Senior Stories: Kimberly's Journey of Self-Advocacy and Change
Kimberly Vallejo, a two-time LA Marathon finisher, has recently graduated from San Fernando High School and was awarded the SRLA Scholarship this year. This scholarship will help fund her academic journey at Carnegie Mellon University, where she plans on studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. Learn more about Kimberly’s SRLA journey in her own words here.
Kimberly's High School Graduation Outfit for the Class of 2024.
In 11th grade, I decided to move schools because I felt I was not being academically challenged and wanted more out of my high school experience. Despite the emotional challenge of leaving behind familiar faces, I understood the necessity for growth. I looked up schools that had rigorous opportunities and extracurricular activities that I could join. Although the transition was challenging, I knew I had made the right decision when I joined the Student Run LA at my school. I think, since my time in SRLA, I’ve become a better person, because it made me a more caring person.
The encouragement and unwavering support from my loved ones have been instrumental in my journey, because it reinforces the notion that I’m never alone in my struggles. Even as I move off to college, I know that I’ll be able to find my own community. If I have any luck, hopefully it’ll provide me with even a sliver of what SRLA has. No matter what college has in store for me, SRLA has forged me into a person that’s ready to take on that challenge, encouraging everyone around me to push themselves along the way.
Student-Run LA showed me the value of hard work and perseverance. Through the weekly practices and monthly races, I learned that it was a sport that requires dedication and discipline, and because of these challenges, it brought me closer to the running community. As the season went on, I formed stronger bonds with not only my instructors and teammates but also my family. My instructor gave me the support I needed through my marathon journey and my teammates became my friends. I also started to form stronger bonds with my family such as my tio and cousin who are Student Run LA Alumni. Being part of a supportive community like Student Run LA made me see that I was capable of overcoming the challenges that I have come to face with moving schools, such as creating new relationships with friends, teachers, and family.
Kimberly celebrates her victory after finishing 2023 Los Angeles Marathon.
“If I am capable of running two marathons, I can achieve so much in my education and embrace new challenges.”
SRLA provided me with a supportive community where I felt accepted and encouraged through my training sessions and races. I was surrounded by a non-judgemental environment which gave me a sense of belonging. Being valued and appreciated by others motivated me to push through every mile in both my training and races. Being part of SRLA helped me gain confidence when it came to socializing. I became more willing to step outside my comfort zone and engage with my peers.
SRLA showed me that I could make meaningful connections. By the end of my second year, I fully came out of my shell and started to form more connections with others. SRLA taught me the importance of having a supportive community and the importance of making connections. It is because of SRLA that I now have the skills to socialize and the confidence to navigate both my personal and professional life.
Kimberly crossing the 30K finish line during the 2024 SRLA Friendship Run.