Alexandra recently graduated from Animo Jackie Robinson Charter High School. Through her time in SRLA, she learned many lessons such as how it feels to belong and how to be a leader the team can rely on. Alexandra is an SRLA scholarship winner and will use it to attend Dartmouth College with the intent to major in International Relations.

I think that throughout the years of being in SRLA, each year I have been influenced in a positive yet different way. My reason for joining SRLA in the first place was because of my weight and I wanted to focus on my physical health. That year I learned that running is about something more. It does something to one, and it helps heal one’s inner wound. In my first year, I learned the definition of feeling free and how doing a physical activity can result in an inner reaction.

“Running is about something more. It does something to one, and it helps heal one’s inner wound.”

In the second year, I wanted to relive that feeling of freedom one gets from running. Yet, I learned another lesson with my teammates/friends. I learned the definition and value of being a part of something. Of being in a team. Belonging to a family. I think that was a key moment in my life because this family does not have to have a biological root.

Then in my final year, I learned the definition of being independent and a leader. It was the year that I started being a leader and a captain. It was really difficult for everyone, including the coaches. I think we were in this weird position of trying to live our normal lives but it was not normal. Everyone was struggling to get back on track, a routine, finding a new purpose. I stepped up and planned practices, started practices, and led warmups. I also advised my teammates that were in their first year of SRLA. It was difficult at the beginning but the feeling of awkwardness and shyness slowly faded away.

Rapid Fire!
The best part of every race is…
Crossing the finish line. Knowing that I have accomplished one more step in the season toward reaching the goal of training for the marathon. Also knowing that there is a line of food waiting for me on the other side encourages me to run faster.

Artists/music I like to listen to while running…
Lady Gaga. Beyonce, Bad Bunny, Adele, and Ed Sheeran. I also listen to a Youtube channel called Lofi Girl, they usually post studying music. I don't know the exact reason why but it helps in a way.

A word to describe SRLA…
Empowering. (The explanation is in the strength, courage, resilience, experience, and stories many of my fellow SRLA runners have made and it is all thanks to SRLA.)

My favorite place to train…
Would be at the South LA Wetlands Park. Just an amazing place. I would practice there during the pandemic with either my cousin or dad during the evening. They have a small lake with ducks and turtles. As well as a fountain. Watching the sunsets is an amazing way to end a run.

Someone/something that inspires me to run…
I would say that everyone in my life inspires me. Throughout the years my coaches, team, friends, family, and SRLA Alumni have always encouraged me.

But I would like to give out a shout to my dad because during the pandemic he would walk every route in every practice or race I would have. He didn't have to but it made me happy that he was there with me physically because it was a huge change doing everything alone/ virtual. He would support me by giving me food/water or always encouraging me.

Shoutout to my mom. She would make food for me after every practice or race. Leave me at school during the cold early morning since 7th grade. Remind me to always get my life together before the races. Also for excusing my mandatory chores for the days of races.

Shoutout to my elder sister for driving me in the early hours of dawn for every single team practice and race. I owe her a lot of cups of coffee.

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Senior Stories: Alexandra, Lessons Learned

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