Field Trip

Utah State Capitol - Disability Advocacy Day 2026

EARLIER THIS WEEK----I particiapted alongside my friends in a full day of events that included a very important training with a scrumptious catered lunch provided by one of the governor appointed entities & not to mention that it was especially fun to visit with former colleagues. It was especially helpful to get an extra few minutes to settle ourselves into our seats and ready for what was going to be a very trenchenous day of information coming at us like a firehose. I sincerely appreciated that our training was held in a brand new building upstairs that had lots of space to move around & take a breather if we needed to have one during any given moment. 

Disability Awareness Rally (Mini Recap)

I was very hesitant about being involved with this part of the DAD events going on and not knowing what to expect in regards to the circumstances we are faced up against. However, I wanted to support all of my friends who are passionate about getting their voices heard and making sure our legislators know what we need to continue living in society. I was impressed with the number of participants we had there rallying alongside us and sharing their beautiful life stories that reminded me of why I want to make a difference for so many people like myself. 

Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities (Reception)

I am not necessarily going to share much about this other than being around my friends and munching on refreshments that were provided. We were able to talk with our legislators about the funding request that I know is going to benefit us down the road and continuing services that are vital to me alongside my peers who attend classes at their IL centers on a daily basis. I really liked getting pictures taken with my friends and laughing till our hearts were tired which if you ask me was nothing short of an understatement. I am glad we were able to talk with our legislators who made the effort to come and listen to our stories that I really hope was able to resonate with them in some way. 

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Adaptive Needs Institute Classes (Spring 2026)

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate along with my friends in our adaptive needs institute classes several days a week. I truly love this gospel with all of my heart and know there is not even anything else in this world that compares to the blessings that have come from living it everyday as difficulties of life are thrown into my path. 

It's been such a wonderful experience for me to get away from things in the world and focus on what is really important in my life. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ so much more than words could ever possibly say and I am grateful for the direction, comfort, peace, unconditional love, joy he continuously brings in my life on a regular basis. I am so blessed to be one of his beloved daughters and knowing that no matter the obstacles that show up without notice he will always be there.

Night To Shine 2026 (Worldwide Prom)

This anticipated event is truly one of the highlights that me and my friends are excited to participate in every single year!!! We love getting dressed up fancy in sparkling dresses, wearing beautiful make up, among being treated like royalty and of course staying up way too late makes it an evening that we will never forget. I really do wish there was one of these events held in Utah County and not so far away in Ogden---but I am excited to once again be a part of a worldwide movement where people with special needs are celebrated for who they are!!! 

SNAP Activity - Lego Night (?)

I am not particularly certain if this will be the same exact activity we had last year or if it will be slightly different in one way or another. I am definitely looking forward to another unforgettable night with my friends that I have missed being around for some time and cannot wait to participate in more amazingly planned out activities with everyone!!! SNAP has significantly improved over the last few years and I am really keeping my fingers crossed that one of these activities will be a surprise for not only me but everyone involved which if you ask me is a whole different story. #IYKYK.

BYUWBB Game - Texas Tech (Two Weeks Away)

I am not quite sure what this unforgettable night has in store for us and yet I really hope that our team will come out with a successful win at home!!! I am really hoping to have a chance to visit with TWO of the young woman whose examples to me are second to none when it comes to perservering through life and remaining focused on what is up next. I really hope all three of us can get a picture taken with each other as well as asking their permission to tag them in it if they will allow me to.... but if not I am going to respect them one hundred percent for it. I really want to give them both BIG hugs shortly after the game ends and celebrating another BIG twelve victory if we end up with one that I know our team will do everything in their power to make it happen. #NewPostComingSoon. 

Game Night

BACK STORY:

My mom originally surprised me with four tickets to attend the season opener of the BIG 12 season of a BYU women's basketball game that was gonna be held at the Marriott Center. I was very excited to watch the team take on another opponent that I really hoped they would have been able to beat and yet I know it was not going to be easy for the team. I was legitimately hoping to run into two of my role models whose examples to me are ones that I am grateful to have in my life right now...especially since I have been just recently asked to serve in two new leadership capacities. I really wanted to visit with them for a little bit after the game was over but due to my emotions being all over the place I did not have the opportunity to make that happen---but I knew there would be another time. 

FLASH FORWARD TO NOW:

My mom was able to get the original four tickets exchanged that she had bought for the first big twelve season opener and ended up buying new ones for another game!!! I am keeping my fingers crossed with hopes that I will get a chance to maybe visit with those two young woman and getting to catch up on life with them a little bit. I am excited to have another opportunity to cheer my little heart out for the women's basketball team and dance till my heart is content with all the excitement it can handle, which if you must know is a whole another story!!! 

TWO AND A HALF WEEKS AWAY: (January 21st)

I am really hoping the BYU women's basketball team pulls out another BIG 12 win over the team as they compete against Texas Tech. I would really love to see the team continue to grow & advance the sport all of them are very passionate in wanting to get better with. I definitely want this next experience to be very unforgettable one and hopefully can get a picture with two of those young ladies if any of us get lucky enough to make it happen. I truly love watching BYU student athletes keep pursuing their dreams and maybe one day getting to play basketball on a professonal level somewhere overseas or going into other things. I am probably a little bit too excited for this home game and really making it an priority to keep myself together as much as I possibly can without drawing any attention to myself.