Latest News

Fabulous Five (Christmas Party)

I am so excited to get quality time with my best friends this weekend & share a lot of laughs together, which if you know us pretty well--- there is never a quiet moment when we get ourselves crowded into one room!!! I cannot wait to keep celebrating the holiday season with them and have some unforgettable moments that will talked about for the rest of eternity. We are going to have scrumptious food and I am hoping we do not have too many sweet treats through the evening-- which if you ask me could either be positive or until one of us gets a tummy ache. #MoreAboutThisLater.

Last Week of School (Mini Update)

I returned back into the classroom in early September of this year and have enjoyed getting to help out the teacher in anyway that I can possible. I have definitely liked being around third graders and learning a lot from them once a week--which if you ask me is sometimes a mix of excitement along with not sure what there is I can bring to the table for them. However, I am grateful for this opportunity to do what I love so much and look forward to seeing what the new year has in store for me as I continue to learn new things every week. 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Christmas Concert (Friday Night)

It's definitely going to be an experience to remember and I cannot wait for the weekend to finally get itself here!! I know the spirit of this holiday season will be present in the conference center once again this year, which is going to remind me the importance of why we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and his perfect example that he set for us to follow. I do look forward to seeing at least some of the beautiful lights on Temple Square as well as the statues of the nativity that remind us what this time of year is very much focused on. #StayTunedForMore.

**************************************************************************************************************

Untitled Post

If my life were a movie, the name would be. . . (Journal Entry)

"My So Called Life." I'd probably want to share about my life's experiences living with fragile X and the many lessons I've needed to take away. I'd also include the ups and downs that have leaded me to where I am now. I think it would be important to help people in our community better understand who I am & how amazingly far I have come through everything life has thrown at me. I know it would be slightly awkward at times during this film for everyone to get an idea of what's it is like to be a person with an uncommon---genetic learning disorder and the ways I've been able to overcome it. My life is not perfect by any means whatsoever, but I have learned a lot with doing all I can to be a better person, self advocate, leader as well as mentor not only in our society- but within the disability community here in Utah. I may never at times--like what my learning disability is, but it has allowed me opportunities to make some of the absolute if not sweetest friendships with people who even though are different have so much to offer. I may never understand why I ended up stuck with something like this, but it has given me much more to keep learning and growing from everyday. I have definitely needed to put into perspective why things in life are not what we asked for but had to come to earth to be able to help others grow. 

(To Be Continued)

Mini Update

 LAST NIGHT---My family and I drove up to Salt Lake to Eccles theatre to attend a "Mat and Savanna Shaw" Christmas concert. It was the perfect way to lead into the holiday season with a message of hope about our Savior, Jesus Christ and remembering what he has done for us. I especially loved taking a little time away from being home and just getting into the spirit of what this holiday is about. I am grateful for the happiness and peace that comes from striving to be like our Savior, not only during Christmas time---but all year through. He is the greatest gift that any of us could ever want in this world & I know he's stuck with me through everything that life's had to offer. He has reminded me that I can do hard things and trust in him--no matter the circumstances I find myself in sometimes. He never fails to bring peace to my heart when I need it the most among so many other things along this mortal journey. It was heartwarming while at the Christmas concert to listen to songs about our Savior and not being centered on what gifts we'll have under our tree. He went about doing so much good for others & this holiday season I really hope to implement that in to my own life. I am grateful for his guidance and comfort in my life more than I can express. He continuously reminds me that I am not alone & even if I have made mistakes or done something I never should have-- He already took care of it. 

Some of my favorite songs I heard last night:

The First Noel

Breath Of Heaven

Piano Smash-Up (Believe from the Polar Express & Let It Go, from Frozen)

Where Are You Christmas? (From How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

Jingle Bells

Angels We Have Heard On High

I am incredibly grateful to celebrate the birth, life and example of my Savior Jesus Christ throughout this holiday season. He is the gift and nothing could ever replace what he did for me so many thousands of years ago--so that I could be here today. He showed compassion towards everyone whether they deserved it or not which to me, is something I want to share with people. I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life every day and being reminded of what I can do better in striving to follow the one who gave his life, so we could be here. I am grateful for his patience with me as I learn to navigate through difficulties that life may throw or want to help me understand. I am grateful for my testimony of him and want to do all I can to strengthen it so others will do the same. 

