Exciting News

Advocates As Leaders Speakers Network

In the summer of last year, I participated in this Quality Of Life Conference that was held up at Provo Canyon and it was truly a wonderful experience. It's also where I was able to hear about this speakers network of individuals like myself who go around Utah to speak about people with special needs feel, believe in, and value. I don't really know how many people I'll end up having to speak to while I'm doing all of this, but I am very excited to try something new and make some great memories. I know it's completely out of my comfort zone and that it's something I've never done, but I can already tell it will be a great opportunity to have my voice heard.  All of the many people who are involved with this, are contracted through Utah State University and even though none of us are on the payroll--We all get paid $50 dollars to write and present what is important to them. I am truly stoked to be learning a lot of new things and getting to hopefully make some new friendships that will last forever. I cannot wait for the many years ahead that I'll get to be a part of something new about being a self advocate. I am not hesistate to admit that this chapter of my life will be a good one and looking forward to inspiring my peers to do the same for themselves. I am also really hoping that we can get out to some of those other ILCs across the valley and get to be reunited with some of my favorite people ever!! I am not saying it will be an absolute for sure thing, but it doesn't necessarily hurt to dream if I say so myself- just saying that right now!! ;)

NINJA Volunteer Youth Mentor - NINJA Conference 2017

THREE YEARS AGO--- My best friend Danielle and I were pulled aside to get some information about this first time ever youth leadership conference. The conference was held up at USU in Logan, Utah and little did we know just what an absolute life changing experience it would become. As I just looked at the schedule of what was to happen at this event, I definitely felt like things like that never happen around here too often- so why not give it a try?? I didn't even really know what to expect in the sense of how much fun this experience would turn out to be or if I would even make some new friends. After getting up to that conference and seeing just how much fun it was going to be, I didn't hesistate to what to do it all over again the next two years. I loved every single minute of this NINJA conference more than words could ever describe and I am grateful to have gotten so much out of it. I am happily excited to announce that me along with my friends, are going to be applying to return to this conference as "NINJA Volunteer Youth Mentors/Staff this summer!!!! I am really thrilled about knowing what it's like to be on the other side of things, which means we wouldn't be attending as the participants anymore. We would actually be there helping out with running the classes and activities that are going to be taking place throughout the week. I know that it's going to feel a lot like doing a job instead of just playing the entire time, (which I'm sure there will be plenty of that going on). I've never seen it from this perspective before and I am definitely hoping for a good experience. I loved going to this conference so much and it was certainly the biggest highlight of my summer vacation, without question.