Celebrations

 

Active Re-Entry (Halloween Treat Bag)

This IL Center reached out to me several back about participating on their Zoom activities and for me at the time, to even think it was something I wanted to do made me feel a little nervous. I was not necessarily sure about whether or not I felt like I was intruding on their activities and getting in the way of what they were putting in a lot of effort into planning. I'm gonna be participating this next week for their Halloween Movie Day and I am curious to know what movie we will be watching to get all of us into the Halloween spirit before we actually celebrate the holiday--but also hope that everybody will have a great time too!! 

Ability First Utah (Halloween Party)

Until I have a costume picked out for this in person activity-- I will most definitely have pictures taken to share on my Instagram account. I do know that there will be various activities going on as well like- a photo booth, costume contest, trunk or treat among other things, but at the same time-- I am not sure about whether or not we will be able to make it. I can only hope our plans will work out smoothly and have the most unforgettable time ever...(especially since this will be the first in person activity that has taken place since life was turned upside down.) 

Weekly Update

 

One of the many things that have sustained me through this pandemic, has been the consistent support and unconditional love from my friends as well as many others. I have legitimately taken all of this ridiculous COVID business pretty hard ever since late April and quite frankly it is not getting any much easier if ya ask me-- I have quite a long ways to go before I return as my old self again. I have cried nearly not quite enough tears for anyone to not visibly see without knowing the obvious reason behind my upset face and not having any questions in mind. 

Extra Support

One of my many NINJA friends needs a little extra help during this uncertain time in life and I'll most definitely do whatever I can possible to help them feel better. I could definitely use someone to talk to about things that are slightly more difficult than most people would think and otherwise-- it is obvious that my life is never gonna be the same. I do know that with reaching out to friends and asking for the advice you need to make it through any kind of situation--is certainly better than keeping it all to your self. I have definitely found myself reaching out to my NINJA friends through this period of life and wanting to just simply let them know I am doing alright--regardless of the circumstances that each of one of us are currently faced up against. 

Official Member

#CouncilNewbie20

Earlier today I received my official appointed letter and certificate with being appointed as one of the newest members of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. It is definitely quite surreal for me to even think about those upcoming adventures with such incredible people who I know are going to assist me along this new journey. This is certainly something that I had really wanted to see happen as the next chapter of my life and now it has come true!!! 

My official duties have not been anything too much as of late---but I do know there will be lots of growth in myself to take away from this experience and cannot wait to share them with my new friends. I'm truly honored with the opportunity of being able to expand my platform on self advocacy and giving insight on what I personally think needs to be done for the state of Utah. 

Youth Member (USILC Membership)

This is not necessarily been made official yet and cannot wait for it to be a new part of my life!! I know it will be a completely new experience for me as one of the many members--but I am grateful for a chance to let people know what it is I am capable of doing. I know my life has gone through endless coasters of highs and lows along the way--but it will not stop me from getting a point across to people about every obstacle that has gotten me to where I am today. I am excited for the opportunity of being surrounded with some of the best people ever and learning from them about what I can do better is just gonna be nothing short of an absolute wonderful experience for me!! I cannot wait to get acquainted w/ all of the amazing people who have been working tirelessly to make young adults with disabilities lives a reality. 

Extra Stories

Earlier this week, I had posted about getting to apply for this adaptive going away to college program for young adults with disabilities at a local university and due to the age limit being at twenty five, I will not have the chance to do it. I am definitely saddened with not getting to be a part of something like that and being able to learn new skills along the way about becoming not only more independent--but also really coming to a realization that I can do anything I set my mind on. With all of the new leadership roles that I've taken on this year in 2020-- I would easily think maybe there is enough on my plate and I can simply hope for new opportunities to show up later. 

Road Trip (Next Month)

My mom, twin sister and I are going to be heading down to St. George to watch the BYU Ballroom Dance Company perform!!! It's obviously been a while from the last time I remember seeing this group of young talent perform in front of people since everything has been turned upside down--but I cannot wait for the chance of watching their new numbers as well. I am excited for another little get away trip and spending quality time with family which is always such a good thing--(especially during times when I just want to be around other people.) 

