Karina, a dedicated student at Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, not only trained for the rigorous Los Angeles Marathon but also conquered the SRLA Superstar Challenge this season. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Karina’s commitment, as it requires perfect school attendance, maintaining a solid B average or higher, and extending help to others, even assisting a stranger with a school project. Beyond academics and personal growth, Karina also demonstrated incredible community spirit by collecting $100 in pennies for Every Penny Counts, 100 paper products for the Ronald McDonald House, 100 toys for Bring Joy with a Toy, and an impressive 100 pounds of pasta for Pasta to Make a Difference. In her own words, shared in her blog, Karina reflects on her marathon experience and the motivations driving her Superstar Challenge participation.
Alt text: Karina, a student from Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, powerfully runs in the Los Angeles Marathon, embodying dedication and perseverance.
Reflecting on the marathon, Karina describes a wave of emotions: “At the beginning of the Marathon, I was very happy and excited that the day had finally come.” Her initial enthusiasm carried her through the first 11 miles, and she was pleased to find the hills less challenging than anticipated. However, the final 13 miles tested her resolve. “When the last 13 miles came, I was struggling physically and mentally. Though I was very exhausted after the first 15 miles, I am happy to have finished strong and happy about my time.” Karina credits the support of the CHP and her “running buddies” as crucial to her success, highlighting the camaraderie and encouragement that fueled her journey through her second marathon.
Crossing the finish line brought an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. “When I crossed the finish line, I had a rush of excitement. I knew I had finished at my preferred time and was very happy because I saw my parents, who were the people that I ran for, as well as for Coach Alan.” Participating in SRLA has instilled valuable life lessons in Karina: “Through participating in SRLA, I learned patience, hard work, stamina, and perseverance.” The Superstar Challenge further enriched her experience, teaching her “teamwork and dedication.” She recounts her collaboration with a fellow student, Janelle, on a science project about cells, emphasizing the practical application of teamwork. Karina’s drive to become a Superstar was fueled by a desire to try something new in her final year with SRLA and create a lasting memory. This initiative, fostered by Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, encourages students to go beyond personal achievements and contribute to the wider community.
Alt text: Dedicated students at Ellen Ochoa Learning Center engage in collaborative project, highlighting teamwork and dedication fostered by the school environment.
Karina expresses deep gratitude for her mentors: “My leaders are actually the best. They all helped in the little things that mattered and helped the most. They made the team smile, laugh, and have a good time running.” The coaches’ influence extended beyond running, offering guidance on life and school challenges. Coach Bernie’s advice to “not think about the race, just have fun” and Coach Armando’s “wise words” provided invaluable mental support throughout the races. Karina summarizes their impact: “Overall, they were wonderful coaches and friends that helped a lot throughout this journey.” Her advice to future Superstar Challenge participants emphasizes the importance of support and enjoyment: “Some advice I would give to anyone that would like to complete the Superstar Challenge is to have someone to help you through the process, like my coaches, and to just have fun.”
Karina’s journey exemplifies the spirit of Ellen Ochoa Learning Center and the transformative power of the SRLA program. To ensure that more students like Karina can reach their full potential and cross their own finish lines, consider making a donation today. Your contribution supports the continued success of these vital educational and extracurricular programs.
