Senior Stories: Marcia, The Power of Inclusivity
Marcia is a 4-time SRLA runner who served as the team captain of Marquez High School. She earned the SRLA Scholarship for her efforts, which will contribute to her studies at UC Santa Barbara as a Biology major.
Marcia showing off 3 of her LA Marathon medals.
I have never been good at math, and I envy those who just understand it so easily. As much as I wish I was like them, I struggled every single time. Whenever I found myself extremely stuck on a lesson though I made sure to always stay after school for math tutoring, where I could really take advantage of that one on one support of my teacher or teacher's assistant. With my time in SRLA the various lessons I learned that helped me overcome this obstacle was to stay determined, committed, and have respectful communication with my teacher. I applied these skills to my academics which had an impactful result. The more I showed determination to study and ask for help from my teacher the more I noticed my exam scores increased and I understood lessons on my own much quicker. If it weren't for my commitment and close communication to my teacher I would have fallen behind and would feel overwhelmed that my teacher wouldn't understand my struggles, however I made it my mission to update my teacher on what was going on and how I felt in order for them to truly see I am putting in my full effort. The test scores were just a visual proof that demonstrated devotion for my academic achievements.
The influence that SRLA has made in my life has been life changing and a significant experience for my personal development. Through my participation in SRLA all four years of high school I was provided with personal benefits. I found a community of students who enjoyed running as much as me. As well as making everlasting changes to my mental and physical health. Through my journey of being a part of SRLA I took on the feeling of making real commitments to myself, which has changed me for the better. I am a much more well rounded person. It has been my passion since I was 7 years old watching my oldest sister take part in SRLA that I knew I wanted to start my running journey too. I can gladly say that I have experienced the true meaning of teamwork, determination, leadership, and communication while in SRLA. I have grown to be a dependable person who strives to give their 100 percent all the time. I can take this state of mind with me as I continue to seek new opportunities in my personal and professional life. Thus, SRLA has helped me in creating lifelong connections and friendships with others I meet along the way, either pre race during or after. I have met several other students throughout the years while running and was able to maintain these tight relationships as we endured the same memorable experience. Lastly I have become a much more open minded person, throughout my years observing those who ran alongside me I noticed the various ages and ethnicities taking on the races, it surprised me to see such inclusive space, everyone is supportive and understands each others pain throughout the course which I think makes it much more sentimental. I have been influenced by these older runners to continue on my running journey as I leave the SRLA team. I am incredibly grateful for all that Students Run LA has done for me. I will forever cherish this unforgettable experience.
“I too can gladly say that I have experienced the true meaning of teamwork, determination, leadership, and communication while in SRLA.”