Timeline

January:

Essentials

What an unforgettable experience getting to learn more about "Why do I need to advocate" among so many other things in between. I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this virtual event and in hopes to get a little more interaction with people who will be participating with us.

February: 

Prom Night

Getting another chance to once again participate in this worldwide prom event is a dream come true!!! It's such a fun experience to spend quality time with my friends and make memories that we will cherish for the rest of eternity. If you have never heard about this event before, you are definitely missing out on such an incredible movement that continues to impact the lives of people like me and many others. Please stay tuned for an update on this event once it gets closer!! :) 

March:

Recuperates

This month was one of the hardest for me on so many levels and yet I continued to recognize how much better I can be when it comes to boundaries as well as keeping my mental health in check at all times. It was extremely hard for me to not participate on a meeting and not have tears rolling down my cheeks--- because I felt like I must be too much of a burden on someone's plate. I have really grown so much with in the last year and can only hope to do better from here on out--(or into the future!!)

April: 

Perfect Birthday

I legitimately made the decision to give a colleague of mine their own birthday post :) I know it was not going to be the last one I would ever let them know about or pretend like it didn't mean something deep down inside of them. I am so grateful for this person who has continuously put up with me in ways that no one should ever have to face either on their own or in everyday life-- but I knew in my heart they did need someone to show that they cared!!

June:

Conferenced Out

This virtual NINJA Conference was probably more enjoyable than the one before. It was such a visible struggle for me to not lash out my emotions and want to hide away from everything bad that had been going on in the world. I felt a little more at peace with trying to pay more attention to the lessons and skills we needed to learn as self advocates, mentors and people within the disability community on a regular basis. I truly cannot owe USILC nearly enough for changing my life in a way that will stay w/ me forever and I am so grateful for everything they have done to make me the self advocate that I am today. 

August:

Nomination

This nomination from my best friend Camille somehow unexpectedly came true!!! I didn't necessarily believe that just because my name was getting put inside of the ring-- I would even find myself actually doing all of the tasks I have been asked to tackle. Little did I know what an unforgettable honor and just overall privilege it would be for me to lead virtual meetings with the best group of self advocates ever and continuing to learn from them every other month is an amazing experience.

October:

Official Chair

Ninja Trailer

Getting the privilege to serve in this leadership capacity has been life changing and I cannot thank all of my friends nearly enough for their unconditional love, support, patience, kindness and everything else in between that they have given me when I have felt like I am not deserving of it whatsoever. It's been an amazing experience for me to step out of my comfort zone and learn new ways to showcase all of my leadership skills. 

#NINJAPrideForever

November:

Special Event

My best friend Camille tied the knot with her now husband Sam & I could not be more than happy for them!!! I truly loved being a part of her special day with smiles and laughs to share all day long-- which if you ask me did get a little exhausting after some time, but it was an unforgettable day that I know will be cherished forever. 

Memories

This year in 2021 has given me a fair share of unknown challenges and obstacles that nobody should ever have to go through in their lifetime. It has been an emotional rollercoaster with not knowing if I am doing the right things or just trying to make a complete fool of myself almost everyday if you can even believe it. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to keep doing better and making sure that I can do only the best efforts I have to make a good impression on those I work with and will for the next couple of years of my life. #ToBeContinued 

Here are some of my favorite highlights and memories from this past year:

Being nominated/elected as the new chair person for my youth leadership committee has been nothing short of an incredible experience for me!!!! I have continued to learn so much in regards to what I can keep doing better to make sure I take care of myself and refocusing on myself a little more. I am truly lucky to have an amazing group of people that are cheering me on everyday and making sure that I'm getting judged for my performances. 

Participating in various disability conferences and committees throughout my time as I serve in the many leadership capacities that I have been able to either plan or give input on has been a delightful experience for me. I am grateful for the abilities that I do have to make these events successful and not something for people to forget in the years to come. I am grateful for the support system of people who are always there when I need someone to talk to about anything and not being afraid to take care of myself whenever it is possible for me to do that. 

Learning from the best of the best in our state on a regular basis has been a dream come true!!! I cannot express my gratitude nearly enough times for how much they have shown me what being a true leader is and not worrying about what mistakes I've made in the past or anything of that nature. It has been an incredible journey for me to learn and feel inspired by their words of motivation to know that I will not get anywhere in life unless I legitimately do something about it. 

