Campus Profile: Alexis Santora
Year: Class of 2017Â
Major: Early Childhood Education
Activities: Peer leader, Community Action Day board, community night, CFJ retreats, AB leader, and ambassador of CHAARG.
Hometown: Cleveland, OhioÂ
Why did you join CHAARG?
I was in my second semester of college, and I was struggling pretty hard with some self-esteem issues. Between coming out of a not so great relationship in high school and the caf having bottomless French fries, my self-image was not as good as it should have been. I remember looking in the mirror and asking myself, “What are you doing to yourself?” I knew then that I needed to do something to change my current lifestyle. I had seen some fliers around campus advertising this new club that was coming in the spring to Xavier called CHAARG. I had a friend that went to OSU that had posted about it a couple of times, so I hopped online and headed over to CHAARG.com. I knew from the second I got on that page that this was something I just HAD to be involved with! I signed up that day and the rest is history.
Has CHAARG taught you anything?
Most importantly, CHAARG has taught me what it means to love myself. I no longer look in the mirror and hate my reflection. Granted, I still have days that are hard, but I have 5,000 other CHAARG girls all over the country that reminds me that every day is a work in progress. My favorite quote came from a fellow CHAARG girl on the National Retreat in 2014, “It’s not about what your body looks like, it’s about what your body can do.” I just think that’s absolutely beautiful. How could you not want to be part of a community that endlessly lifts you up when you feel like you’re worthless?
How has CHAARG changed your life?
I went from a girl who literally never worked out in high school (and I mean never!) to someone that has now ran both a Tough Mudder and a Flying Pig Half Marathon! Before joining CHAARG, I would have laughed in your face if you told me I was going to accomplish half of what I have in the past 5 semesters. I could not be more grateful for how much CHAARG has impacted my life, especially my fellow XU CHAARG girls. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it wasn’t for all of them! CHAARG came into my life at just the right moment, and I know it was meant to be. This organization has changed my life–now let it change yours, too!
What would you say to girls who are going through the same thing you did when you found CHAARG?
You need you treat your body the best that you possibly can because you only get one. If I were to ask you to name all of the things that you love, how long would it take you to say yourself? Learning how to love my body for what it can do has been a really hard process but I can promise you that it is SO worth it in the end. All you have to do it take that first initial step and the rest is history!
What is your favorite CHAARG workout?
My favorite CHAARG workout is a strong tie between boxing with The Punch House and personal training with Iron Sharpens Iron. Both workouts left me feeling really good after, and the owners and staff at both gyms are super encouraging. Plus, Iron Sharpens Iron combines two of my favorite things–faith and fitness!
Want to learn more about CHAARG? Check out this article HCXU did on CHAARG!