Extra Updates

I'm so grateful for the incredible semester that I was able to have in my adaptive needs institute class this year. I really loved spending quality time with our friends who were in class and being inspired by them every week--which if you ask me was not an understatement. We had a wonderful experience feeling the spirit testify of us every week about what we were learning and sharing our thoughts with one another as often as possible. I am so blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and knowing that no matter the focus of what I may be going through-- he will always be there for me. I have seen his hand in my life throughout this last year as I was able to overcome and feel his love, no matter what lesson I had to relearn multiple times over. 

Until the new semester begins, I will miss going to class throughout the summer months & learning about my Savior, Jesus Christ on a weekly basis. I am grateful to have been able to learn along with my friends who were in the class and hearing their testimonies of the gospel was inspiring. This semester has really strengthened my testimony more than ever before and given me hope for what it is to come in the future, whatever it may be. I have gained a better relationship with heavenly father throughout this semester and knowing he is in the details of my life brings me peace to my heart. I have realized that when I am clearly focused on him everyday that things are better and usually fall into the right place, when they need to. It's been comforting to know I am never alone and can always kneel in prayer at any time, whenever I need to tell him something on my mind. He has softened my heart when I felt one way about a situation & clearly made me realize that I cannot handle things on my own---but that he will take care of the rest. 

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(To Be Continued)

Next Step

URLEND Program (Unofficial News)

I am not particularly one hundred percent sure if my application will end up being selected to be a part of this leadership program. One of the many questions I completely forgot to ask is if they take NINJAs into something like this... which I still think may be up in the air for those who may not know what I am talking about here!!! I luckily have a lot more time to think about whether or not this will be a good fit for me or if things need to move forward with my life. I definitely hope that no matter the outcome or final results--my advocacy journey continues down the right path. I am grateful to know there is help along the way and that I would not be in this new chapter alone, which I could not be more relieved to hear. I was grateful to have had a chance to meet with one of the many people in charge of this program and learning a little bit more about what lies ahead for me is still kind of a nerve-wracking decision. It is without a doubt in my mind one of the biggest leaps of faith that I've ever taken and can only hope that it has ended up being one of those experiences I can look back on with a smile on my face. I am hopeful to leave a good impression on the selection committee about whether or not I have been chosen for a new leadership role in giving my all into an area of life that I don't feel like I have too much experience in. However, I would love to sincerely continue advocating for individuals in the disability community so much and not being afraid to let their voices be heard, when it really comes to anything they may need a little extra help in. I can only hope to also leave a good impression on the selection committee who makes the final decision about whether I am next in line or need to reapply for next year. (Stay tuned for more!!!) 

Untitled Post

LONG STORY SHORT---One of my colleagues recommended my name to participate along with others on this Utah MHIDD advisory board. I participated in my first meeting today which if you ask me, I tried my hardest to join on time but learned a couple of things about mental health awareness among other stuff that I could bring to the table. I am grateful for an opportunity to continue working next to my colleagues every step of this journey and learn alongside with them. 

BYU Adaptive Show Choir (Spring Concert)

I have only heard good things about what this show choir does and how much fun it is to watch everyone get out on the floor to either dance, sing a song or simply perform alongside their peers. The energy inside of the Smithfield House was electric and everybody was smiling from ear to ear, while clapping to any of the songs that were being played. I loved seeing my friends go out of their comfort zones to perform for a very large crowd with the biggest smiles on their faces!! I was very impressed with the variety of talents- that people in the disability community have whether it's playing the piano or another kind of a musical instrument. I might end up considering the possibility of doing this down the road or if I can find the time to make it work in my busy schedule, we will see what happens from there. One of the many things that touched my heart throughout this entire concert was one of the BYU students mentioned since joining the adaptive show choir, they were able to find out where it is they belong.

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