1) When did you participate in the program?

I participated in GOTR in 4th and 5th grade.

2) Where did you participate in the program/coach the program? What was the council name? 

I participated in it at my elementary school, School of the Incarnation in Gambrills, Maryland, with Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake. Fun fact- my mom was the coach one of the years I did!

3) What was your favorite part of your GOTR experience and how did it shape who you are today?  

I loved a lot of different things about Girls on the Run, but I think what I loved most about it was the valuable lessons I still use today. I truly don’t know if I would have the relationship I do now with running if it were not for GOTR. It introduced me to the sport in such a fun way and taught me how to be confident and empowered in myself as well as important traits and skills like kindness and empathy to navigate all of life’s experiences.  

4) What lesson do you refer back to time and time again?  

One lesson that also stands out in my mind was a time where we had to stand up and name things and characteristics that we love about ourselves. At an age where it was easy to compare ourselves with others, this lesson was so important to me in practicing self love. 

5) Where has life taken you since your experience with Girls on the Run? 

Since my experience with Girls on the Run in elementary school I continued to run in middle school, high school, and now I am a junior at Stanford University on the cross country and track team . My dream is to keep running after college professionally!

6) Why is it important to share GOTR alum stories?  

I think it is really important to share GOTR alum stories to hopefully inspire the next generation of girls in this sport as well as show them that GOTR was about so much more than just running and that they are so much more than just runners.