Grace Colon Roslindale Finest OB Tiger + UMB Beacon = Future of Nursing !!
Good Day World: I am Grace Colon, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. I'm currently 20 years old and proudly pursuing my junior year at the University of Massachusetts Boston. At UMass Boston, I find myself deeply immersed in the world of academia as an undergraduate Nursing major within the esteemed Manning College of Nursing and Health Science. Additionally, I am privileged to be a member of the university's honors college, an ROTC cadet, and a dedicated runner for UMB's cross country and track and field team – Go Beacons!
My educational journey is guided by my aspirations to become a Registered Nurse and to commission as an Army nurse upon my graduation in 2025.
My incredible journey into the world of running began in the eighth grade, at the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. Little did I know that my first experience of running at the city-wide cross country meet at Franklin Park would spark a lifelong passion. I embarked on this journey with curiosity, not fully comprehending the depth of what running truly meant to me. Little did I know that this event would set the stage for the next eight years of my life and counting. It was during this momentous occasion that I had the pleasure of meeting Coach H, who would go on to become a pivotal figure in my life.
While I initially joined our high school track and field team during my freshman year, my true running career began when I became a junior in high school, marking the commencement of my time with BPS XC.
Running with the BPS XC team was not merely a highlight of my high school career; it was the essence of my high school experience. I was fortunate to be embraced by a close-knit group of friends who shared a common passion: to run faster, grow stronger, and above all, to work tirelessly to achieve our goals. Under Coach H's mentorship, I underwent a remarkable transformation. In just a year, I progressed from running a 6:20 mile and a 15-minute two-mile to achieving a 5:50 mile and a 12-minute two-mile. Presently, I proudly record a 5:35 in the 1500m and an 11:39 in the 3000m. It was not only the physical training but the indomitable mentality that Coach H instilled in me that led to such remarkable improvement. He often reminded us that "Rome was not built in a day." While I may not have fully grasped the wisdom in those words at the time, my impatience and eagerness to excel gradually evolved into a deep appreciation for the valuable life lessons Coach H shared.
As I embarked on my first year of college running, I experienced a significant improvement, reducing my 5k time from 20:40 in high school to 20:14 during my inaugural cross country season. However, the ensuing winter track season was marred by a severe injury that sidelined me for an entire year. I faced a moment of doubt and contemplated abandoning both running and myself. It was during this challenging period that Coach H extended his unwavering support and encouraged me to rediscover my love for running.
Returning to square one, Coach H graciously invited me to assist in coaching the BPS XC team. This opportunity allowed me to reconnect with the sport I cherished and work alongside the inspiring young women I had the privilege of coaching. Witnessing our girls' team represent BPS XC during the 2022 fall season was an unparalleled moment of pride and achievement—one that my running partner, Katie, and I had not previously experienced. It was a profound joy to be part of a groundbreaking moment for our city.
Coach H's dedication brought me back to the sport I hold dear. Today, my events as a college athlete include the 3k (11:49), 5k (20:04), and my personal favorite, the 10k (42:03). He taught me the true meaning of hard work and self-belief. As I continue to mature, I wholeheartedly embrace the profound message that "a masterpiece was not created in one stroke." It takes perseverance through ups and downs, learning from mistakes, facing both good and bad days, navigating injuries and disappointments, to uncover the boundless strength within oneself.
Cross country running teaches us what it truly means to be a runner – someone who perseveres and strives to become a better version of themselves while positively impacting the lives of those around them. This is the invaluable mindset instilled in me during my time with BPS XC as a junior in high school – a mindset that I will carry with me as I move forward in my life and embark on my journey as a future nurse.
Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you, and I am excited about the bright path that lies ahead. Support: The filming of Season 2 of "H (Strength is in the Pack)" - https://gofund.me/5233d763 Film by Joel Wolpert