Stephanie
1) How have you been involved with Girls on the Run?
This is my second year as a Girls On The Run coach!
2) What drew you to the program to get involved?
I was initially drawn to GOTR because I love to exercise, and I know how important it is to get students passionate about exercise from a young age. I also love the GOTR girl empowerment mission!
3) Why do you think it's so important for girls today to have access to this program?
It's so important for girls to have access to GOTR so they have another avenue to support building their self-esteem as young as 3rd grade.
4) How have you seen the program impact a girl on your team?
I have seen the GOTR program build new friendships across friend groups and across grade levels. I've also seen a change in the girls who have returned this year! They are much more confident and better with expressing themselves.
5) What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Outside of GOTR, I love to swim and bike! I also love to cook and spend time with family and friends, including my dog, Old Bay!
Muhammad
1) How have you been involved with Girls on the Run?
As the site liaison and coach for Girls on the Run at Hampden Elementary/Middle school, I have planned, organized, and facilitated all sessions since I brought this program to our school last year.
2) What drew you to the program to get involved?
I enjoy running and I noticed there were not many avenues for the girls at my school to participate in physical activity outside of my physical education classes. I wanted to bring a program to our school that would focus on girls and physical activity.
3) Why do you think it's so important for girls today to have access to this program?
In the Girls on the Run program young girls can feel comfortable, secure, and connected to other girls in ways that improve all areas of wellness. Ultimately, with women as the leading decision makers, improving women’s health should be a top priority on the local, state, and federal level. We should educate young girls, as the Girls on the Run Program does, about their health and wellness in ways that empower them to grow as physically literate individuals.
4) How have you seen the program impact a girl on your team?
Our program started last year relatively small with some girls that demonstrated high levels of anxiety, both socially and emotionally. As this program has grown at Hampden EMS, those girls have been able to express themselves, share their emotions, and relieve some of the pressure they have reported feeling. We’ve had girls that were closed off and recluse become vocal and assertive. We’ve had girls that were quiet and unsure of themselves become outspoken leaders amongst their peers.
5) What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Most of my hobbies revolve around exercise. I love running and exercising at a gym. I love playing physically active games and board games.