I did not buckle instead, I worked harder and demanded more of myself. My existence and success could have an impact on whether more people of color would attend in the future. I reminded myself that I felt the same way when I attended a predominately white university. There were very few instructors of color and even fewer people of color in classes. I questioned if this was something I could do. One of my biggest obstacles was my own lack of confidence in my abilities. What were some of your biggest obstacles? He not only became my mentor but became my best friend for life. Before long, he noticed and took me under his wing. I thought to myself, “that’s the kind of teacher I want to be.” I attended every class he taught and stood in the front row right in front of him and absorbed everything. An instructor named Henry mesmerized me with his choreography, music and infectious energy. People believed in me when I had little faith in myself. The list would be too long to name everyone. I had never taught a class, but I figured, why not? In retrospect, I am sure it was probably the worst class ever, but even so, I had been bitten by the teaching bug. Once, an instructor didn’t show up and I was encouraged to teach the class. While in school, I accepted a part-time job at a gym for the free membership and began taking group fitness classes. My plan was to become a lawyer and advocate for the underprivileged. It was never my intention to have a career in fitness. Three veteran instructors share their journeys in an industry that did not always support their efforts, yet the value that their love of fitness has given them is immeasurable.
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