Meet the Alumni: Maria

Meet Maria! Maria did SRLA at John Burroughs Middle School & Hollywood High School. She has completed 5 marathons with SRLA.

MEET MARIA!

Do you have a favorite SRLA memory?

Waking up sunday morning to go for practice runs at Griffith Park with our teammates, followed by brunch.

Do you remember any specific challenges training as a student?

Maybe just including training time to my school schedule.

What are you doing now?

Graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a BS in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and minor in Global Health. Recently, I am finishing a post baccalaureate program at Charles R Drew University and looking to take the MCAT soon to apply to medical school. In between I am interning at the OASIS Clinic and also working as at Nike (part time).

What lessons did you learn in SRLA that you still use today, if any?

How to be supportive as a team/individual with oneself and others; how no goal is ever too big to accomplish; the importance of training, perseverance, and dedication.

Do you have any advice for current SRLA students, related to life and or running?

There was so much value in SRLA program from the opportunities it provides to the people you meet and train with as well as the character it helps build. Running became more than just running for me. Be always positive when working toward a goal and persistent because you can make every goal/dream a reality.

RAPID FIRE!

A few more questions - just for fun!
Do you still run?

Yes

What was your favorite SRLA race?

Universal Studios 15K

What did you have to have with you at every race?

Music

What SRLA gear (if any) do you still have?

most of my shirts and medals!

DO YOU WANT TO HELP STUDENTS BUILD CHARACTER AND DEVELOP POSITIVE ATTITUDES?

Learn more about our programs to get involved. Donate, volunteer, or sponsor our students to make a difference with SRLA.