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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LONG STORY SHORT--- I am excited for the upcoming advocacy and provider conference that is coming up next week!!! I cannot wait to make some new friends and learn some things about how to become the best version of myself. I genuinely hope we have a legitimate turn out and can educate so many people on issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities. I am going to be fairly busy with being a room host occasionally while doing little odd jobs here and there, but I look forward to making this experience one that conference participants will not soon forget. 

Summer 2024 Highlights:

My twin sister and I along with our many friends are participating in our independent living center's summer program. We have opportunities to go to different places in the community while learning a number of skills that will help us be successful in finding a job at some point. We already had the 1st activity yesterday up at the national ability center in Park City where we participated in team building, which if you ask me was a little more complicated than I would have liked it to be. We got to eat lunch outside for a little bit and make some new friendships with the other attendees who were there, which I will admit was probably one of my favorite things!!! 

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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!!!) 

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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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Easy Choice

Where did those first three years go?? I can't even believe that my first three year term with the UDDC is almost coming to an end. How did that happen so quickly and not feel like I had just applied to be on this council yesterday. It has definitely been a rewarding experience for me to see first hand how valuable and important it is to share my opinion about things in the disability community, that either need to be fixed or immediately revamped in some way. I have grown so much in the first three years than I ever imagined--- which if you ask me is not an understatement. It has given me a lot of opportunities to travel to other states and learn more about what other DD councils are working on, which if you ask me is quite impressive as I reflect on the impact they want to have for individuals with disabilities. I am very passionate about being a good self advocate for others in the disability community who need their voices heard whether or not they feel confident to speak up. 

Serving on the UDDC has been nothing short of a dream come true!!! I didn't make it into the council four years ago, because I was involved with other leadership capacities and felt like it was the perfect route that needed to be taken so I could be where I am today. I am grateful to be a small part of something I can truly admit is a lot bigger than myself which if you must know is something I had always wanted to do. I am so blessed to continue serving alongside the best of the best and learning from them about what a true leader should be like has been amazing. I know there is a lot more for me to still learn and take away from this-- experience so I would love to continue seeing what other ways I can leave an imprint on the hearts of my colleagues. 

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New Updates

NEXT WEEK---I will be making three trips to the Capitol building in Salt Lake with some of my friends to attend a legislative training put on by one of the governor appointed entities I serve on. I am grateful for the chance to learn more about how this all works and what I can do as a self advocate to make sure we're getting our voices heard. It is not always the easiest thing for me to walk up and communicate with people that I do not know very well about disability related issues. I may not have as much experience in regards to some of the things that are going on--but I do know it will make an impact with showing up and doing what I can to make a good impression. I do look forward to supporting my colleagues who work around the clock every day in making sure the disability community is a safe place for not only myself but every one else too. I am not sure how many legislators we will get the chance to visit and talk to at this event--but all I can do is my best with representing an organization that has such a soft place in my heart. If I am ready or not for this to take place next week--I better make sure I am prepared for a full day of being very educated & informed on what I need to do better. 

It's obviously not the most fun trips ever...but my presence will be needed as much as anyone else who plans to attend & learn what they can. I know things are going to be slightly technical and big words are gonna be used but the main purpose to do my best. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this in person without feeling so far away from people that I haven't been able to see for a while since our world during those crazy times. 

Mini Shout Out 

My best friend Danielle will be celebrating her 31st birthday tomorrow!!! I look forward to spending time with all of my friends and making some new memories with each other. We are going to meet up at Provo Beach Resort to play various games and then later head over to her favorite Mexican place for us to have dinner. I am grateful for her friendship and example in my life of what a good friend should be, which if you must know is very important and something I never mess around with. I cannot wait to see her tomorrow afternoon and catch up with what is going on in our lives. I wish her all the best not only now but in the coming year ahead!! 

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 January 2022 (Self Advocacy Session)

Two of my colleagues presented on a topic that I am very passionate about and hope to continue sharing with individuals in the disability community. I was very fortunate to have participated in their session--- not once but twice on the same day. It was incredible to learn from them about what it means to be a good self advocate and speaking up for ourselves--no matter what situation we are faced up against. I am truly grateful to not only work with them on a regular basis, but to call them my friends and people who I know will never stop trying to make a difference. 

