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.

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Newly Hired

It's difficult for me to keep the tears back as I write up this blog post today after having received the news of an opportunity with teaching a class at my NINJA conference this summer!!! I am so honored for this unforgettable chance to educate and inform youth delegates about what self determination is. I could not help but keep myself together as I learned about the fact--my mentor days are over and will always have such a special place in my heart. I am grateful to return back this summer and teach some of my friends about a topic that is so important within the disability community. I could not be more grateful that this is where my self advocacy journey began a little over ten years ago and not knowing much about what I can do to be a leader, self advocate, mentor and friend towards others in making an impact on their lives in just the smallest way possible. It definitely makes me feel at peace knowing that I can hopefully make a good impression and leave a mark on everyone who will be there. 

Ty,

You changed my life forever and I cannot thank you nearly enough for asking me to teach a class on self determination on the campus of Utah State University this summer. It will forever hold a special place in my heart as I walk back into a conference where my journey began and what I owe all of my leadership experiences to. I am grateful for your kindness, unconditional love, support and friendship that you have shown me over these last few years, has truly meant the world to me more than you could ever possibly know. (Be sure to have tissues close by in case there are allergies inside of the room and just know that if I do end up getting teary eyed--it's simply because I love this conference so much!!!) It made me the person that I am today and if it had not been for NINJA--I'd not be serving on two governor appointed councils and serving in a variety of other disability leadership capacities. It's truly gonna be an amazing experience for me to teach all of my friends who are going to be attending the NINJA conference this year in person!!! I am so excited for the opportunity to be involved again with something that legitimately makes saying goodbye so hard!! 

#StayTunedForMoreUpdates #June2022 

Field Trip

YESTERDAY---I woke up early in the morning hours to get ready and glammed for a trip to the independent living center in SLC for two educational trainings.  I was so legitimately excited to have an opportunity of doing in person event this time and helping youth with disabilities learn about self determination. I was truly grateful to have been asked to do this not once, but twice and if you must know--that doesn't necessarily happen too often. 

After an hour train ride up to the Murray Station, I climbed off the frontrunner and went to look for my boss who was going to drive me and my colleague to the Independent Living Center. Once we arrived, there was certainly a lot of excitement in the air as I anticipated to present in front of such an incredible group of people. I knew in the back of my mind there would be a Mini Leadership Conference going on, with the idea that I knew both of my amazing colleagues from USILC would be there!!! As I slowly was getting started with this presentation, I was feeling extremely nervous and my heart immediately begins to start pounding really fast. I could not keep the biggest smile off my face as I stood up there and tried with all of my might to keep myself composed. 

I certainly enjoyed getting to add my own little personality into the training itself and that is something I keep close to my heart. I have been doing these trainings for three and a half years now, which is just an absolute dream come true for me!! So many of the self advocates we trained were so engaged in what we had going on--I was completely blown away with how much they knew about and wanted to learn through out their lives. 

Legitimate Highlights:

Getting to make my favorite people laugh and smile throughout yesterday, was just a delight in more ways than one!!! I love spending time with incredible people who are genuinely passionate, dedicated about what they do everyday and I'm not sure I would be the self advocate I am without them. 

Went out to lunch with my colleagues who can make me laugh like no one else can!!! We certainly just enjoy each other's company and shared a scrumptious lunch together at a place, that I had never been to in my lifetime. But it was such a wonderful experience to visit with each other and share stories that I'll genuinely keep myself quiet about--haha!! :) 

Heartfelt Moment:

During my second training--- I was asked a specific question about something related back to if it was hard for me to get up and going with my volunteering experience. I didn't necessarily think much about the fact I was going to become slightly teary eyed and not knowing how much it would strike deep with me as I shared my response with everybody. It was very much from the heart and even though I did not express it in the way I wanted to... I could truly hope that the imprint I left on their hearts stays with them forever. 

Ice Cream Toast (Random Story)

My mentor with the speakers network and I went to get an ice cream cone, which if you must know is a treat for me whenever the opportunity comes up!!! To make this a very long hilarious story brief, I kept mentioning how much I wanted one of the guest speakers who were at the mini conference, could have been with us to get a summer treat--and instead decided to make a toast to this person with our melting ice cream cones!!! Talk about passion right there my friends! I genuinely wished they had been with us and shared in that celebratory moment--but hey I'm sure it will mean something to them when they hear the legitimate news tomorrow!! 

