CINCINNATI -- Running helped Abby Bush build so much more than endurance.
The freshman, who now mentors girls, started participating in Girls on the Run three years ago. The international program empowers teenagers and young girls reach their goals through running.
Bush says the program helped her accomplish so much more than just a 5K, and she wants to help other girls learn to love themselves, too.
“Before I was quiet and afraid to show who I really was and after that something changed,” Bush said. “Something clicked in my head, and now I’m much more outgoing by a lot.”
Bush mentors third, fourth and fifth-graders like Olivia Klaserner at Oakdale Elementary School.
“I hope that I just make a lot of new friends, and I would like to learn a lot of stuff about being a caring citizen,” Klaserner said.
The program ends with the girls and their coach, Becca Risch, running a 5K and crossing the finish line together.
“We see a lot more confidence in the end, not only in the lessons but also, ‘I am strong, and I can run a 5K,’” Risch said.