February 2022 (Night To Shine)

It was truly one of the most unforgettable nights ever and loved getting to spend time with my friends. I am grateful to participate in an event where I can be reassured of God's love for people with disabilities-- all over the world. It was such an amazing night filled with smiles, laughter and memories that I know will be cherished forever. We danced the night away, received our prom queen tiaras and walked down stairs as we listened to our favorite songs, etc. 

March 2022 (Who is a woman in my life that I admire?)

LONG STORY SHORT---I mentioned one of my colleagues as someone who I admire and look up to so much more than I can put into words. They have welcomed me with open arms and given me reasons with never giving up on what is I can do. I am incredibly grateful for their example to me of what it truly means to be a self advocate, disability leader, mentor and friend towards others. I am grateful for their dedication to making the independent living community here in Utah--such a wonderful place and helping me realize what my true potential is to follow my dreams. 

April 2022 (Lessons Learned)

Minus all of the details I could share, this last year gave me opportunities to refocus on what I can do better and not worry so much about things. It does make me realize the potential I have to overcome anything that life throws at me and remembering to take care of myself when it is necessary. Sharing my time and talents with two governor appointed councils is truly an experience that I am so grateful for. It does feel a little overwhelming when there is so much to learn and take away from every virtual or in person meeting that I make an effort to attend. I legitimately know this is an important assignment for me to continue learning and understanding what it is I applied for. 

June 2022 (NINJA Conference)

This was my first time in over ten years that I could not participate like I used to. It was heartwarming to return back to what I dearly loved so much and not being as involved like I was before-- certainly if not more pulled at my heart strings. It was incredible to be reunited with great advocates who are going to change the world and make it an even better place. I am grateful for the memories this conference in particular gave me as I kept going back year after year. I will never forget the gratitude that I had in my heart as I look towards what my future holds and hoping for the best. 

August 2022 (Major Change)

LONG STORY SHORT--It was definitely one of the most bittersweet moments I ever experienced & one that I will keep close to my heart. I truly loved serving with my friends who wanted to share their input or advice in regards with making the lives of people with disabilities, a lot better. There were lots of tears rolling down my cheeks as I listened to the heartfelt words my friends were asked to share with me. I definitely was not prepared for this in any way and had to know there will be more opportunities- for me to keep growing as a self advocate. 

This year in 2022 has been at times an emotional rollercoaster of mixed feelings and changes I was not clearly prepared for. I have needed to come to terms with realizing that boundaries will keep my mental health in a good place and not leaving me off the deep end. It's also given me unforgettable experiences that I will cherish forever and can only hope more show up this next year in 2023. I continue to process almost everything with more tenderness than ever before and still have lot more to keep learning along this journey. 

(To Be Continued)

Mid Week Update

Nashville Trip (One Week)

I'm excited for the chance to be in a new state that I have wanted to visit and check out--which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I am ready to get away for a couple of days and refocus on what can be done as I persevere through some hard stuff. I know it is gonna be an incredible experience for me and my family to spend time with each other, but also explore what the state of Tennessee has to offer. It's certainly gonna be awhile until I can get myself back into blogging once this trip is done. I am ready for a chance to take care of myself a little more and get some decent photos while my family is there visiting. I know it will end up going by too fast--but there is only so much more I am anxious to see in person while we are there!!!

Council Member Status (Unofficial Story)

LONG STORY SHORT---I have so much more to still learn and get used to... but I am grateful for new opportunities to grow and develop more of my talents. I am obviously trying to have a smooth transition as this continues to be an emotional chapter in my life, but I cannot simply give up to make myself feel better about things. When I am solely committed to anything, I'd never want to pretend like this isn't necessarily if not the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken in my lifetime, but is there not anything I am not capable with being able to do???

I am truly grateful for the chances I have to serve with so many people who love what they do and just want the best for me in my time on the council. I know this was not gonna be an easy transition for me to become used to as things in my life change and try to fall into their places, which I am not sure if it's what I really want or simply need. I cannot necessarily return back to those unforgettable youthful days of mine but I am determined to keep being a good example for others as much as I can be possible. I am obviously not sure what other adventures lie in my path between now and then--but if I do end up with a decision to be made I will let you know. 