Energized

Mini Flashback (January 13th, 2020)

Back in January--- I had long awaited to be a member on this extraordinary and wonderful committee with individuals who are just like me that want to get their voices out in this world-- (let alone try to make some sort of difference.) I know that my life has not been the easiest at times not only through this crazy stuff but realizing how much of an impact I'd love to continue being a much better self advocate than I am right now... but if you ask me, I have absolutely loved every minute of being able to put my most significant passion in life to work and having done it for three years is just nothing short of incredible!!! 

I am so grateful for an opportunity of being able to put my leadership & advocacy skills to the test---but also making new lifelong friendships that will hold a special place in my heart for years to come. There has never been an legitimate NINJA on this committee before-- but to finally admit there is one now and could not be more than ecstatic for a new adventure!!!! 

Utah Statewide Independent Living Council,

You were truly one of my back up plans for when if things didn't work out with this brand new position that I had long awaited to hear from. This is not necessarily the end of the road for me to continue pushing through as a genuine self advocate and making an impact on the lives of those with disabilities who want to be accepted into society. I definitely want to become just an even more dedicated, passionate, hard working self advocate for many young adults with disabilities in this world & letting them know they can do anything in life. I'm not gonna be leaving my spot on the YAC whatsoever and I will continue participating on our many Zoom Meetings if you all will let me do so!!! This new experience is something that I have looked so forward to for quite awhile now and does not mean my heart is leaving you all behind with taking care of everything by yourselves. Even though I have not been approved yet by the person who makes the final decision---I am ready for a new journey to begin in my life & cannot wait to see where it will take me next. 

Mini FYI Here:

(I've gotten accepted for membership on the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council as well as in hopes the Governor (who makes the legitimate approval about me getting recommended for this new position!!!) I am not gonna necessarily know too much of anything until either some time this late summer or in the early fall.) Please stay tuned for updates to come!!!

Cloud Nine

#TwoWeeksAway

I legitimately cannot wait for this unforgettable prom night experience to get here in the next couple of weeks!!! It has definitely become the highlight of the year as I get treated like royalty & just have the most amazing time ever with my best friends. I am grateful for the many remarkable volunteers who spent countless amount of time putting together such an awesome event for young adults with special needs. I have already purchased my dress for the event and look forward to walking elegant on the red carpet with my best friends as we enjoy a celebration of God's love for us!! #Stories2Come

Utah Miss Amazing - Jazz Night

I'm incredibly excited to watch my favorite professional basketball team LIVE and getting to have an opportunity of seeing them warm up prior to the game, is certainly gonna be a surreal moment. I'm thrilled to also be sharing this experience with the rest of my Miss Amazing representatives on this exciting night!!! I may or may not get the unforgettable chance of a lifetime to get photos taken with some of the people there and can only dream of what it would be like to do something that I know will never happen again for years to come!!! #ItsPrettyLegitimateStuff #SoTrue #iLoveThis          

#NewPresentations2020

Ever since I joined the speakers network almost three years ago (in a few months) I am grateful for any kind of opportunity that I have to present on something new. It's definitely a good experience to share brand new messages of hope with so many people and letting them know that just because we are different from those around us--- doesn't quite necessarily mean we are not capable of realizing what others may perceive individuals with disabilities can do!!! I am definitely going to be reading through a lot of my new speech as I can possible and making certain that I can talk slow enough for people to understand what we are trying with them. #MySoCalledLife #UpdatesToBePostedLaterOn

Milestones (Part One)

#UVUInstituteClass

My twin sister and I started attending our adaptive needs institute class back in 2015--- which I will admit was one of the best decisions we ever made. It has been such a great experience for us to make new friendships with other people and learning as much as we can about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on this earth. We have enjoyed being able to feel the spirit every week and remember what we came here to do, regardless of how difficult life was going to be sometimes. It's really given me a lot of opportunities to share my thoughts and experiences about what it means to live righteously as well as remember who we truly are!!! I am so grateful for the gospel in my life more than anything else in this world and I am not even sure how I'd make it through any hard time without it. I know it is what has continuously kept me on the straight and narrow path, even though there are consistent bumps in the road that we deal with every once in awhile. #ShareGoodness

