I was getting ready to 'celebrate?' my 45th birthday when I saw a spot on TV with Nola Ochs... the oldest person to graduate college. She said, "If there is anything you want or need to do... DO IT NOW. You only have ONE chance!" So, it was that moment that I thought... I always wanted to get my blackbelt in karate... yes... me... a 45 year old woman. So, I joined karate that day! Long story short, I have won EVERY tournament that I've competed in! In the past 3 years, I've won State titles (all across the USA), Nationals, Internationals, and Worlds! I'm leaving in 2 days for Dallas, TX to 'defend & retain' my World title. I go up for my blackbelt this September. I will be my Sensei's first female blackbelt EVER! He has been teaching for over 40 years! In fact, I saw a poster of Nola Ochs in an airport on my way to a karate tournament. My husband took a photo of me with her (her photo). So... she DID pay it forward... with me! Thank you! Lisa Schoolman Goju Ryu Karate!
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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