I have become a coach at my school with the Girls on the Run program. Last week was the first week and I enjoy it so much more than I ever thought. I never thought I would be the coach of anything, but this is so worthwhile and a whole lot a fun.
They were looking for adults to help after school and Tuesday and Thursday. I volunteered without really knowing what I was getting into. It turns out that what I got into is not just a running/fitness program. It is a program to help young girls (I have 3rd-5th graders on my team) build their self-esteem and to empower them to make healthy choices in their lives.
After only two sessions, I have bonded with my girls so I can't imagine what all will occur over the next 9-weeks. The time I spend with my girls is probably the fastest three hours in my week. I love hearing them talk to each other when they come in, fill their water bottles, and have their snack. I love hearing their thinking while we discuss the topic outlined in the lesson for the week. I also love the time we get to spend together out on the track running, walking, jogging, skipping, and hopping.
I am so happy that these girls are developing friendships that they will be able to carry with them to middle school, which can be a difficult time in a girl's life. I love the focus on positivity this program promotes. I really believe that you can train yourself to be more positive. At least, that is what I am trying to do for this team of girls. I want to be a bright spot in their lives and to build trust with them so they will do that for each other.
I am not a runner, but I am working on it. We will be participating in a 5K in May and I will be doing it with my team, which is pretty exciting to me! These girls are motivating me to become a better person and I will try my hardest not to let them down.
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3 months ago
I love activities like this, I'm so glad you volunteered. Sounds like you'll get as much out of it as they will
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing and beautiful! What an investment...I will pray that the friendships and bonds that develop are very strong and rooted in goodness. I think you are right-you can train yourself to be positive, but the older you are when you start the harder it is (like anything, right?), so if they can get the tools for this skill now, then they will be so much better off as they get older.
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