Teddy Roosevelt’s famous In the Arena speech has been firing us up lately, so we asked some of the gals at Title Nine to share a time they took a risk, ignored the critics, and – whether triumph or fail – got in the arena.
Kristina, Magnificent Merchant
“The only fall sports for girls at my middle school were volleyball or cheerleading, but I wanted to try out for soccer. The boys’ soccer coach discouraged me from playing, but I tried out for the team anyway, and made it! I went on to become an all-county player and the team captain in high school.”
Erin, Chief People Person
“I had always wanted to learn improv, but being in front of an audience without a safety net felt pretty scary. I finally decided to jump in and try one class. I’m so glad I took that risk! I ended up loving it and have been learning, performing, and teaching improv ever since.”
Jane, Awesome Analyst
“I came to the US from England and was one of the first female athletes to apply for a green card based on my sporting achievements. Male athletes had used this approach but never a female one. My sport was rugby which we thought was even more of a stretch, but it got approved and here I am!”
Joy, Digital Diva
“I grew up wanting to do everything my brothers did, so when they played football I decided I was going to play too. It wasn’t until I joined my 7th grade flag football team that I realized I knew nothing about the sport! All I wanted to do was run out of the room, but I stuck it out and played for three years.”
Jessica, Social (Media) Butterfly
“After being in the same line of work for 20 years, I took a big leap and set my sights on working in an entirely new industry. It was scary to put myself out there, but I found a company that was a perfect fit, and a job that I love! (Can you guess where?)”
Dio-Ann, Doyenne of Data
“I helped grow my Filipino-folk dance company from a small group that just performed locally to one that performs around the world. Last year we even performed at Carnegie Hall! When I volunteered to be the executive director I knew it would be hard work, but it’s worth the effort to see something I’m passionate about become successful.”
Share your own story of getting in the arena!
Thank you for this inspiring thought! I am currently training for a marathon. 2 weeks and 4 days until the big day! I am a slow runner. Some days I wonder why I am even doing this. A few days ago my husband asked if he and the kids could come cheer me on at the finish line. I got all choked up with embarrassment thinking, there might not even be a finish line to see me cross by the time I get there. Your email nudged me to go read Theodore Roosevelt’s speech and gave the reminder that no matter what happens when I reach 26.2, I did it. I worked hard. And I cannot compare myself to others or worry about what anyone else says. I did it. Thank you!
Cherie, you are AWESOME for training for a marathon, especially with kids. Believe me, many of us a Title Nine know exactly what you’re feeling. I myself am a very slow marathon runner and can get all caught up in wishing I was faster. But then I realized that nobody cares how fast or slow I do it. Heck, most people don’t even know how long a marathon is! Best part – your kids will think you’re amazing not matter what your time is and THAT is the best feeling in the world! Good luck, and come back and tell us how it went.