Julia Shaughnessy: Eternally Grateful

While many girls join CHAARG for similar reason [find the fun in fitness, learn a workout routine, develop healthier habits, + become a part of a community], their journey stories are all unique + empowering.

This Q + A post features Julia’s #ChangedByCHAARG story + more about her journey!

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Meet Julia: @jshaun_inchaarg

University: University of Massachusetts Amherst — join #UMASSCHAARG here!

Major: Neuroscience major [career wise, I am a hopeful future physician assistant, but currently I am a certified nursing assistant!]

One Word To Describe You: Inquisitive

Reason You Joined CHAARG: To bring an inclusive, encouraging, life changing community to my campus! [+becuase I feel my best when I fuel my body well + keep my body moving]

Favorite CHAARG Memory: CHAARG CLC Retreat in Chicago last April — it was the first time I got to hang out with CHAARG girls from other universities in person + it was my first time in Chicago! I got to try Solidcore, Barry’s Bootcamp, go bowling [which was so fun], hang out at CHAARG HQ + I made so many friends that I love working with + getting to see during CLC Group Chats every month : )

#inCHAARG Instagram Crush: @onebitehannah

Philosophy On Wellness: The wellness of your brain needs to be a priority so that the wellness of your body can follow.

The wellness of your brain needs to be a priority so that the wellness of your body can follow.

Favorite Self-Care Practice: Getting crafty — I love painting, doodling + adult coloring books : ) Taking that time to do something I enjoy that I don’t get to do very often makes me feel really in-tune with myself.

2019 Intention: To try my best + give myself grace when things don’t go the way I wanted them to

Ideal Morning Routine: Getting in an early outdoor run, taking a hot shower, + making a big smoothie bowl [or a veggie omelet] for breakfast! Those things might be basic, but taking the time to get my body moving, feeling fresh + clean ++ actually taking the time to make breakfast [which my college self needs to improve] make a huge difference.

Book Every CHAARG Girl Should Read: You Are A Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living an Awesome Life.

Greatest Lesson On College: The only thing you can change about your past is how you feel about it. Whether a past action becomes a regret or a lesson is totally up to you.

Advice To Your Freshman Self: Don’t shy away from going out of your comfort zone! Seriously, do all of the things that are going to make you happy + make that scary transition to college less lonely.

Being #inCHAARG To Me Means:Identifying what makes me feel my happiest + healthiest self ++ striving to implement these into my every day! [+ surrounding myself with those who will help me get there + cheer me on every step of the way]

Favorite Part Of Being A CHAARG Ambassador: Being a CHAARG Ambassador gave me my *purpose*- one that has truly made me the person I became in college, the person I am today + has been rooted in the choices I have made, the career path I chose ++ the life I have even after graduation. I was so drawn to CHAARG because I knew it was something that *I* needed at the time, but when it became a community for any + every girl at UMass, the opportunity to get to see how CHAARG impacted them + continues to impact women even though I’m not there anymore… wow. Applying to be an ambassador is absolutely the best thing I have EVER done + I am so happy I gave it a shot back in 2016!

Advice For Founding Ambassadors: The best advice I would give is that it is so okay to experience obstacles through the founding/launching process + in fact, it is to be expected ; ) It was definitely frustrating for me at times when things didn’t go the way I had planned, or it took longer to be approved, or the room we reserved was double booked… these things happen + the best thing you can do is (first, breathe) + make those back-up plans with your team ahead of time so that you are ready for anything! As a founding ambassador, you experience all of those obstacles, create + implement solutions + pave the way for the leaders that will come after you- it is so okay if not everything is perfect! Remember your ‘why’ + lean on your team members ++ RCL/CLC when you need help! With that said, while you do put in this time + energy as Ambassador- CHAARG is SO much fun. The time, work, planning — it is so worth it + I can’t wait for you to experience all that CHAARG + being a CHAARG leader will give you!

How have you been Changed By CHAARG? My CHAARG journey has *truly* sculpted my college experience + the person that I am today + aspire to be.

I had a pretty awful + extremely lonely freshman year, + the UMass Rec Center was my happy place where I was surrounded by people who shared the same drive for fitness + wellness [but I couldn’t consider them my friends when we didn’t even know each other!]

Founding CHAARG at the University of Massachusetts gave me a purpose- one that I needed desperately. The best part is that it was a purpose that allowed me to be a passionate individual + spread nothing but positivity in my campus community.

I have learned more than I ever imagined I would from being involved in CHAARG. I have learned about health, fitness, wellness, myself, my leadership style [+where I can improve my leadership skills + the resources to do so], my “love language”, + the “love languages” of those around me. It has fine-tuned my skills in working with a team, + has allowed me to practice communication with peers + professionals. It has challenged me, but has left me stronger + with far more perseverance + preparation for the future.

Most importantly, it created a *real* community that fills me with more pride than anything else. CHAARG has not only turned my college experience around, but has encouraged hundreds at my university to try new things, learn about wellness, + make supportive friendships that are there to make you smile regardless of the hurdles that college + life throw your way. + that’s when I remember that I have made friends in New York + California + Wisconsin +Chicago + Pennsylvania who all feel the way that I do. I feel best when I sweat, when I smile, + when I succeed. Being a part of CHAARG + being a leader of this movement has been the best decision I could have ever made to be my happiest + healthiest + to help others do same. All because of those 6 letters + one bolt, I have undeniably been changed by CHAARG for the better.