Member Spotlight: Avery Joshua
How did you start running?
I was never athletic in high school. A funny story is that I actually got the principal to excuse me from PE class and put me in AP statistics instead. It wasn’t until I was in college one summer that I started running.
How did you hear about DRC?
I didn't want to pay for a gym membership but wanted to stay in shape and my sister wanted me to meet new people and she knew J Knight. I knew he did this running group and reached out to him and he said come through. This was when DRC was at Colony Club. I came out and remembered meeting Byrd and Natalie. Been here since.
Why do you RUN DRC?
It feels like home. I’ve run with other groups in the city and other crews while in New York and there was nothing like DRC, with meeting new people, seeing familiar faces, just home.
What are you doing to maintain peace of mind/balance during this pandemic?
When this all first started, I was thankful to be still and figure out boundaries. I Facetime people quite a bit with a handful of people which I appreciate. I don't watch the news anymore because I was feeling the burden and weighed down. One day it was the middle of the day and all of sudden its like it all hit me at once, the hurt, anger and I was not able to be productive. So I had to change my thinking and how to maintain my sphere and deal with 400 plus years of issues. Work conversations are commencing and having to state that not all Black experiences are the same and don't burden us with your grief because we have enough of our own. With being more present within these work conversations and being productive at home has brought some balance but there is still work to be done.
What do you do for a living?
I work for an accounting and consulting firm where I help government contractors comply with government accounting regulations, financial analysis and procurement. I've been there for 10 years.
What do you feel your role is in your community?
By buying my condo at 23 years old and recently buying a home in Baltimore, I want to have something to leave to my future children and being wise with resources. My mom has really helped guide me in this and to see money as a tool. To normalize these things and to understand that the number one way to create wealth is to own a home. I am grateful for the lessons she learned the hard way so she can teach us. I also asked myself the question; How do I reinvest in my community? How do I be a good friend and become more aware of my friend’s needs and what it means to have connections with others and build relationships. This all has been since I finished my masters program last year at NYU.
Fun fact about you
I am allergic to grass.
What are your running goals?
To train well and be consistent. I’m participating in the DRC Long Haul and 19 miles is different from 13, so to actually prepare for it and not get hurt.
Quote:
Micah 6:8 ESV
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?