I remember my first season of coaching like it was yesterday. Now, reflecting on my third season at St. Andrew’s, a small elementary school in central Richmond, I’m feeling more inspired than ever. A big part of that is our new Girls on the Run curriculum, Hello, Mountain Mover!

Even when I first previewed it over the summer, I knew this season would be full of powerful lessons and moments. The lessons are all about helping girls discover who they are, believe in their abilities, and face challenges they never thought they could face. What I love most is the focus on community: the idea that we don’t have to do hard things or move mountains alone. We lean on each other. We cheer each other on. And we show up to be the help someone else needs.

One lesson that really stood out was “Stick With It.” The objective of this activity was for them to work together to achieve a common goal. For the warm-up, coaches blew up balloons, which the girls had to hold between their arms. The goal was to walk to a cone about 50 feet away and back without dropping or popping the balloon. If it fell, they had to start over.

At first, they were definitely frustrated. It wasn’t easy, and they struggled to keep the balloon up. But slowly, something shifted. The girls began communicating, adjusting, laughing, and trying again. They encouraged one another and figured out what teamwork looks like. That activity really brought the lesson to life: stick with it, work together, and don’t give up, even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard.

And honestly? I see the same lesson showing up in my own life.  I’m in my junior year at the University of Richmond, and this has been my most stressful semester yet. (I say that every semester, but this time, I really mean it!) Between classes, assignments, and prepping for exams, I’ve hit a few roadblocks. But I’m learning to move my own mountains, to face obstacles head-on, and to lean on my friends and community for support. Just like I tell the girls to activate their “I Can” power, I’m learning to activate mine, too, day by day.

This curriculum has taught me the value of positive self-talk and how much of a difference it really makes. It showed me that believing in yourself is powerful.

Seeing these girls grow braver, kinder, and more confident each week has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year. They’re learning to climb their mountains. I’m learning to climb mine. And we’re discovering, day by day, the real power of positive self-talk and believing in yourself.

Next season, I’ll be cheering them on from afar (I’ll be studying abroad). But I know they’ll keep growing, keep believing, and keep moving mountains. I can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll do!