Trying my hardest to maintain boundaries with people that I dearly look up to so much and hope I can be like when I grow up. They have strengthened me through their goodness of what is going to help me fulfill my dreams in life and making certain I have my voice heard when it is necessary. I am grateful to know that I can communicate with others in a very mature manner and not feel afraid to ask for help if I ever need it at any given moment. It has been one of the hardest things for me to learn this year as I just continuously struggle with the endless list of restrictions that life has never stopped giving me and I am definitely a better person than ever before. 

(End Of Part One) 

Free Write

People First Conference (May 2022)

Me and one of my NINJA friends are going to participate on this planning committee, to give ideas on how to promote self advocacy within the disability community, helping to make decisions on activities and presenters, etc. I cannot wait for this to get rolling as we enter into a brand new year and hopefully this can be an in person event. When I was last participating on a committee like this one, it was this summer and we had the most legit as well as informative virtual conference ever!! I truly loved being able to give my time and energy into something that I knew would change my life forever. It was such an amazing experience for me to really showcase all of my leadership skills that I have continued to work so hard on throughout these past few years!!!

Special Entry

Ty,

"It's not goodbye, It's see you later..."

It's been such a delight to work with you on this committee, that will forever hold a special place in my heart. You and I have definitely experienced more than we wanted to handle, minus all of the tears that were shed along the way--but I am grateful for your patience with me as I have taken on a role that I never imagined myself being able to tackle. You have inspired me to always push myself to do hard things and never care about what others think, staying true to myself in almost every situation, etc. I am so grateful for the opportunities that you have allowed me to have as I served with such an amazing group of people, who I know are going to change this world for the better. I truly cannot thank you nearly enough for the ways you have inspired, encouraged, motivated me to not ever second guess an opportunity that comes into my path and remembering who I am. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for being who you are and I will always remember every "Hard Knocked Life Lesson" you taught me during these past two years. I will miss serving with you in this capacity-- more than you could ever possibly know and just know that my heart will stick with this YLC forever!!

(Instagram Post - Coming June 2022) 

Untitled Post

(Little Preview - Snippet)

My journey with this youth leadership committee began over three and a half years ago, not knowing if I had the right choice to participate or let alone contribute much of anything that would be of importance to our disability community. I am so grateful for the many discussions we've had together as a group online and try to set out goals for ourselves to see get implemented with each meeting we had. 

Over the course of time, everything has gotten a little more structured with leadership roles and having so much more to focus our attention on is remarkable. I have truly seen so much growth in myself as a leader who wants to keep seeing good in this world as well as the lives of people with disabilities get improved all over the state of Utah. It has given me opportunities to keep moving forward with my life, even when there were times when I didn't want to put a smile on my face or deal with what was handed to me. 

YLC Members,

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie, The Pooh

This is how I genuinely feel over having to walk away from such an incredible disability committee and knowing that my time is almost up is what makes this so much harder on me. I know that you guys will continue to move things forward and keep setting goals for yourselves to accomplish going as this new year rolls into place. I will greatly miss serving alongside with you all so much more than I could ever possibly say and just know that if you ever need advice or someone to talk to, I am always here. I love you all so much and hope we can remain friends forever!!!

(End Of Part Two)

Little Preview

The term "bittersweet" could not be more applicable than at this time in my life. Bitter coming from the fact I have to tearfully walk away from serving on one of the best disability committees ever and sweet coming from the unforgettable memories that I've made with such an incredible group of people. It has been an amazing journey for me to learn and grow as a disability leader in this role that I did not even know would change my life as much as I imagined... #ToBeContinued 

Mini Campaign

NINJA Fam,

1) I genuinely love how kind all of you are to not only me, but everyone else you have ever come into contact with in this world. You guys are so passionate about you do to making a difference within the disability community and seeing it as a place where we can feel included and not let anything tear all of us down. I also especially love the friendships we have with each other and have continued to maintain throughout these past ten years!!! #ItsTheNinjaLife 

What wise man or woman has blessed your life? Share with them your love and appreciation. (Today)

Too many names of people I could list on here, but I am grateful for everyone who has continued to stick me through my entire life and keep putting a smile on my face. I love you all so much and the bonds we've made with each other, I can only hope will last into the eternities. You all have embraced with me literally open arms even if there were times when I didn't necessarily deserve it and I cannot be more grateful for the impact you continue to all have on my life. 

