Senior Stories: Samara, Reaching the Finish Line
Samara just graduated from California Connections Academy and ran with the LAPD USC cadet youth group. Samara trained hard to reach that marathon finish line and despite getting injured halfway through the marathon, she found the strength and willpower to reach the end thanks to the support of her team. Samara will be going to UC Berkeley and major in Computer Science and Business Administration.
Samara and her mom at her graduation from California Connections Academy!
Participating in SRLA has completely changed the way that I felt about running and my experience with fitness in general. I joined the program without running a single mile in years and knew that it would be one of the toughest challenges that I would face both mentally and physically. I knew since the beginning that aside from making multiple small goals throughout my training, my end goal was just finishing. Every run slowly got me closer to the marathon itself.
Running felt liberating. As I began to run longer distances at my own pace, I felt like I could go on forever as I admired the different destinations I came across which was exciting. As time went by, I started to become more accountable with running and noticed it translated onto every aspect of my life as well. The leaders in my group supported me and continuously offered me the best advice to make the journey easier for myself. I developed close relationships with my teammates since we all knew coming into this that we would be experiencing similar challenges.
Samara and her team on marathon morning!
During the marathon I found that the toughest challenge was around mile 13 when I got injured and started questioning myself if I was truly capable of finishing the race or not. I was on my own and watched as other runners passed me while I was left with only being able to walk the rest of the path. It was very satisfying training for many months before achieving my goal and thinking back that at certain points I thought it was impossible to do. The marathon gave me a new found belief that I am capable of getting things done when I apply myself.
Rapid Fire!
A special SRLA memory was when...
I had the support of my team to push me all the way to the finish line during the marathon when I injured my leg around mile 13.
An artist/music I like to listen to while running…
Øfdream, Wave music
Something you can’t run without…
A hat or energy gel packs are a must.
Favorite post/pre run snack…
Bananas!
Someone/something that inspires me to run…
The feeling of accomplishing something.
YOU TOO CAN HELP STUDENTS REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Learn more about our programs to get involved. Donate, volunteer, or sponsor our students to make a difference with SRLA.