Online Event

This week I participated in my first virtual disability conference ever and what an incredible time it was for everybody involved. It was so much fun getting to learn from all of the youth and staff who were participating with us, but I cannot take slightly any credit for how successful it turned out. I'll admit that I did miss not being able to spend in person time with this group of people who are truly like a second family and listening to the insight of each speaker we had on the call with us. I loved being able to learn about what it means to be a self advocate and make changes in the world, in so many ways that I would never have otherwise learned before. 

There are too many highlights for me to share about this week--- but I will admit there was never a dull moment with anybody on those calls!!! This conference has been a part of my life for a couple years now and whenever I have the chance to return back--- it always leaves me with a feeling that there is only so much more I can improve on. I know there a lot more goals in my life that I need to set and hopefully one can will be able to see become a reality. 

I truly loved all of the presenters that came onto this conference and shared their insights about what it means to understand that we can do anything-- no matter if it takes a little extra time, but knowing we can have support in everything we do is incredible. I also really liked being able to learn and look at things that everyone was learning in a different perspective, which to me is always such a treat for everyone!!! 

One of my favorite things that I was nervous about is giving my first ever virtual presentation on a Zoom call and quite frankly.. I could not have been more excited to share a message of hope as well as confidence with everybody. It was such a delight for me to teach all of my friends about the very importance of being able to speak up for yourself and having support with anything that life's gonna throw at them. 

Favorite Highlight:

Prior to an activity that I was going to have everybody help out with--- I shared something that may not have been important to my NINJA peeps-- but it does mean a lot to me. (To make this a heartfelt story short--- When I attended the National Pageant for my Miss Amazing title, I worked really hard to earn this optional volunteer service award & I pretty much had to keep a record of all the hours w/ each organization that I was with, but also to have written letters of proof that I was doing what I had been asked & not making stuff up. I was thrilled to have earned the gold medal after I had completed over a significant amount of volunteer service hours and it was such an indescribable moment for me to know that I worked really hard to make that goal of mine a dream come true!!!