Miniature Update: (Unforgettable Moment) 

I had one of the most heartfelt conversations over social media with my all time favorite human in the entire world!! It was such a heartwarming experience for me to share with them, simply how amazing they are to not only me, but to everyone within the disability community. I left them pretty much close to being speechless while I was telling this person how capable, diligent, self-less they are qualified to be doing what they are right now. I cannot tell you what an immense peaceful feeling that legitimately came over me in those moments as we kept chatting with each other. I genuinely love this angelic and self less person so much more than anything else in this universe!!! They have continued to amaze me in ways that I am certain will keep touching the lives of everyone around them. (To Be Continued)

Extra Nervous

Earlier today I was asked to lead my youth leadership committee through our virtual meeting and if you ask me it was a little bit of a nerve-wracking moment for me. I legitimately wanted to do my best as well as make a good impression on the new members and my favorite colleagues in the whole entire world. It is definitely hard when I have never done anything like this before and with being used to listening when I'm usually keeping my mouth shut was a little bit emotionally draining than I anticipated. The more times we have meetings virtually I will be able to transition into this leadership role a little bit better and I am so grateful to do it among the best set of friends ever!!! 

LONG STORY SHORT--- I ended up having a slight anxious moment due to the fact-- throughout these past ten years my heart has always been a part of the youth area in the IL community. It has touched my heart so much with all of the many friendships and bonds that I've gotten to make, which if you ask me will never leave me any time soon. It is definitely going to be very emotional for me to leave behind an important part of my life that I know will continue throughout this heart wrenching change. I am really gonna feel saddened to leave behind a part of my life that has given me so many opportunities to grow into a better person and learning how to navigate our crazy world. 

I didn't necessarily know how to approach this new role of being a chair person, if it had not been for the person who believed in me that I could do hard things. I absolutely felt peace in my heart as I logged into this meeting with not having any idea if I was even the individual qualified for it. I am grateful for all of the unconditional love, patience of my colleagues who I genuinely have so much complete and utter trust in knowing this group of people will take the youth leadership committee in the direction it needs to head towards. 

(Next Part Coming Tomorrow)

Ninja Story

 

Dear USILC,

Back in 2013, I received a piece of paper with a schedule typed up about a Youth Leadership Retreat that was going to be held on the campus of Utah State University in Logan. I didn't know what I was walking myself into having had no experience with leadership in the disability community & did not expect it to be as much as fun it was until after I got there.

I've held various leadership positions before this conference ever happened and immediately was hooked!! I have truly grown and learned so much about becoming the kind of disability leader, self advocate, mentor and friend that I need to be for others. I cannot thank this non profit organization nearly enough for changing my life a little over ten years ago and I've never had any regrets since then.

I am truly grateful for the unconditional love, support, friendships that I have made with this group of people who I have considered to be like a second family. I love every single one of you so much and the impact you have made on my life will always stick with me wherever I go in this world and in the future.

Favorite NINJA Conference Memories:

- Laughing so hard until it hurts and learning lots about how to become a good self advocate, disability leader, and mentor for others in the disability community with my friends!!!

- Being a youth mentor four years in a row and always getting a heartfelt moment to share with everyone who participates with us!! - Staying up late into the evening hours and making the absolute best of every situation that this conference has ever handed to me over the past ten years.

#ItsANinjaThing #NINJALeadership #NinjaForeverAndAlways

Thankfulness

I'm thankful for the unconditional love and support that every person who has put up with me, over these past two years. I may not have deserved any of it after what we have experienced through the unknowns and not having any idea when life is going to return back to normal. I know I have struggled with so many things and I am thankful that I can always turn to you guys for whatever I need to help feeling better. I am thankful for their heartfelt advice they have given me and sometimes if I do not feel like it's not appreciated--I can tell you right now that there is not one single moment in my life when I am not contemplating on what it has done to strengthen me. I am thankful for the many laughs and unforgettable moments that we have shared together, which if you ask me is probably a lot more than one!!! I cannot thank them nearly enough for how they have made sure that I am doing okay and not feeling down all the time, whenever life has felt more unbearable than I would like it to be. 

I am thankful for all of the endless virtual meetings that we get to share and participate on together. It is obviously difficult to not spend time with one another in the same room and yet I know it is going to be something I will greatly miss so much. I am thankful for the discussions that we have to make this world an even better place than it has been over the course of time and recognizing our potential to achieve just about anything we set our minds to. We may have our struggles in life everyday and sometimes wish that things were a little bit easier for us, but I am thankful to know that I am not the only person who feels this way. 

