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 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. 

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