Girls Retreat

OVER THE WEEKEND---One of my favorite people in the whole world contacted me about doing a presentation for their upcoming girls retreat in a few weeks!!! I am excited for this new opportunity of being able to share my message about girls and women with disabilities to believe in themselves-- but even more importantly to try out new things. I cannot wait to have a little mini getaway from all of the stresses that life has to offer and being able to escape into another place, is most likely what I need to refocus myself a little bit. I've decided to keep this a secret from my best friend who has no idea that I'll be headed up to their way as a guest speaker and thanks to their legitimate youth coordinator, I'm more than capable with keeping my mouth shut. I am confident there will be a little bit of tears when it comes around to my turn with getting up in front of people and giving them a reason to know they have nothing to hide about being who we are. I know it has never been easy to feel like at times, if I could only have an explanation for the ups and downs life continuously gives me on a regular basis- especially with the roller coaster I had to face this last year. 

Another part of my life that I'll share in my message with these young ladies, involves with me being in a member of the Speakers Network. I have enjoyed getting to learn so many new skills and gaining the confidence to enjoy presenting on various topics like: Internet Safety, Self Advocacy, Healthy Meals, Self Determination, Work Incentives, etc. I know for me as a self advocate, leader and friend to everyone that no matter the circumstances of what is going on in life, you can impact this world through your actions and the way you continue to have your voice heard. It has never been a part of my life until about this last year when things were falling into pieces and did not much of an idea with how to tackle any kind of situation unless I spoke up and made sure it would never happen again. I really hope more than anything in this world, some of these young ladies can feel inspired to reach themselves out in the community and leave an imprint on someone's heart. I am so thrilled with having been asked to do this for someone who is almost like a second mom to me and never fails to put a smile on my face, whenever I need it the most. 



It is certainly going to be a very much needed trip for me to put my life in order and have a little bit of fun with some of the most amazing people I know!!! I am a little too stoked for all the many fun late night stories I can share with my peeps & not talking about that sugar coat marshmallow candies if you ask me!! I have literally wanted an experience like this to come up at some point in time and can hardly even believe it will be here sooner than I think. I am probably more than just anxious to see how this entire little getaway turns out for me & it is most likely going to be one of the most memorable times ever...with a little bit of sparkle just added to it. 

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Special Needs Ballroom Event 2019:

My older sister created this unforgettable event almost a decade ago & cannot even imagine what my life would be like without it. I have continuously learned to understand for myself about how much of a joy it was for her to dance ballroom and making new friends while at it. It's almost surreal for me to think about how quickly time has come and gone from when this only began with a dozen people, but has continued to become a highlight of an event for so many spectators. I am grateful to have shown up the first day this event began and little did I know what an amazing part of my life, it would soon become down the road. 

Not Back To School . . . Yet

I am determined more than ever with heading into this new school year, that every minute of it will be one that can either start off with a BANG or just simply be another chance for me to learn some new skills from the teachers I will get to work alongside with. I do know more than ever with all of the unfathomable situations I had last year, I am confident in not making that decision again any time soon. It has always been difficult for me in the beginning of each new school year, in not being there to meet my new kiddos for the first time-- but I am hopeful it will be a lot more relaxed, stress free and have a lot more adventures/stories to share!!! 

Summer Break Continues - Part One

With all of the excitement and craziness in my life, I still have a lot of summer vacation where most of what I'd want to do is not gonna happen. Laugh Out Loud---I have a lot of new adventures in my life I am hopeful will either take place for me or simply give me a different chance in making sure I have my message shared with the rest of the world. I am not particularly certain what else this time in my life has for me down the road, but I am never gonna stop making my voice heard and not trying to draw attention from people. I know there is a lot more for me to learn and take away from all of those times I kept wondering if any moment could lift my spirits, but also show myself that I can do pretty much about whatever I set my mind to!!!

National Pageant

It's difficult for me to put into words, what an incredible and life changing experience it was to attend this event as well as meeting lots of participants from across the United States. I definitely gave it my all in each phase of competition and trying to leave a mark that is not meant to be forgotten any time soon... but you know what I mean?!?! I really liked getting to learn as much as I could about what it means to be a good self advocate and making sure that my voice is heard. Despite not having walked away with the National title this year, I am grateful to have been a part of this event and hopefully did make a good impression with each opportunity that I had to share my message. 

Shout Out:

Jordan,

I may have never gotten the opportunity to talk with you personally this last weekend, but thank you so much for having an idea and making an impact on the lives of girls/women with disabilities. I am grateful to have had a small part into what this event is really about and I cannot say this enough, but you are truly the epitome of what Miss Amazing is with no doubt in my mind. I may not know all of the many things you needed to do in making this program come to life, but it is definitely something that I hope continues to grow as the years keep passing by. 

Aside from the many nerves and excitement I had in this competition, I will have to admit that even though it was a lot to take in a very short period of time-- I know this is going down to be one of the most amazing experiences that I know will stick with me. I look forward with being able to continue on with my reign and making more of a difference in the lives of other people around me, in anyway that I can possible. There are only so many more opportunities for me to leave behind a legacy of all the many things I was able to do and hopefully let those with disabilities know, that we are not alone and in this experience together.