I am thankful for your goodness and the lives you all continue to push through everyday. I know it has not been the happiest for any of us during these past two years and yet I am thankful to have an incredible set of friends who look after each other. I am thankful for your smiles and laughs that we have always shared over the past ten years, which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I am thankful for those unforgettable memories that we have created either online or in person--which I can honestly admit have lifted my spirits whenever I need something to cheer me up. 

I have admitted this one too many times on here, but I am thankful for who you guys are in this world and continue to be for me everyday of my life. I am thankful for the passions you all have to show just about anybody in this world what you are capable of doing and not letting those obstacles stop you with achieving your dreams. I am thankful to call each one of you my friends and being able to feel accepted in a world that I know has made me a stronger person. Thank you so much for all that you have done to make me a better self advocate and disability leader in this world!! Love you all so much more than you could ever possibly know!!! 

Untitled Post

 Anxiously Unprepared (Final Words)

As thrilled as I feel about this next year getting here and COVID being out of the picture, I can't even stop thinking about how sentimental it will be to complete my final months of being on a committee that I just dearly love so much. I am so grateful for the opportunities it has given me to participate in various things within the disability community and inspiring other self advocates to know that they can achieve whatever it is they want to in life. I am so grateful for the unconditional love and patience all of my friends have had with me as I continue to realize what else lies ahead for me, which if you must know will not be a pleasant or easy transition. I have loved getting to share these experiences with my friends who I know are going to move things forward to the best of their abilities, even after my time with them comes to an end. I am truly certain there are going to be tears involved when this day comes and I am not prepared for what it will just simply have planned out for me either. I am not someone who takes any changes that come into their path very easily and I am not ready to leave behind something that has changed my life for the past three and a half years almost. I am not certain there will be any chances of me coming back into a world that I cannot see myself not being in anymore and I cannot pretend like the anxiety will not come with it too. I will try my hardest to keep it together and yet I am not making any promises here, about whether or not someone such as myself will handle this in a mature fashion or just be a teary eyed mess the entire time. I am really unprepared for not knowing what my life has in store for me and hopefully I can maintain with everyone whose life I have been able to touch in some way or another. 

Dear YLC Members, 

"Some people can touch your life for a brief moment, but will leave an imprint for a lifetime."

This quote could not be more perfect as my tender time with our youth leadership committee ends on a very sentimental and bittersweet note. One of my biggest and personal goals was to leave an imprint on the hearts of everyone that I work with on any committee as well as the two councils I am currently just serving on for the next few years. I am certainly not one of those people who loves walking away from something that they know has been such a big part of their life is not going to be a happy moment. I am grateful for these three and a half years that I have gotten to serve with all of my incredible friends who have touched my life more than I can thank them enough times for. I love you all so much & look very much forward to keeping in touch with you all if it at all possible.

Tylee,

I'm not even sure where to begin with this...but I figure once next year rolls around I will not be ready or prepared to leave behind working with someone that I truly want to be like when I grow up. You are such an incredible leader, self advocate, mentor and friend whose imprint on my heart is not going anywhere or let alone to any unknown place. You have been a delight to get to know better as I have served as secretary and chair of a committee that will forever hold a special place in my heart. It has not been an easy path for me to walk down as life has put my faith to the test and knowing I could get through it with you made me realize so many things. I am grateful for your influence in my life as well as in the lives of everyone who has gotten to know you, has been changed for the better. As in the words from the popular hit Broadway Musical WICKED---"Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." I cannot thank you nearly enough times for putting up with me as much as you had to and it was not easy to see teardrops rolling down my face on Zoom calls, having to silent yourself whenever my anxiety was out of control and no way for me to keep calm as much as I wanted to feel, etc. You're definitely someone who I am so grateful to have gotten to work with and associate with in a leadership role that I never imagined myself having ten years ago. I will never forget you and hope we can remain in touch with each other as well as visit over the phone if we ever get the chance!!! Thank you so much for being a third mom to me and will be for the rest of eternity...Yes, You do not have a choice to leave that position any time soon!!! :) 

- Courtney Edgington (Forever YLC Member/Officer) 

Conclusion

USILC,

I genuinely owe it all to you for helping me along on my self advocacy journey throughout these past ten years. I am so grateful to be a part of a council that pushes to make the lives of people with disabilities a reality and reminding us that it's just a different way of living. You will forever have a very special place in my heart and I hope to stick with you guys another ten more years!!! I am grateful for all the many memories that I have been able to make with you and being a youth participant, mentor for the NINJA Conference was nothing short of a dream come true!!! It is where my self advocacy journey ALL started was getting a piece of paper handed to me about a youth leadership retreat that was going to take place on the Utah State University campus and not knowing how much fun it would be, until after I got there. It was the start of a journey that would keep me going in the direction that I need to be in and no matter how much I never wanted to see my time with this retreat end, I knew my life was changed for good. 

