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In sixth grade, I began training to run my first Los Angeles Marathon with Students Run Los Angeles. I had my doubts. I remember the first couple of practices I couldn’t make it to the end of a block without stopping to catch my breath. I constantly questioned whether I was capable of running 26.2 miles.

I was lucky enough to have my distance running coaches supporting me. They taught me that most of the time the hardest decisions in a long journey will always be taking the first step; that if you start something you need to finish it; that how you reach your end goal matters; that I should not run away from my problems but instead confront them.

They instilled in me the idea that I am capable of mental and physical improvement. Coming from a community of low-income, first-generation immigrant families, there weren’t many options available for me. A young brown male like me was expected to drop out of school and join a gang. Despite this, I gained the motivation to earn a bachelor’s degree, and I plan on continuing my journey through higher education by pursuing a Master of Education.

Whereas twelve years ago it might have been difficult for me to run a mile, I have now run eight marathons, and hopefully, by the end of this year, I will be completing my ninth Los Angeles Marathon with ��ɫ��Ƶ Los Angeles.

As much as I am proud of my own efforts to reach, I know so much of it is because I saw successful people who looked like me, spoke like me, and overcame struggles like my own. For me, that person was my coach. He was a consistent figure that always guided me with patience, sympathy and wisdom. That person is Jonathan Lopez, and he currently serves with ��ɫ��Ƶ.

My relationship with Jonathan has put me in a position to pay it forward after graduating from college. He inspired me to invest my time and energy to serve the young students of color within my community because I firmly believe that education is the only viable path to right the wrongs in historically marginalized communities. I experienced the power of mentorship, so I want to be that supportive person for someone else.

My name is Steven Colin, and I am proudly serving on the Associates Board at NOW Academy in Jonathan’s hometown of Koreatown.