Sometimes it takes a while for our kids to find a niche, the one or two interests that will fuel them through childhood and adolescence. For Lauren Charney, a 10-year-old fourth grader from Saline, it wasn't until third grade that she truly found her passion. Running.

Although Lauren participates in other sports, it is running that "makes me feel like I can do anything." When I asked Lauren what advice she would give other girls who might be a little shy about taking their first step forward, she didn't hesitate to give credit to Girls On the Run. Girls On the Run has given Lauren a vehicle to achieve great things and put her in a place to inspire all of us. Girls On the Run is a non-profit, non-competitive organization. According to its website:

"Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development."

Lauren has taken her running a step further. Her love of the sport and inspirational attitude helped her become one of six national finalists in the 2010 Kelloggs Youth Achievement Awards. She has already been flown to Chicago for a photo/video shoot and is now being featured on Kellogg's website competing for the 2010 ESPY award. 

She will fly to Los Angeles later this summer to attend the ESPY breakfast, where the winner will be announced. The winner will then attend the ESPY Award Ceremony that evening. To learn more about Lauren and vote for her, go to www.frostedflakes.com.

Lauren has learned more than how to prepare for a race (like loading up on healthy peanut butter waffles and warming up her muscles with jumping jacks). She has learned what it is like to be supported by a community, to have self-esteem, to feel empowered to do anything.

Sometimes it takes a little time for our kids to really find what it is they are looking for. When they do, it is important for us as parents to support them, find outlets for them to go after what they dream of that gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. We all could learn a lot from girls like Lauren. It is never too late to take the first step.

April Scarlett is a freelance writer. Find her work at www.fromherdesk.com, www.successfulwomenweekly.com, www.aprilscarlettwrites.blogspot.com, www.aprilscarlettmotherboard.blogspot.com, on Facebook search ASW-April Scarlett Writes and on Twitter @ajscarlett.