It opened up so many doors for me to walk through and make some of the most amazing friendships with people who can relate to what it is like being different. I was able to learn so many things about being in the world of independent living and learning to get myself out there, when I clearly didn't know if I could even make it happen. I absolutely loved spending time away from home for a short period and having that student experience--which if you ask me was more than an incredible opportunity to do things on my own, without my family near. 

I am grateful for the endless support, unconditional love, motivation, encouragement that not only you have given me while serving in this organization-- but allowing me to do my best in anything I'm ever asked to tackle. I have truly given you everything in my heart to this organization throughout my time being a youth member and hope to see another ten more years down the road. I'm grateful for all of the lessons that I have had to learn throughout my time and even though it continues to be a struggle, I am genuinely blessed to have such an amazing group of people behind me to cheer me on and make sure I am never doubting myself. 

Thank you so much USILC for coming into my life a decade ago and pushing me through the hardest of times to reach my leadership goals. I love you so much and cannot wait to see what else the future holds in store for you over the next ten years that lie ahead!!! Thank you so much for being a part of my life-- in a way that I know is going to stick with me forever. 

(End Of Post) 

Special Event

 This past weekend my best friend Camille tied the knot with her husband Sam and I could not be more than excited for her!!! She looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding dress and just radiated throughout the entire day with a big smile on her face. It was such a delight to be a part of her special day and to see her take on this new chapter of her life was nothing short of incredible. 

Here are some highlights from the day: (Nov 6th)

- Arrived at the temple to greet our best friends and smiled till the moment finally came!!! We ended up cheering for the wrong couple that made their wedding exit and then realized it was not Camille and Sam, which if you ask me the guy who stood behind--mentioned to us that it was good practice!! Haha!! All of us were anxiously excited for the bride and groom to come out as they greeted everyone, it was especially fun to give Camille the biggest group hug ever. 

- Attended the wedding luncheon at a local restaurant here in the area and mostly it was filled with smiles, laughs, and just celebrating an occasion that would be remembered forever. The meal was lovely and I can not tell you nearly enough how grateful I was to have been close to home, without having to travel a long distance away. 

- Lots of pictures were taken at the temple and reception venue, which I could not have been more happy about :) We had to wait awhile for everything to get in place and then the reception started, which if you must know it was hard to not know a lot of people who were in attendance (due to the fact-- None of us know anybody from her ward or neighborhood let alone her husband's family.) 

- Danced the night away until it was time to see the bride and groom make their exit, to head off on their honeymoon!!! It was a lovely evening filled with lots of unforgettable moments and I can only hope they have an amazing married life together. 

Minus everything else I could share about this, the entire day was lovely and could not have been any better!!! I am so grateful that me, my twin sister and our two best friends were able to participate in an event that I know will not be forgotten. Wishing the happy couple all the best in this world!!! 

Free Write

 "What life lesson have you learned that you think could help others?"

This question continues to weigh itself on my mind & there is probably not much of anything I could share that would be helpful for someone else, if I am being honest. I have certainly done a fair share of reflection about what I need to do better with handling any situation or just not trying to beat myself up over something that was never intended to hurt me, etc. I am a very highly sensitive person and with all that I have on my plate, it does at times get a little hard to remember how I need to keep my own mental health in check everyday. I've learned to try evaluating what is really going on in any given moment and make sure I am being as careful as I can be, at all costs. 

I'd easily admit that doing much needed self care is what will get you through almost every situation and keeping yourself in control. It does get a little hard with trying to find the balance with how I need to be not only as a person, but someone who knows they make improvements. It will probably not be easy for me at times and yet I am more than willing to put my best self out there, no matter the obstacles that are going to be in my path. 

