of joy come down your face. It’s the best feeling ever! Once I finished the marathon I felt how SRLA really has taught me what I’m capable of. I’d never thought I would be capable of running 26.2 miles because that seemed insane to me at first.

Also having a positive attitude knowing you can get to the finish line has became part of me because I challenged myself on something I’d never thought I can do. As captain I believed in all my teammates that they can do it. The lesson SRLA has taught me is to never give up! Overcome your challenges! Believe in yourself! And most importantly is to have fun throughout the course! 

Help students like Ashly learn to overcome challenges and never give up, srla.org/donate.