Congratulations to SRO Marathon Finishers and Volunteers!
On Sunday, March 4, this season's students and volunteers participated in the Los Angeles Marathon. Congratulations to the 19 students and 2 teachers who finished the marathon, and thank you to the volunteers! Now it's time to rest and then gear up for another great season starting in late summer.
Executive Director Spencer Hooper sent the following message to volunteers on March 8:
SRO,
Congratulations on another successful season. 100 % of the students who started the marathon crossed the finish line this past weekend in Los Angeles. After speaking with most of the students, I have truly witnessed a transformation in many of them. We have much to share; however, at this time we are sharing the each other’s pride & soreness. Please check our website for current news and updates.
Again, a much deserved thank-you to all of the SRO staff, volunteers and our supporters. It’s your efforts that make "Training For Life, One Step At A Time" possible.
The following comments were written by two students who participated in the 2006-07 season:
I joined SRO for many reasons, like, looking up to my happy and healthy great-grandmother, and also to kill some spare time. But one in particular is very important: it has benefitted me in my own personal gain. It helped boost my own confidence and self-esteem. I got to socialize with peers of different ethnicities from all over Oakland and very friendly volunteers. Before I joined this program, I was always cautious of my environment because I feel insecure. I never would make long conversation with anyone, and I would always have my “hoodie” on so people avoid seeing my face. But after this experience, I wouldn't be afraid of being looked down on. It has given me not only my own self-esteem and confidence, I also got to make many friends and stay in a positive environment. This program changed me into a new person.
- Anthony Ha, 11th grader, Oakland Tech
Students Run Oakland (SRO) is the best program ever. I got a lot out of it. For example, how to build endurance. I learned about physical and mental strength. I didn't just gain knowledge about training for a marathon. I learned that life is about challenges, overcoming obstacles, self-confidence, and victories.
Before I joined SRO I never knew what a challenge was. I never knew that you can train to reach your goals. I didn't know that until you get in your head that you can do anything, nothing is achievable. But with SRO I found out that setting your mind to do what you want is always reachable. Now, I apply this lesson when it comes to school. When I feel I can't get my assignments done on time, I tell myself that I can do it and I work hard to get them done. Even if it takes me all night.
Overcoming any obstacle is not easy. Yeah, you'll have some downfalls; however, you learn not to trip over the same rock twice and prevent yourself from falling again. SRO taught me how to push myself when I feel like quitting. This lesson I bring into play when I get frustrated from all the work I have to do; for instance, managing A.P. classes, attending after-school programs, and trying to have time for my friends, family, and myself. In order to meet a challenge or overcome an obstacle, it's very important to have self-confidence. With out it, it's twice the challenge and it's harder to conquer your goal.
Challenges, obstacles, and self-confidence lead up to victory. We all love the feeling of accomplishment. If you think about it, victory is just another word for SUCCESS. When I work hard to reach my objective and at the end I achieve it, the feeling I get is priceless.
- Esmeralda Aguilar, 11th grader, Castlemont
Executive Director Spencer Hooper sent the following message to volunteers on March 8:
SRO,
Congratulations on another successful season. 100 % of the students who started the marathon crossed the finish line this past weekend in Los Angeles. After speaking with most of the students, I have truly witnessed a transformation in many of them. We have much to share; however, at this time we are sharing the each other’s pride & soreness. Please check our website for current news and updates.
Again, a much deserved thank-you to all of the SRO staff, volunteers and our supporters. It’s your efforts that make "Training For Life, One Step At A Time" possible.
The following comments were written by two students who participated in the 2006-07 season:
I joined SRO for many reasons, like, looking up to my happy and healthy great-grandmother, and also to kill some spare time. But one in particular is very important: it has benefitted me in my own personal gain. It helped boost my own confidence and self-esteem. I got to socialize with peers of different ethnicities from all over Oakland and very friendly volunteers. Before I joined this program, I was always cautious of my environment because I feel insecure. I never would make long conversation with anyone, and I would always have my “hoodie” on so people avoid seeing my face. But after this experience, I wouldn't be afraid of being looked down on. It has given me not only my own self-esteem and confidence, I also got to make many friends and stay in a positive environment. This program changed me into a new person.
- Anthony Ha, 11th grader, Oakland Tech
Students Run Oakland (SRO) is the best program ever. I got a lot out of it. For example, how to build endurance. I learned about physical and mental strength. I didn't just gain knowledge about training for a marathon. I learned that life is about challenges, overcoming obstacles, self-confidence, and victories.
Before I joined SRO I never knew what a challenge was. I never knew that you can train to reach your goals. I didn't know that until you get in your head that you can do anything, nothing is achievable. But with SRO I found out that setting your mind to do what you want is always reachable. Now, I apply this lesson when it comes to school. When I feel I can't get my assignments done on time, I tell myself that I can do it and I work hard to get them done. Even if it takes me all night.
Overcoming any obstacle is not easy. Yeah, you'll have some downfalls; however, you learn not to trip over the same rock twice and prevent yourself from falling again. SRO taught me how to push myself when I feel like quitting. This lesson I bring into play when I get frustrated from all the work I have to do; for instance, managing A.P. classes, attending after-school programs, and trying to have time for my friends, family, and myself. In order to meet a challenge or overcome an obstacle, it's very important to have self-confidence. With out it, it's twice the challenge and it's harder to conquer your goal.
Challenges, obstacles, and self-confidence lead up to victory. We all love the feeling of accomplishment. If you think about it, victory is just another word for SUCCESS. When I work hard to reach my objective and at the end I achieve it, the feeling I get is priceless.
- Esmeralda Aguilar, 11th grader, Castlemont
posted by Unknown at 7:00 AM
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