There are certain words in life that describe what we
are. For me, some include, mother, JA
advocate and runner. (There are
obviously many more, but that is for another blog for another day). I include mother because that is what I am
before I am ever anything else, but today I am going to focus on running and of course, JA.
I can’t think of a single reason why I love Junior Achievement
so much. I was first introduced to JA as
a senior in high school when I accidentally enrolled in a business class. My teacher was an incredible business mentor,
lover of JA and good friends with my boss of nearly 11 years. (It may only stay 11 years if you don’t
comment on how great this blog entry is)!
He taught me about business and gave me the opportunity to teach JA in
an elementary school for extra credit. I
taught my first JA class when I was 17.
I have since taught JA in grades K-5 multiple times and have enjoyed
each experience uniquely. I have now
taught my oldest daughter JA in kindergarten, first, and just finished her second grade class last week. I will
teach my twin daughters’ kindergarten class next year and am looking forward to it
very much.
I enjoy watching the children’s faces when they learn something
new from the JA material. I love
listening to their rambunctious joy and laughter when they understand a new
concept. (Maybe all kids aren’t
rambunctious when they learn, but my daughter’s class sure is)! Junior Achievement is special to me. It became that way because a high school teacher
lit my candle. I want to keep it burning
until every child has experienced the appreciation, knowledge and joy that it has
given me.
I can’t think of a single reason why I love running so
much. At the end of a race, when tears stream down my cheeks, and I have no more to give, I really love
running. In the early morning hours
before the sun has come up and I feel the cold air blowing through my hair and
the pavement beneath my feet, I really love running. I have laughed so hard that I have doubled
over, with a side ache as a result for the rest of the run.
I have watched hundreds of sunrises.
I have accomplished more personal dreams than I can account for, eat ice
cream, and have lost the baby weight from my three children, all because of running.
I have developed more personal friendships that have held
the closest bonds. There is something to
be said about someone you would wake up at 5 am for day after day and week
after week. There is something to be
said about someone who has gone through injuries, tears, laughter, insomnia,
good days, bad days, didn’t make it to the gas station on time days, with you. My running girls are my sisters for
life. I hold their relationships sacred and dear to
my heart.
Another one of my favorite things to do is visit Baskin
Robbins. I always order a cup with two
scoops and of course ALWAYS fill it with my two favorite flavors. For some reason combining the two brightens my day more than just the one flavor.
This is where the concept of the JA 5K comes from, in my mind. What could be better than working for an
organization that I was completely passionate about, than planning a run for it? Can you believe I
actually get paid to plan a run? Does
that even seem fair to you?
The JA 5K Challenge and Fun Run will be held this year on
June 2, at Rio Tinto Stadium. I invite students,
parents, teachers, supporters, volunteers (and of course) runners, to participate
together, celebrating a cause we believe in.
The 5K route is easy and fun with treats, drinks and SWAG galore waiting
at the finish line, with prizes for age group winners. The Fun Run is VERY kid-friendly with a
bounce house, Leo the Lion (Real’s Mascot) and prizes, prizes, prizes! I want you to have a FANTASTIC
experience. Fitness Guru, Michael Banks,
will begin the race for us, with a great raffle finishing off the event. Registration is open today. Simply click here to register. Family rates are available by clicking here.
If you have ever wanted to participate in a JA event, now is
your chance! You have plenty of time to
train, or not train at all and walk (thanks mom and dad for walking last year)! I will see you on June 2, when I combine two
of my favorite flavors of life, JA and running.
Thank you to our sponsors: Real Salt Lake, Body By Banks, Winder Farms, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Pepsi and New York Life.
