Natalie Hernandez is an awesome-possum fourth grader in Beloit at The Lincoln Academy. She participated in GOTR there last spring as a third grader. We got the chance to ask Natalie and her mom, Leslie, a few questions about their experience. Keep reading to meet this awesome family who ignited their GOTR star power this year!
Q: Leslie, as Natalie's mom, how did you and your family first hear about Girls on the Run? How did you decide to sign up Natalie?
Natalie first heard about the GOTR at the school assembly when her teacher, Ms.Rutledge, announced the program for girls to join the school club. That same day, Natalie talked to her dad and me about joining the GOTR at school. After learning more about the program, we decided to look into it further. Ultimately, we were impressed with what the program offered and let Natalie sign up. My husband and I thought it would be a great way to encourage physical activity and goal setting. We wanted her to have the opportunity to challenge herself, build confidence, and have fun while staying active.
Q: What did you notice about Natalie throughout the season? Did you see her grow in any new or special ways?
Throughout the season, I noticed Natalie becoming more confident and determined. She seemed to embrace the challenges of training for the 5K and showed much growth in her physical abilities. I also saw her develop a strong sense of perseverance and a positive attitude, which was inspiring. Overall, she grew physically and mentally, and seeing her progress and achieve her goal was fantastic.
Q: Natalie, what do you remember thinking and feeling before that first practice?
Before that first practice, I was feeling a mix of nervous and excited. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I also looked forward to trying something new and meeting new friends.
Q: What kind of things did you learn throughout your season? How did you feel by the end?
Throughout the season, I learned a lot about setting goals, perseverance, and staying positive. I also learned the importance of supporting and encouraging my teammates. By the end, I felt more confident, proud of my progress, and excited to take on new challenges.
Q: By the time you got to the 5K, what was your strongest emotion that day? How did you feel afterwards?
By the time I got to the 5K, my strongest emotion was excitement mixed with a bit of nervousness. Afterward, I was happy and proud of what I had accomplished.
Q: Was there one thing you really liked about GOTR? Was there one lesson that was your favorite?
My favorite part was the lessons, especially the one about positive self-talk. It was great to think positive thoughts and share them with a teammate.
Q: How about your favorite energy award?
I also loved the WOW energy award, where we put three fingers on each hand next to our face and said, "WOW."
Q: What would you say to another kid thinking about trying Girls on the Run?
I'd tell another girl that the GOTR program allows you to make friends, have fun, and challenge yourself in a friendly and supportive environment.
Q: Leslie, as a parent, what would you say to other parents thinking about signing up their child?
If your child is interested in participating in the 5K, signing up for a GOTR can be a great way to encourage physical activity and goal setting. It's essential to consider the child's interests and abilities and ensure they are adequately trained and prepared for the event. Participating in a GOTR 5K can be a fun and rewarding experience for children, fostering a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
Q: Leslie, you were Natalie's run/walk buddy at the 5K. During that experience, you decided to become a SoleMate, raising money for and donating to Girls on the Run. What made you decide to go the extra mile?
I decided to become a SoleMate and donate to Girls on the Run because I believe in its mission of empowering young girls through physical activity and goal setting. Girls on the Run is a great organization that encourages girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident by using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. It's essential to support programs promoting positive youth development and healthy habits.
Q: You even got your donation matched by your employer. Did you know that they offered that, and was the process easy or difficult? Any advice for other donors who might want to pursue an employer match?
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my employer offered donation matching. The process was easy. I just had to fill out a form provided by my employer and submit proof of my donation to GOTR. I advise other donors who want to pursue an employer match to check with their HR department or look through their employee benefits to see if this is possible. It's a great way to maximize the impact of their charitable contributions.
Finally, we reached out to Natalie's coach, Katie Rutledge, a first-grade teacher at The Lincoln Academy for her comments on what she observed. This is what Coach Katie had to say:
"I had the pleasure of teaching Natalie in first grade, so it was great to see how much she's grown since then and keep that connection! Natalie is incredibly sweet, but at times, she can be shy. I really felt as though Natalie began to come out of her shell and connect with more of the girls. She pushed herself at every practice and never made excuses. She fully engaged in every activity and it was truly amazing to see her embrace the program in order to get the most out of it. I'm so proud of Natalie and all of the hard work she put in!! ~Coach Katie
