Marika Bierma
UW Class of 2022

Running completely changed my life. The sport pushed me to grow physically, mentally, and socially as I strove to compete in cross country and track during high school. That’s why when I found the Girls on the Run (GOTR) organization, I knew that I wanted to get involved. I began volunteering with GOTR as a Practice Partner during the fall of 2020, coached a team in spring of 2021, and most recently acted as a Superstar Supporter for fall of 2021. 

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This fall season, I assisted the coaches of a middle school GOTR team called Heart & Sole. This team consisted of nine girls ages 12-14. I attended almost all practices to run with the girls, facilitate activities, and hand out lap counters. This allowed me to connect with the girls and encourage them on their running journey. My favorite part of the season is always the site-based 5K that takes place during the last week of the season. Each girl gets to bring a Running Buddy (usually a parent) to complete the 5K with them. Other family members and friends cheer the girls on from the sidelines. It is always so joyful and empowering to see the girls complete their first 5K, and I’m always amazed at their fierce determination and the happiness they exude after crossing the finish line. Getting to instill a love of running while also teaching important life skills is why I enjoy volunteering with GOTR.

 

As this was my third season volunteering with GOTR, I have gotten familiar with the curriculum. The GOTR program is something that I would have loved to participate in when I was a child, and I’m proud that I get to share in the experiences of the girls on the team. Working with kids and teenagers is something that I have always enjoyed doing, and it is relevant to my intended career as a pediatric physician. Additionally, getting to interact with the girls, hear their personal anecdotes, and help them work through issues connects to my Comparative History of Ideas coursework in that I get to learn about the unique experiences of each girl.

 

Overall, I cannot wait to continue volunteering with GOTR this spring. Not only am I passionate about running, but I love getting to teach the GOTR curriculum and mentor these girls so that they can become the best versions of themselves.