Five Ways that Running the Santa Cruz #WharftoWharf is like Applying to College. #collegeadmissions #reachhigher
The annual Wharf-to-Wharf Run takes place in Santa Cruz, Ca on the fourth Sunday in July and this week is no exception.
This is the 44th year the race has taken place. I’m proud to say that members of my family have been part of the run for about 20 of those years. It has become a family tradition for us that started with running the race when my dad was in his 60s. Our family tradition continues this weekend when 3 out of 5 of us siblings will be in the run as well as various cousins and other extended family members. Added into our family this year will be my 10-year-old nephew who will be running it for the first time with his parents. In addition, I’m proud to share that all of my family members are college graduates and many have advanced college degrees.
Here are some photos of our family at past runs.
How is running a race like applying to college? Here are five ways:
1. There is a Start and a Finish:
A run has a start and a finish, just like applying to college has a start and a finish. To run well, you have to practice ahead of time so you are in good shape to run. In applying to college, the earlier you start the better, because those who prepare themselves to apply to college do better than those who don’t.
2. Be Systematic / Create Your Plan:
During a run, there are times when you aren’t sure you can make it. But if you have trained for the run and focus on your plan and breathe right, then you can make it to the end. In applying to colleges, it may seem overwhelming, but getting things done in a systematic way can provide you with the time and energy needed to get everything finished on time for your college applications.
3. Enjoy the Run!
There are 15,000 people who run the Wharf-to-Wharf Run. Along the way there are bands playing throughout the run to entertain the runners. In addition, the run is along the ocean, which provides wonderful morning views. Similarly, enjoy the process of applying to college. Visiting colleges, talking with others in college and figuring out the right colleges to apply to should be fun and adds to your growth as an individual.
4. Wear the Right Clothing:
When running a 10k Run or a marathon, your shoes are the most important part of what you wear. Shoes that are not running shoes or have holes in them will result in sore feet and legs by the end of the run. The same is true for applying for college. If you equip yourself with the right tools – getting good grades, writing out a plan, and then following a plan – the end result is a college acceptance .
5. Goodie Bags at the End!
At the end of the run, there is a photographer and then every runner gets a goodie bag filled with various healthy food snacks as well as the annual Wharf-to-Wharf shirt. In applying to college, the college acceptance is the “goodie bag” because selecting the right college provides you with the right knowledge that leads to a successful career in the future.
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