Years after participating in Girls on the Run, Megan is still carrying the lessons she learned as a young girl into her everyday life.

Looking back, Megan says lessons about friendship, service, self-image, and positive self-talk became ingrained in who she is. One lesson, in particular, has stayed with her for years.

"I still remember the lesson about the importance of words," she shares. "Our coach squeezed toothpaste out of a tube and challenged us to put it back in. It showed us that words aren't easy to take back and reminded us to be intentional with how we speak to and about others."

Megan also credits Girls on the Run with giving her an early foundation for navigating emotions, building healthy friendships, and developing the confidence to stand firm in who she is. As an adult, she says those lessons have helped her push back against comparison, insecurity, and the pressures of social media.

"Looking back, I believe GOTR gave me the confidence to enter the world with strong values, and the tools to back them up."

Now 26 and living in Austin, Texas, Megan is passionate about mentoring high school girls through her work and serving others. She says the lessons she learned through Girls on the Run continue to shape the way she sees herself, the relationships she builds, and the way she encourages those around her.

Her advice for today's GOTR girls: "Always believe in yourself, but when it feels hard to do that, lean on your friends and your community to lift you up. The easiest way to get yourself out of a funk is to look outward and serve others—you'll be surprised how much it changes your perspective."