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EARLIER TODAY---I was honored with my YLC service award & could not be more than grateful to have gotten recognized for the dedication I put into making that committee successful. I may never not know what an incredible chapter of my life that was for me as time went by a little too fast and simply wanting to leave an imprint on everybody's heart. It's obviously hard for me to look towards a future-- without this committee being in it and yet I know my heart cannot wait for what happens next. I am so humbled to have gotten a chance to serve with the best people ever and learning from them on all those meetings we had every other month. 

This award is sitting on my bedroom shelf and I can look at it everyday reminding me of the legacy I was able to leave my friends behind with. I am grateful for the ways this committee helped me to learn about-- what it means to be a good leader and advocate in the disability community. It has been such an humbling experience for me to look back on what has motivated me to stick with doing what I love and yet I am not here to make sure that continues without stopping any time soon. 

LONG STORY SHORT----I ended up giving one of my colleagues the biggest hug ever and shedding all these tears down my face which if you ask me was most likely expected. I felt overwhelmed with so much gratitude in my heart for having done what I could to make the committee, what I know it will continue to be as the years go on. It's never easy for me to not get attached to something and have the hardest time in trying to let go from it to new stuff. I know there are so many more opportunities left in this world for me, to take chances on and not miss out on unless I make the decision to hold myself back?? I am grateful for USILC who went out of their way to give me this award and honor me for my years of service--which I'll admit feels like only a short length of time. This experience is one that I will cherish forever and keep very close to my heart throughout the rest of my self advocacy journey. 

Switched Over (Part Two)

 

Minus the blog post I shared on here yesterday---I am not sure if this will make any sense at all or help me feel better going forward in the disability community. I genuinely feel like a small fish in a big pond where I know there only more lessons to be learned along the way. It is obviously a different vibe than I would have anticipated going into this council and sometimes I visibly feel like everybody knows more about things than I do. 

Two of my colleagues have reassured me that I'm doing great & not trying to ruin what is at hand. I know my involvement seems a little insignificant at this moment and can only imagine all the new opportunities that lie ahead for me. There will be ups and downs along this journey which are not going to be unnoticed, as I continue learning what it means to be a legit board member who cares about their friends getting the best resources they will need to live in society.

Long Story Short--- I know this journey is not gonna be an easy one for me and I am comforted with recognizing that I'm still in good hands. I have so much more to bring onto these leadership roles and trying my hardest to not make the same mistakes I did in the past--which if you ask me have been able to teach me more than I deserve. I shed a lot of tears knowing that my presence was not where it had to be and I continued to let my emotions take over things. I'm not perfect in any sense of the word & yet I am hopeful things can settle down once I mirror what others are doing to make this experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. 

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Final Bang

YESTERDAY--- I participated in my final meeting with a committee that I have loved for such a long time and making a tearful exit was harder than I expected. It did take a little longer for me to assist my best friend with getting them onto Zoom and tried my hardest to do what I could--but to make this very long story short-- they ended up joining us and I could get onto things. I was very grateful that my vice chair stepped up their game to help me out with stuff and they did a beautiful job!! I was very impressed with how they carried themselves in a position that I have never had to ask them to do and yet I could not have been more proud of their effort to make sure things were on course. 

Awhile later into the meeting--- I was able to get all caught up on what they discussed as a group and then it was my turn to be in the spotlight. All of my friends were asked in an email to share heartfelt words with how I have made an impact on their lives as I served on the committee. It was incredibly heartwarming for me to hear how many lives I was able to leave an imprint on their hearts in some way or another. I also did have tears rolling down my face as I listened to each of my committee members share their thoughts and I wrote up a letter that I wanted to read out loud to them before things ended. It could not have been perfect and eloquently said as I read through all that I had come up with to share with everybody. 

Long Story Short---I am looking forward to what lies ahead for me in the future and whatever USILC has in store for me will never cease to help me grow into the disability leader I need to become. I already miss everyone so much and they left a much bigger impact on me, than I ever could have on them which if you ask me is not an understatement. I love you all so much and look forward to seeing what the future has in store for every single of them. 