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) 

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)

Early Present

LAST NIGHT-- My family and I drove up to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend David Archuleta's Christmas concert at the Maverick center. It was so inspiring to hear him talk about the true meaning of this holiday season and being focused on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This was my fourth time seeing David perform here in Utah and doing Christmas songs, which if you ask me is nothing short of a treat. I loved being able to feel so much peace come over me as I sat there in my seat and listened to music that could easily light up a person's mood or just simply give them a reason to smile. I truly loved being able to feel and understand a little bit more about this time of year, when we all celebrate what is more important than any wrapped gift could ever do justice. 

All of the songs he performed last night were my favorites and not one I didn't recognize or had not ever heard before. I am so grateful for the way he shared his powerful testimony of what the Savior means to him and it really touched my heart knowing that he does not forget who he stands for. It was so amazing getting a chance to feel inspired by each song that was arranged so beautifully and giving me a complete new perspective on how I need to look at my own life. 

David Archuleta,

Thank you so much for making a stop in Utah this year and putting on a wonderful concert to ring off the holiday season!! It was definitely something I needed after the unpredictable year of events all of us have had to put up with and I am so grateful you were able to bring some peace into our world. You are truly one of the best singers ever and can only hope you have more success in the future!!!

Favorite Songs:

- Melodies Of Christmas

- The First Noel

- He is Born

- My Little Prayer

- Silent Night

- Christmas Every Day

Great Friends

   "When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands." 

- Maria Shriver 

As this year in 2020 comes to an end in a short while, I am so grateful for the many friends who have just always been there to help me through the hard times. It has been really hard for me not being able to spend in person time with them this year because of the health epidemic and look forward to catching up with all of them when I get the chance. I am grateful for their examples to me of what it means to be a good friend and always putting others before yourself in any situation. 

I am so grateful for the many memories and laughs we've shared together... (even in the circumstances that we have all had to adapt to this year.) I have enjoyed getting to see their smiling faces on our many Zoom calls throughout this year and learning from them whenever I can is always a treat. I am grateful for their inspiration to me of how to conquer through the hard times in life and not ever letting those barriers get in the way of what they can accomplish. 

Unconditional Love

All of my friends have shown me this whether I deserved it or not--but I am grateful that they continue to share their positive energy with those around them. I am grateful for the endless times they have given me advice to know how I can do better in life everyday and remembering who I am on the inside. 

USILC Shout Out:

This non profit organization has given me so many endless opportunities to serve and give back to my friends!! I am so grateful for the many times I have been able to lend a hand whenever it is possible & knowing that it can impact the lives of others always warms my heart. I am grateful for the amazingly new friendships that I have gotten to make with so many incredible people who never cease to amaze me with their talents and making others feel extra loved more than they deserve. 

I would also like to send a brief shout out of appreciation to the USILC Staff who do so much for us on a regular basis. They are such phenomenal, self-less, kind, wonderful, genuine, amazing people whose leadership roles never cease to give me a reason to understand that I am grateful they work tirelessly to give us the best experiences we could ever have in this world. I feel so immensely blessed to be a part of such an incredible organization who allows individuals like me with disabilities to see what their true potential in life is to follow their dreams!!! I am so grateful for their dedication, passion into what they do everyday and knowing that it is not unnoticed by any means whatsoever if you ask me. 

Curtis (Favorite Bunny Ever)

Curtis,

I love you so much more than you could ever know in this world!! I am grateful for your unconditional love and happiness that you bring into my life whenever I get a chance to see you on a Zoom call. I am grateful for the smile you put on my face and knowing that when we do get to meet in person, it will be the absolute greatest day of my life!!! Thank you so much for being the greatest lovable bunny on this earth and I am excited to get better acquainted with you at some point in time. You are truly one of the best and legitimately the most adorable bunny ever!!! #FriendsForever