I've also had to learn in more ways than one, about trying to keep my boundaries with people that I am working with on my governor appointed councils. It has been tough not getting together in person and believe me, I have missed not being able to have a change of scenery and traveling to other places when I'd feel like that is exactly what I need to refocus on myself a little bit more. I have always struggled w/ all of this and not trying to make a complete fool of who I am, when life has had to teach me things I'd never imagine myself having to process (let alone having to understand on a professional level as well as the level of being a self advocate. 

(End Of Part One) 

New Updates

It's obvious that I could not help but want to share this photo with all of you!!! Halloween is almost close to being in full swing and can hardly wait for the next time around when I'll have a different picture that I can post on here. We had an incredible time celebrating this day with our friends from other independent living centers across the state and just dancing till our hearts were tired, playing fun games, and just also getting to visit with each other was a treat too. I am most likely not going to dress up for the rest of time, let alone into the next twenty years of my life and honestly--I'd like to see if I do end up not doing this at all anymore down the road. 

Best Friend's Wedding (Ten Days)

I cannot be more excited about my best friend getting married in the next week!!! I am definitely just hoping for a beautiful day filled with happiness and moments that will be cherished forever. There is genuinely not a lot for me to share about this still and can only hope to post up stories after the thrills with anticipation have settled down. I am not necessarily sure what else to expect from this day other than just getting to see my best friend Camille amazingly happy to have the man of her dreams next to her side!!! (Stay tuned for more highlights to come!!)

(End Of Post) 

Untitled Post

 Background Story (October 2016)

My journey with the speakers network began in a time in my life, when I was clearly tired of doing store maintenance for a well known department store and just wanted to do something different with my life. It was absolutely one of the best changes I ever made and will never make plans to look back any time soon. I'm grateful for the remarkable friendships that I have gotten to make with my colleagues on this project and I can only hope to see those continue on into the future.

Self Determination Presentation (Ability First Utah)

At the time, two self advocates with disabilities who were already on the speakers network presented about this subject and little did I know how much it would impact my life. It was such a delight for me, watching them talk in front of a small group of people and not feeling the least bit nervous. I definitely loved being able to ask them questions in regards to what their dress code or attire is that they wear & immediately felt like this was something I really wanted to pursue. 

Quality Of Life Conference (Summer Time)

I attended this event up in the mountains of Provo Canyon and just had an incredible experience getting to learn more about becoming an even better self advocate. I was intrigued with the many lessons and things that I was able to take away from this conference, which if you must know was fun---but definitely not as fun as NINJA!!! While I was there, I met a lady by the name of Amy Notwell and during any random sort of conversations I'd have with other people, she genuinely brought up the subject of this speakers bureau for individuals with disabilities to train self advocates, siblings, and others about the issues that effect the lives of people like myself. The second I received a letter from this person in the mail, I immediately had to think about if it would be something I could commit to sticking with and after a week-- I sent back the information I had filled out.

LONG STORY SHORT----Me and my colleagues are going to be consultants through the state of Utah which if you ask me again, I could not be more than thrilled about. I am grateful about some of the new things that are lined up for us as speakers and can only hope for the best in whatever ends up happening down the road. My self confidence alone has gotten itself boosted so much through this project and just sharing that message of hope with so many people is something I never want to see myself not do. I am grateful for the remarkable moments of laughter and just letting everyone know that people who are just different from the rest of this world is something I want to continue advocating for. 

(End Of Post)

Girls Night

I'm so excited for another chance to spend quality time with my best friends and celebrating three different occasions in one night will be an unforgettable experience!!! I cannot wait to laugh until it hurts, smile till I'm not able to do that anymore, watch a delightful and wholesome movie, not to mention all of the many memories that we will make together. We could seriously not be more than excited about our best friend Camille tying the knot in a few short weeks and just knowing the smiles on our faces will only continue into the days long afterwards. 

Whenever my twin sister and I along with our best friends spend time together, it is never a quiet moment which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. We love getting to visit and catch up with each other when the time comes around for us to do that--minus the crazy amount of energy that comes sticks with us all night long. Hahaha... I am not trying to overdo this blog post with too much excitement that I know will come right behind us all when that special day arrives!!! 

I am truly grateful we have each other to hang out with and can look forward to the biggest day of our best friend's life!!! I am certain there will be a lot more than just all of the activities included with this amazing celebration of not only our bestie turning one year older... but supporting her on a day that she'll remember for all eternity. 