NINJA Committee (Early Stages)

I am thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible group and giving my input on what needs to get taken care of in order for this wonderful disability conference to happen. I know it is quite a year out from actually being in place and everything--but I am grateful for the chance of doing this along w/ some of my most favorite people!!! I have probably blogged about this one too many times, but I can't wait to see what else is gonna unfold from being a new member of this committee. 

Party Day (Best Night Ever!!)

Earlier today-- My best friend Camille invited me, my twin sister and our two best friends to hang out for almost close to eight and a half hours!! We loved every single minute of laughing together, eating delicious meals, watching Sonic-The Hedgehog Movie, Making Necklaces, Photoshoot, Watching our best friend Camille open her presents (which she loved so much by the way) among so many other fun activities!!! All of us have been friends for about eight years now and cannot get enough of just being with each other for countless hours on end--which if you ask me, is never a quiet moment whatsoever and there are almost too many laughs to share!!! 

Party Time

 

Camille,

Happy Early Birthday!!! I am so grateful for your energetic and positive self that always lights up a room that you walk into. Thank you so much for being my best friend and sharing your unconditional love with so many people. Hope you are having the most unforgettable and amazing birthday ever... because you truly deserve all of the best in this world. I cannot wait to share your birthday celebration this weekend along side my twin sister and our best friends, Maria & Danielle!!! We are gonna have the absolute most fun ever being with each other and laughing until our hearts become tired. I cannot wait to celebrate your birthday a couple of days early and just making it one of the best weekend events that we could ever dream of in this world!!! I am excited to see your smiling face and catch up on the many exciting times we will have to share with each other.. which if you ask me there is never a dull moment to be wasted whenever all of us girlies hang out!!! :) 

LAST NIGHT---My best friend Camille dropped off her birthday party invitations and cannot wait for all of us girlies to spend quality time with each other this weekend. It has been since me and my twin sister had our birthday back in July--that we have gotten another chance to hang out. I am excited for all of us to be able to catch up on life and look forward into what other adventures lie in front of us!!!

Future Plans

 

Back in 2016---I had originally wanted to give myself a chance in participating with this adaptive going away to college program for young adults with disabilities and getting to have that college experience w/ roommates and taking college courses. Until I looked on the website itself about costs for tuition-- I just completely blown with how expensive it was to be a part of something that I didn't think it was the right time for me. 

YEARS LATER

I have absolutely no information about the next phase of my life and trying to decide if it would end up being the perfect fit for me. I am not necessarily certain if I could even handle taking the next unknown leap of faith is gonna make me want to pursue this or end up being the worst mistake ever!!! I'd like to keep this as much of a secret from my friends as I can possible, until there is more legitimate info that would feel comfortable sharing with the rest of the world. Stay tuned!!!

Secretary Role (Update)

One of my favorite people in this world sent me an email with the sweetest compliment ever and just simply telling me that I've pretty much killed it with this new leadership role. It was only the first ever meeting with me as the newly elected secretary and it was such an absolute success!!! We had so many good laughs about random stuff and having discussions on what is next for us as a committee and just also trying to recruit new members!!! More updates to come at a later time!!

Recognition

 

One of my colleagues sent me an email last week about responding to some questions related with my new membership with the developmental disabilities council. I also really had to think a little bit hard about what kinds of skills I could bring to the table with being a new citizen of this governor appointed committee. 

LONG STORY SHORT--- I answered each of the questions that were listed off in my email message and then quickly submitted it off earlier this afternoon. Until I completely forgot to send a legitimate headshot of myself for the website that it is gonna be shared with everybody else in this world. Luckily, I will get an opportunity to give my personal input on what the entire spotlight will look like and then have a colleague of mine share it on their website!!! 

I know this isn't necessarily the kind of blog post you wanted to read through--- but due to the endless and many disability conferences that I attended over these past few years, I am grateful for each new door that opened itself up to me and allowed so many chances of learning new skills about being a strong advocate in my neighborhood/community. I am so grateful for the many amazing people who are gonna help me all throughout this journey and remembering how lucky I am to have their support. I could never in a million years perform all of these tasks by myself and not have anybody else to share my experiences with. 

