Changing the world
through sports

Viridiana from Mexico

EF Academy New York

By combining her passion for running with her wish to make a change in the world, 17 year old EF Academy New York student Viridiana from Mexico took part in a fundraiser that has raised over $800 million.

What inspired you to start running?

I started running out of curiosity one day, to see what I was capable of and to challenge myself. I began by running on the treadmill for five minutes, then ten minutes, then fifteen minutes. After that, I tried running outside and progressively saw how I became better at it. I only had one goal, to challenge myself and to try a new sport.

Could you tell us about the recent running fundraiser you participated in?

The most recent fundraiser I participated in was the Terry Fox fundraiser, which has raised over C$800 million dollars. The fundraiser was set up to honor and support Terry Fox, and a cure for cancer. Fox was a Canadian athlete who used to run one marathon a day in the pursuit of finding a cure for cancer. I think it is a very important cause, because it not only targets a global issue, but also promotes empathy.

"Each day should feel like you are progressing and becoming a better version of yourself. In this way you have a vision, and you contribute to a better society and a better world."

How do you balance your schoolwork with running?

For me it is very important to always stay disciplined and motivated. School is important, and so is running. Running not only helps me to stay active and healthy, but it also helps me to clear my mind, decrease my stress levels and makes me feel truly like myself.


The key for me is to organize a schedule for the day, to set my priorities, and to make space for that one hour of running a day where I can challenge myself and see what I'm capable of.

Will you participate in, or organize, future fundraisers?

I would love to participate in or organize a future fundraiser. In my country, gender inequality is very common, so a cause that I would be interested in supporting and promoting is gender equality.

What advice would you give to students who want to make a difference in the world?

My advice is to always work on yourself, to always try to be better. I try to motivate and tell people around me, whether it's my friends or family, to always aim for a better lifestyle. That could be eating healthier, having better sleeping habits, or just practicing a sport. I think that when you do sports, stay active and move your body, you develop better habits and you can think better and do better, in every aspect of your life. Each day should feel like you are progressing and becoming a better version of yourself. In this way you have a vision, and you contribute to a better society and a better world.

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