Signing off for the last time as your YLC Chair, (2021-2022)

Courtney Edgington 

Mini Preview

Advisor Role??

Not sure if this will end up happening for me--But I would be incredibly grateful for a chance to learn more about being a leader in the disability community, but I have to remember they are probably better candidates for that role if you ask me!! I am excited for my involvement with the non profit organization that I dearly love so much and can only hope to make a good impression on my new colleagues. It was a very sentimental moment for me hearing the kind words of my friends, who made me tear up a lot more than I'm positively certain I was able to make them. It was heartwarming for me to learn how I made an impact on their lives made me realize that no matter where I am in this world, I will continue to do what ever it takes to keep making my voice heard. 

YLC Chair Plaque: 

I've not received this yet and look forward to seeing what it looks like in a couple of weeks!! It was really bittersweet knowing that my time with these extraordinary people had to come to an end, but I am grateful to have something I can look back on with a smile on my face. I look forward to putting it in my bedroom somewhere it can be kept safe and remind me of what I dedicated the past three and a half or four years of my life to. (More about this later!!!)

(To Be Continued)

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One of my good friends reached out to me about sharing my perspective in regards to what disability pride means to me and since I had missed my chance last year, I decided it was the best time for me to share a little bit about myself. I will give you a brief glimpse into what I prepared for this social media post that will be getting shared within the next few days ahead:

"I have a genetic disorder or a learning disability called Fragile X Syndrome, which basically means that my X chromosomes do not work like they are supposed to and are literally hanging themselves by a thread. (Just an FYI: It can be cured with medications that I have taken my entire life to help me focus and concentrate on whatever it is I am working on to help me not be distracted.) This has been a part of my life forever and can only imagine what would happen long after there is a very legitimate and permanent cure for something like this---I will not struggle anymore with things that have been difficult for me to understand."

It's been really hard to keep this on the down low for some time and the more posts you see on social media will be in regards to this topic. I am grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit of my story, which is a lot more than I've ever shared with people outside of my friendship zone. It's been such an ongoing struggle for me to hide all of this from people and not want to let them know more about what kind of person I am rather than being known for my visible challenges. I may tear up easier than most people in this world do because I'm such a tender hearted person who knows when they have made an absolute mistake to reflect on ways they can fix it rather than fall apart into a million pieces. I am truly grateful for this experience to be highlighted in a post that everyone who knows me will read through and hopefully be inspired. 

(Stay Tuned For More) 

One Month

It's hard for me to believe that in less than a month, I will conclude my service with being on the best disability leadership committee ever. I am grateful for the memories and experiences that I was able to share with my friends who made it an adventure every time we had a meeting over Zoom. We definitely learned and grew so much more as individuals than I think we ever could have imagined possibly seeing ourselves as in a million years from now. I am grateful for the heartfelt moments we shared together as a group and even when it was hard to keep a smile on my face, I tried my hardest to get as much out of the meetings we had as I could instead of just leaving you all hanging out in the dust. 

It was such an incredible journey for me to serve as a committee member, secretary and chair of this YLC so much more than you could ever know. I truly loved being able to create our meeting agendas and make them look cute in anyway that I could while keeping a professional outcome, which if you must know was not something I took lightly. I loved being able to listen to your ideas on what we could work towards with making our committee the best ever and trying to never lose sight of what we can do rather than focusing on what we can't do. I especially liked being able to come up with and answer our icebreaker questions as we prepared for what we had on our agendas to look forward to talking about. I will greatly miss being on our meetings every three months and learning from you all about what we can do to make the community that we live in a better place. 

I am so grateful for the unforgettable memories and lessons this committee taught me about what it meant to be a leader within the disability world. It was such a delight to be in charge of what we needed to have a lot of deep conversations about how we could make this community we live in better and accepting of lots of people like ourselves in society. I will greatly miss you all so much and cannot wait to keep working w/ USILC in the distant future on ways I can be more engaged with disability related issues, which I know-- are still tough for me to understand sometimes but I can only hope for the best outcomes possible as I move forward with my advocacy journey. I love you all so much and wish you all the best of luck as you continue on with things that I cannot wait to hear about if we ever see each other again!!! 