I know there will be countless mistakes to face up against and not knowing what else lies in my path-- I can only hope for the best in whatever happens along this new journey. With little to no idea about how much I will either mess up throughout my years of service or whatever it may be... I am determined to make an effort with doing the best I can possible in every aspect of this chapter in my life!!!

Random Wish: (USILC Mascot)

One of the non profit organizations that I'm ecstatic about working alongside with this year, I reached out to ask about whether or not they have had a mascot before by any chance?!!! Obviously, I did not receive a legitimate and honest answer from them whatsoever-- but I do know of this one bunny who I've had yet of any chance to meet in person but he would be so perfect for the job!! It would give me the absolute biggest smile on my face and knowing if his mom will approve of him doing the job (if I must admit he would be the most legit mascot ever!!!) More about this later!!! 

Good News

 Recruited Member 

I reached out to my best friend Camille about participating on this Youth Leadership Committee, as one of the newest youth members and luckily to my surprise--they accepted the invitation!!! I am so excited for this really fun opportunity to work alongside someone who I know is gonna bring so much to the table and positive energy into the lives of newbies that come through into our committee. I'll send off the information to them at some point about what they need to do in order to apply for this new position and cannot wait to see their potential continue to grow in ways that they never imagined possible!!! 

Meeting Agenda (Finished)

As I have slowly begun this new leadership role as secretary with my YLC-- I am only hoping to make a good legitimate impression throughout my years of service. I am definitely nervous about the outcome of future endeavors with this amazing group of young adults and continuing to learn so much from them as we get the word out about what we can do to improve the lives of our friends with disabilities. I may not ever contain my thrills of excitement for how much fun this is gonna turn out for not only me, but seeing my best friend grow as a leader themselves is going to be such a delight!!! I can only imagine how much they are going to take away from these experiences and being able to stretch themselves in ways that they never have before is gonna be an incredible thing to watch. 

"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." 

Untitled Post

Secretary Duties (Part One)

I've written all of my agenda items down for the next Youth Leadership Committee Meeting that will be taking place next week. I'm extremely nervous about how my peers are gonna take all of the many notes that I took from the previous meeting before and not knowing if they will be appreciated whatsoever!! It does make me feel slightly uncertain if this new leadership position is even for me at all or if I just make this into a complete and utter mess!!!! I know things once our meeting agenda begins to get discussed and what not--I can only hope it will be received in a very mature and respectful manner.

It is definitely such a new experience for me to do stuff like this and yet I feel like anything that happens in my life is only going to make me a better person/leader/self advocate, overall someone who is going to take their new position seriously enough that I am not gonna feel like such a complete and utter fool because I am not able to handle what the tasks are at hand. I am fairly aware of the fact being the note taker goes legitimately underappreciated than it should be, but unless I can give myself a chance to learn and understand what this new leadership role is gonna do for me down the road--There is not any kind of reason for me to not give this a shot only to see what the outcome is. #ReadyOrNot #SecretaryNerves 

Heartfelt Tribute

LONG STORY SHORT--- My good friend Josh was called back to his heavenly home two years ago tomorrow and life has not been quite the same without him. His complete zest for life never ceased to amaze me in more ways than one and learning when you focus on the positive things-- it can make ya realize how much more grand life can become. I am grateful for the opportunity that I had of knowing such a wonderful person that never once complained about his struggles and obstacles in their way---- but if you ask me, I know the imprint my friend Josh left on my heart is not going anywhere any time soon. I cannot wait to see him again in the next life and can only hope he will continue teaching many more people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Other News:

Life this past week hasn't necessarily turned out as legitimate and wonderful as I would have liked it to be. I have struggled with trying to ask myself this very difficult question: Why is it that bad things are happening to good people?!!! I may never know the reasons behind any situation that life throws at me or let alone other people, but all we can do is continue to be supportive and caring towards them. With out going into much detail about this and because it is not my personal business to share-- I've simply made a decision to keep out of it completely without trying to ponder on it too much.