I may be a little too excited about these upcoming celebrations more than I'd like to admit :) It is definitely hard to believe that my best friend will be tying in the knot in a few months and knowing her life will be changed forever is surreal more often I keep thinking about it. Please stay tuned for more updates that I'll promise will be shared on here at some point in time, but just continue to remain patient with me :) 

Ninja Trailer

After I was voted in to be the new chair person for my youth leadership committee, I decided that we had to create a movie trailer instead of a poster to get the word out for next year's NINJA Conference to be on the Utah State University campus!!! It had been on my mind for awhile and never felt like it was a decent or good idea to share with my group of friends, but I really wanted to make sure if it was something we all felt like we could agree on-- I didn't want to pass up the opportunity. 

COMING SOON--- June 2022!!! (Still a work in progress if you must know)

This disability leadership conference left an imprint on my heart from the moment I arrived on the college campus of USU almost ten years ago!!! It has been such a delight for me to learn from all of the many other youth delegates and being inspired by their stories that they convey with everyone in our group. I am so grateful for the unforgettable moments and endless amounts of laughs that kept me smiling until my heart was tired from being my favorite people so much. I have such a special place in my heart for this conference and everything that it has done for me to become the kind of leader I want to be down this road. 

My answers to the following questions in regards to this NINJA movie trailer are:

Why do I love the NINJA Conference??

I love this conference because all of the many new friendships I make with the delegates from all over the state of Utah. They are truly like family to me in more ways than one and I am so grateful for their perseverance in letting people know what they can do instead of the other way around. I love them all so much and their determination to keep going forward in life without guile!!! They have motivated me to always look for the potential in myself to do hard things and not care what others think I cannot do in this world to make a difference. #NINJAPrideForever. 

I genuinely love participating in a variety of classes that are held throughout the conference and helping everyone learn different ways to set goals for themselves, learn about ways to improve their social skills among so many other things in between. I also love getting the opportunity of staying on an actual if ya ask me legitimate college campus in the dorms with my friends-- You are genuinely missing out on the greatest things ever in my personal opinion :) 

I also love how inclusive the NINJA Conference is for people with all kinds of disabilities & trying to prove to this world that they are just as much part of society as the rest of them are. I am grateful for a conference like this one that continues to keep me pushing through the hard times and knowing that I'm not alone in the goals I set out for myself. 

Official Chair

Whoa!!! My life has definitely gotten a little more exhilarating now that I have been voted in as the brand newly elected Chair person of their Youth Leadership Committee. It is definitely bittersweet to see my role as the secretary come to an end because it turned into one of my favorite volunteer jobs ever!!! It was such a delight to create the agendas for each meeting and typing the minutes long afterwards (which if you ask me was more than a treat to do every other month.) Thank you so much to everyone who was genuinely patient with me as I continued to learn about my leadership role and have the support behind me every single step of the way. 

As I became elected into this new leadership role, I was certainly a little surprised that they were not more names listed for the next person who would become the new chair. I am grateful for the support & love of my fellow committee members who make me smile or laugh whenever I need it at any given time, especially in the circumstances that we are still in. I definitely have so much left ahead of me to learn and process inside myself about this new role, but it could not have gone any better in the sense of knowing I am not alone or just simply trying to do my best :) 

Other News:

My youth leadership committee has been a part of my life for three years and yet I'd never want to see myself doing anything more than what I can contribute to the group. I may not be perfect or someone-- who knew they could take on something like this, but I am more than grateful to do what I can. Earlier, when my meeting took place it felt strange not taking any notes on paper and not filling out what I had become so used to and now I get to start all over with this new slate. 

#MembersNeeded

This committee is in need of some new youth members with disabilities to join us and help us empower individuals like ourselves to learn as much as we can about becoming good leaders. It has been such an incredible experience for me to continue growing as a leader and making the best of whatever it is that I end up getting faced up against. Getting to this point in my life was nothing short of easy for me & feel grateful to know that through all of the obstacles--- I was able to make it to this next chapter of my life without feeling like I didn't fulfill what I needed to do. 

Free Write

October 1, 2020 (One Year Milestone)

I cannot even believe one year ago next month-- I will have reached my one year mark with being a part of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. I have definitely learned and grown so much more as a self advocate within the disability community than I ever imagined possible. I have enjoyed getting to do so many more things with people who are so dedicated and passionate about what they do everyday. It's given me a lot more stuff to focus on in my life and trying my hardest to be a good board member with every single virtual meeting that we have several times throughout the year. 