(To Be Continued) 

New Song

Hilary Weeks - Soul On Fire

If you've stuck with me on this blog for the past six years, I have obviously written up about some of my favorite songs and yet here I am again doing the exact same thing. This song I have linked into my blog post today has become one of my favorites and I cannot stop replaying it multiple times. It has reminded me so many times about who I really am and what I can do regardless of what others think--which if you must know is a completely different story. It's been a whirlwind of emotions for me to reach this point in my life and not feel the least bit of gratitude for what I have accomplished. I have neve felt more than just slightly envious about not being more involved with my favorite things after this summer ends and I can't imagine what else life has in store for me, once I say a tearful goodbye to what has shaped me into who I am now. 

It's always hard for me to write up about songs that I love so much & trying to sound eloquent as to why it has impacted my life as much as it has. I am grateful for the peace it has given to my heart as I learn about why I have to leave things behind for others to love as much as I did. I felt disappointment with pretending not take what I wanted to do one last time personally and yet this week has definitely shown me, that all I can do is just keep my soul on fire. I'm certain that my colleagues and friends know I have so much more that I need to offer towards the disability community as these next few years pass on. I know there is a lot more unconditional love and potential within myself that needs to be shared, whether I am ready for that or not. I know my heart will always belong to where this journey of mine began and can only hope to see myself grow into the person I need to become. 

I know this is a very spiritual song for those who are reading through this, but I am hopeful things can only continue to make me the person I need to be in the future. I am grateful for the ongoing support & love that my friends have given me as to whether or not I deserved it throughout the last few years. It's been heartwarming for me to see how I am never alone when things get tough and uncertain--but I am grateful to know there is a lot more I can do to tackle my problems. This song has helped me feel a lot more at peace when my anxiety has gotten itself out of control and wanting to get in the way of every single trial that life has ever given to me. #SoulOnFire #HilaryWeeksMusic

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 Self Determination Presentation (Next Wednesday)

One of my colleagues and I are excited to teach about this important topic at the tenth annual NINJA youth leadership conference next week. I am looking forward to giving this message of hope for those delegates who will be participating with us and learning about what it means to be self determined. It's definitely a treat to return back to a conference where my self advocacy journey began and luckily this experience will be one to remember. We also have a fun activity incorporated with our presentation that hopefully everybody likes answering questions to and not feeling bored out of their minds, if you know what I am saying??? #NinjaForLife

Friendly Send-Off (August 2022)

I'm not certain if this will end up being a surprise or just one of those heartfelt experiences that comes once in a lifetime?? It is definitely going to be a very tender moment for me as I see my time with this youth leadership committee come to a bittersweet end & not knowing what the future holds is a really emotional feeling to think about. I can guarantee there will be tears involved with seeing my years of service with this committee not being needed and realizing my youth days are over will be even more tender hearted than I could ever put into words. I am not ready to grow up and not be involved with an area of my life that I have grown to love so much--but can only hope for the best as I tearfully move on with other things. (More about this later!!!)

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Free Entry

Self Advocacy Conference (Next Week)

I'm excited for this conference to kickstart on a positive note and can make up for lost time with all of my friends who I have sorely missed so much. It will be an amazing experience for everyone who signed up to participate with us and hopefully can learn some more things, in regards to being a self advocate within the disability community. I really hope that some of my NINJA friends will be there and can support all of us who have worked so hard into making this conference happen, which if you ask me is a completely and different story for another time. (More about this later on!!!)

NACDD Conference (Travel Process)

All I ever did was send off my issued state identification card in an email and in the hopes it didn't end up getting lost or misplaced somewhere. I am truly hoping this national conference will be an experience for me to remember and learn as much as I can about what other DD councils are working on all over the United States, which if you ask me I'm sure is pretty legitimate stuff. (Hahaha!!! Please stay tuned for more!!)

