“I’ve always been called a twig,” said 14-year-old, Marie Y.
“That was my camp name for a long time, and I never had a problem with it until people told me I couldn’t do it. I always was taught that if I was told I couldn’t do it, I should prove myself," she said.
Marie said she was bullied and body-shamed growing up.
“It really was a problem when I joined a team of other girls, and they all told me I wasn’t able to do the job I wanted to because I wasn’t strong enough," she said.
Marie admitted some days were tougher than others.
“There were times when I got home, and I would be really sad,” said Marie. “And I wanted to quit. I just didn’t want to do it anymore.”
That’s when she said she started rock climbing five days a week to get stronger -- physically and mentally.
“And I really wanted to persevere,” Marie said. “Girl Scouts taught me to build courage, confidence and character -- and that’s what I wanted to do.”
Girl Scouts offers high-adventure activities to girls such as rock climbing, bouldering and whitewater rafting. Those with Girl Scouts said they help challenge girls and build confidence.
Rock climbing introduced Marie to a ninja camp. She said that’s where she found her passion.
“I feel like I am getting better when I finish an obstacle that I’ve never done before, and I can show my progress in where I’m going,” Marie said. “Going to Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association World Championships on my first year competing was a big step for me, and it was showing that I can do this, and I shouldn’t be let down by what others tell me.”
Marie practices at Austin Ninjas. The gym brought in two American Ninja Warriors, Allyssa Beird and Barclay Stockett, to coach and train campers and Marie.
“I think there’s lot to be said about Marie going out there and taking it into her own hands,” Stockett said of Marie’s journey. “Going out there, getting strong, and not worrying about what other people are saying.”
Beird explained there’s a family feeling once you step into the gym.
“The entire community is about supporting one another, that’s the most meaningful part to me,” said Beird.
Marie said that support system helped her out immensely.
“For a long time, I didn’t have friends who would support me during all of this, but when I did, it was so much easier to get through it,” she said with a smile.