Volunteer Spotlight - Andrea Stephens
 

Judy Alexander, May 2008

The Spotlight is on Andrea Stephens this month. To meet Andrea is to immediately be infused with positive energy; she is one of the most enthusiastic runners I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Unlike many newer runners who frequently race but have not given much thought to volunteering, Andrea has balanced the joy she feels when she runs a personal best with the fun of helping others do the same. I recently had the pleasure of working with Andrea at the finish line of the Red Hills Triathlon (the third one in a row she has worked), and it was clear that she got as much from the experience as she gave to it! Read on to be inspired, then volunteer at a race to get your very own feeling of satisfaction! 

Andrea Stephens:

Running is my passion. It is my healthy obsession. It is as necessary as the air I breathe. It is the art I want to master. I love the things it has taught me: Perseverance, patience, strength.

When I’m racing there is nothing as sweet to my ear than someone screaming my name, encouraging me to keep going or “lying” to me about how good I look. Who would have known how much power there is in a smile or an encouraging comment? Imagine how many people have set a PR because of this power! This is the power of a volunteer!

When I’m not running and there is a race, I want to be a part of it. I volunteered for the 2007 Tallahassee Marathon and screamed for every single person in that race…from the fastest to the slowest! The gift for me was priceless! It was the look in the runners’ eyes, the look of utmost gratitude! It is a unique communication that does not require a verbal response because I know exactly how it makes those runners feel. This is why I volunteer! It is giving back to the people I love: My fellow runners!