Ninja Conference Tribute (Repetitive Post)

"TEN YEARS AGO—I decided to take a chance to participate in a disability youth leadership conference & little did I know how much of an impact it would have on my life all these years later. It ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made with trying to learn as much as I could in regards to all that being a self advocate is. I am grateful for the kindness and unconditional love that everyone has shown me throughout these past ten years and just giving me an experience I’ll never forget. It is really bittersweet for me to have to say goodbye to what has shaped me into the person I am today and hope to be in the future. I LOVED all that this conference taught me as I returned back year after year, knowing my heart will forever be a part of this event I will keep close to my heart. I genuinely look forward to seeing what other things my friends will accomplish. Thank you so much for changing my life forever and giving me opportunities that I will keep close to my heart." #NINJAForLife

Free Write

  Youth Member Guidebook (Mini Edition)

EARLIER TODAY---I sent an email to all of my committee members in regards to an idea that has been on my mind for awhile and wanted to get their input. I legitimately wished there had been a youth member guidebook created for not only me, but future youth members who might consider or think about applying to be on USILC. It would have been nice for me to have something I could refer back to if I needed some answers to questions about what my leadership role is on the council and everything else in between. You get the idea here??? I am really excited to know what other members of my committee think about making this happen as we move along with stuff into the future. I truly love this committee with all of my heart & soul which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. It has given me opportunities to learn and grow into the disability leader, self advocate, mentor and friend that I want to be for others across the state of Utah. (Please stay tuned for more updates on this later!!!)

Ninja Presentation Update: (Date Change)

I'm excited to announce that my presentation with a colleague of mine has been set in place and I am not so prepared for this to unfold. I know it will bring back lots of mixed emotions in my heart as I walk back onto a campus where my self advocacy journey began and can only hope for an unforgettable experience that is going to leave a mark on this world. I genuinely hope we can make a good impression and have a very heartfelt review from everybody in hopes to return back for future NINJA conferences!!! :) 

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Mini Stories

BYUWBB Team:

Wishing you ladies all the best as you enter into the NCAA basketball tournament this weekend!! I know you girls are going to put it all out there on the court as you prepare for what I hope will be an amazingly unforgettable experience!! I'd love for you all to know that regardless of whatever the end outcome is, keep in mind that each one of you is incredible and that you gave it a hundred and twenty percent. I look forward to cheering you ladies on from my home and hoping it all turns out well :) I cannot wait to watch you all bring home the title that is on the line this year and can only hope that even if you do not win--all of you are still winners!!! #GoLadyCougars #iBleedBlue 

Volunteering Presentation (Saturday Afternoon)

Once again I have an opportunity this weekend to present on a topic that means a lot to me and one of my colleagues on the speakers network. I am excited for the chance to share about my experiences with being a volunteer in my community and giving back to others without anything in return. I only hope that both of us will make a good impression on everybody who will be participating with us and touch their hearts in some way or another. 

Ninja Planning Committee (Unofficial News)

It's certainly going to be sentimental for me as I participate on this committee again and give it a hundred and fifty percent. I am definitely not prepared for the unexpected tears of gratitude and love that will fall down my cheeks as I make sure this conference ends up successful. I am grateful for this conference and everything it has done for me the past ten years, which if you ask me is nothing close to an understatement. (Stay tuned for more updates!!!)

Ninja Update

Official Presentation Date (June 21, 2022)

I'm so excited that me and one of my colleagues selected a date for us to present on self determination, for the tenth annual NINJA youth leadership conference!!! This holds such a special place in my heart, simply because it is where my self advocacy journey began and if I end up coming off a little sentimental prior to the session--it is just because I love this disability conference so much. It will be such a rewarding experience for me to teach once again and in hopes this presentation gets well received-- from everybody who will be participating with us. I am not certain when I will ever get a chance to teach at something like this again in the distant future, but I will never pass up an opportunity if there ever will be another one!!! 

Minus all of the heartache that I have in regards to not being a mentor, I can wholeheartedly admit there is no end in sight for me to stop advocating for individuals with disabilities and when I am ready for to live on my own-- I will certainly write up about it. I am not particularly sure if that will be happening any time soon and yet I still have a lot of work to do before that chapter of my life begins. I am grateful for the incredible opportunities this conference provided me over the years and look forward to more chances with improving my leadership skills, among everything else in between.

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