Alumni Story: Marilin, A Wall of Friends

Marilin is an alum of the SRLA group at Los Angeles High School of the Arts. She now lives in Las Vegas and works as an event coordinator. One of her favorite “fun facts” about herself is that she completed 3 marathons during high school.

Marilin and her teammates after a race in 2013-2014.

Marilin recently reached out to SRLA to share her experience…

I ran with SRLA during the years 2011-2014, and I am so grateful for the experience. Not only did I gain my place in my team, but I also was able to develop skills that I apply to my personal and professional life today, such as: dedication, discipline and endurance. In addition to getting to hang out with classmates who were also practicing these skills along with me, I was able to practice committing to something challenging, feeling like I was going to fail and like I should give up, and finally mustering the strength to get it done.

One of my fondest memories is when our team leader, Ms. Lopez, took us on a run to the Hollywood sign, and on our way back down, I had a panic attack because I have a phobia of steep heights. Although the trail wasn't steep by the standards of the rest of my team (phobias are often irrational fears, after all), Ms. Lopez asked our team to enclose me in a protective barrier shaped like a square, with one wall of friends on each side of me. Within this boxed human shield, we all walked down the hill together. Ms. Lopez and my team didn't judge me. They banded together to make me feel safe and supported, and they walked to that mental finish line with me.

Marilin (left) with Ms. Lopez, before her first marathon in 2012.

SRLA gave me so many experiences like that one. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team, to challenge myself and achieve my goals.

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