December 18, 2020 (Back Up Plan)

USILC was originally going to end up being my back up plan if things didn't work out with this other council that I mentioned above. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for me as I've had to learn about maintaining boundaries and trying to keep my anxiety in check as things continue being online. I have certainly had my fair share with tears rolling down my face and trying not to make a complete fool of myself with people I see every three months. I have really struggled with trying to find my place on a council where everybody around me knows way more than I do. There have been so many laughs and smiles given away to not only me, but other people who work tirelessly to make things become a legit reality for people with disabilities. I am grateful for their patience and teaching me the hardest lessons ever which if you ask me I didn't want to necessarily experience in the first place... But it has given me reasons to keep pushing forward with each day that passes on. 

USILC Interim ED Care Package 2021 

I genuinely wish there was not a rule to dismiss from giving you a little extra tender, love and care as you tackle on this new position within the independent living community. You are such an amazingly talented in every way possible and continuously amaze me with your ability to see the good in every situation life hands to you. 

This care package would include:

Tissues (whenever you need a good cry at any given moment)

Snacks (Variety of the things you love to munch on and bring a smile to your face)

Ice Cold Drinks (Diet Dr. Pepper, Water, Lemonade, etc.)

Cozy Warm Blanket (Something to snuggle up in when those chilly fall days arrive)

Ear Buds (Listening to your favorite songs or something to calm you down)

Homemade Banana Bread (I'd love to make this for you some day!!!) 

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NINJA Alumni Call (Highlights)

Getting a chance to spend virtual time with my ninja friends is always a treat for me :) I love getting to catch up with each other and see their faces after some time was much needed, which if you ask me is never anything I take for granted. I have greatly missed not getting to be with my friends in person and getting to tell stories, laugh until it hurts, stay up late into the evening hours, etc. We also participated in doing a virtual scavenger hunt and it was really fun to search around for items that had to be a particular texture, shape, color, etc. I definitely may have had a little too much fun trying to not waste my time with looking for items that we were asked to find around inside our homes, but loved every minute of it :) I am grateful to have had a chance to participate on this call and hopefully more of them will take place into the future!!!

Anniversary Of 911

It's been twenty years since the events of this anniversary when our lives were changed forever and I am grateful despite the heartache that was left behind-- We need to be prepared for when our lives get turned upside down in any situation. I am grateful for the many lives we get to remember this month and think about how much of an impact they left on our hearts from this experience. I was scared to imagine how people from another far away country, would specifically target us as Americans to help us realize what we have on a regular basis is something they were upset about. I remember walking around the museum and memorial of this event back in New York in 2012 to see the rusted objects that were saved for people to see and look at every year. I am certain a lot of those things were important to someone who had either lived through that tragedy or did not know what was going to come of them later on. I may not have been able to visibly read what was said on those objects or know how they got found---but I am grateful for the chance I had to reflect on how lucky I am to be a citizen of this nation. #NeverForget

Eight Weeks

This is how many weeks are left until my best friend ties the knot with her soon to be husband & if you ask me along with my best friends--there is plenty of excitement in the air. I am excited for her to begin this new chapter of life with someone she loves so much and looking forward to what their future holds for them. 

Our best friend Camille made a quick stop by the house and handed me, my twin sister Cassidy a light colored greenish envelope with a hand written letter alongside money to help us purchase our bridesmaids dresses. We did not waste any time long after she left to look online for what options we'd want to pick from & just make sure it was as close to the color scheme that they had. We received news earlier today that our dresses are being shipped and will be arriving in the next two weeks--which if you must know, cannot show up nearly if not soon enough!!! We sent off the pictures of our dresses to Camille and luckily for us--she was happy with them to say the least after she got a chance to see what they look like. 

LONG STORY SHORT---There are probably more updates and untold stories to come in the fairly distant future!!! I am so excited for the chance to be a bridesmaid once again (in what has been like nearly almost ten years ago when my older sister got married.) This special occasion cannot be more than the biggest & most unforgettable highlight for me, my twin sister and our two best friends!!! We are definitely going to have such a blast getting to walk around with flower bouquets in hand & the biggest smiles on our faces all night long :) Hahaha--Seriously though!!! I am not sure what else to expect other than an unforgettable night to remember with my best friends!! 

(To Be Continued)