Senior Stories: Eva Mendoza, Conquering Anxiety
Eva Mendoza has completed three seasons with Students Run LA (SRLA) and is a recent graduate of Synergy Quantum Academy High School. Eva was awarded the SRLA Scholarship this year and will take her scholarship to the Vanderbilt University, where she will major in Mechanical Engineering. Eva shares her SRLA journey in her own words below.
Eva celebrating her completion of the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon with her banner.
Being part of S.R.L.A. has helped me discipline myself to reach my goals for running. I learned how to overcome my doubts by asking my teammates for advice to run longer. I took in their advice during our training and started to set goals for running. For example, running three miles without walking and, if I wanted to walk, I would jog slowly to control my breathing to pick up my pace.
A memorable running experience I had was during my cross-country race. I had an anxiety attack after finishing the 5k and my team called the medic to help me calm down. Once I calmed down my coach and team comforted and congratulated me. They reminded me that all that mattered was finishing the race. I recall that experience often during my training because it pushes me to keep running. It reminds me that I have a very supportive team and that once I start running my goal is to finish no matter how good or bad I feel my pace is. Another memorable experience I will never forget was falling into depression and my anxiety was worsening. I started to take counseling and take medication to help me with my mental health. But, SRLA helped me feel stronger mentally and physically. Running was my escape from the world but what I enjoyed about it the most was getting to run with my teammates who are now my closest friends today. Running with my friends made me feel not alone in the world because I felt alive and uplifted from their love and support every morning.
SRLA made me feel accomplished when I pushed myself to reach a limit to overcome it next time. A limit I overcame was sprinting a longer distance than before. I would struggle during our sprinting drills because my mind would constantly focus on my soreness. I knew I really wanted to run faster so I kept speeding up and taking care of my body. I started to be faster than before in my sprinting. I started to catch up to my friends and they would congratulate me for beating my time.
After running my second marathon, I realized there is no limit to anything , you are the only one who can make your moment when you want to. My moment was sprinting the last few meters to the finish line even when I was tearing up and exhausted.
Eva running during the SRLA 30K Race.
Camila celebrating her Vanderbilt University acceptance!
I enjoyed being busy because SRLA was not just a sport it was a part of me. Even on cold or sprinkling mornings, I would show up to practice to lead my team and run no matter my pace. I was building better habits because my body was developing a better immune system and stronger muscles. It made me feel good about myself when I was practicing self-care through SRLA.
The self-care helped me not burn out with my challenging classes because I was attending tutoring, studying better, and prioritizing important tasks.
SRLA has a place in my heart because it is my joy and growth in life.