#DDCouncilMembership2020

I originally applied to be on this committee in the spring of last year, but when I unexpectedly won my pageant title with the Miss Amazing organization--- I had to put on my spot on hold for a year. I definitely look forward to being more of an advocate and getting paid along the way too... but I can't necessarily get my high hopes for this at all. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible organization and learning as much as possible about speaking up for myself, but as well as trying to make certain that young adults with disabilities have goals that are realistic. I am so excited about this new chapter in my life and whether or not it happens for me, I will just simply feel honored to have been given the privilege to do something that can impact this world. #ItsLegitimate

#MissQueenReign2019

It's truly been an absolute dream come true and cannot describe what an amazing experience it has turned out to be. I am truly grateful for the privilege it is to serve other people in anyway that I can possible and feeling like I was able to step out of my comfort zone, more than I usually ever would have imagined myself to do. When I heard my name called out as being the selected representative for this remarkable organization---I literally didn't know what to think or believe walking out onto the stage to receive my official title!!! I had never felt like pageantry was something I'd legitimately see myself do in this world, but it was most certain on my amazing bucket list and it has become an experience that I will hold close to my heart. #StayTunedForTheLegitimatePostAboutThisLaterOn

Flashbacks

Memories of 2019:

It's hard for me to believe that another year has come and gone so quickly... But I am grateful for the many unforgettable moments I was able to share among the most incredible people ever!!! Here are some of my highlights that I'd love to if not briefly share with you all right now (if you don't mind at all?!?!)

#iLegitMissBigBangSoMuch

It is at times emotionally difficult for me to imagine this legitimate sitcom will never come back on my television screen with new episodes--- but it forever has a special spot in my heart. I definitely miss all of those characters so much and their relationships with each other-- which to someone like me meant everything than most people would ever think. It has literally given me a reason to feel so much better with the fact I am slightly different than others around me, but I know this legit sitcom gave me reasons to smile and laugh whenever I needed to feel happy again. #MoreAboutThisLater

#UtahMissAmazing19 

It has truly become an absolute dream come true and getting to have a year of service, has given me chances to make new friendships with so many people, learning to stretch myself in ways that I did not ever think were possible and giving back to others in the community has made me realize how much of an impact I can make in this world. I have definitely grown into a better person in ways I never would have expected myself to which I can only hope what the rest of my reign as the Miss Queen will look like from this point on?!! #ThreeAndAHalfMonthsLeft

#CupofCuoco2020

Alright--- I legitimately watch one of the cast members from the sitcom I mentioned earlier had an amazing idea to create themselves a talk morning show titled what my hashtag is in this blog post :) It has been so much fun for me to get a little better acquainted with someone that I may never get to meet in my lifetime, but getting to know them better not only BC they have such unconditional love for animals--which I will admit is just nothing short of incredible!!! I also have loved watching episodes of their show when they are surrounded by their furry friends and being a dog lover myself--- I cannot help but feel so much respect for them as an individual. This person who played one of my many favorite characters on the Big Bang Theory for twelve amazing seasons--- (Yes, The one and only Kaley Cuoco!!!) I'd love to meet her in person one day if I could and sincerely express my gratitude for all that she continues to do--- I may not have ever rescued any animals myself whatsoever, but knowing that there is someone in the world who would do anything to give them a better life really touches my heart. If you haven't watched or checked out her amazing talk show titled #CupofCuoco, I would recommend this to anyone that needs a little boost of positive feelings in their life!!! 

Charity Event

It was truly one of the most heart-warming experiences ever as I participated alongside with my other pageant queen sisters in a service project with a non profit organization called "The Page That Gives" and what an incredible opportunity it turned out to become. I was very grateful for the remarkable & amazing families who stepped inside of our room looking around each among hundreds of cuddly stuffed animals to take home with them. I really enjoyed getting to see the little kiddos faces simply light up with excitement and it was a little bit tricky not talking with them as much as I would have liked to, but knowing I could make their holiday season a little brighter touched my heart. All of us collected as many stuffed animals as we could possible for this event--but ended up with over 100 more than we needed to have, but to me I was more than pleased that we could bring some holiday cheer to each family who entered into our station!!! I may not have known neither of these families at all whatsoever-- but I was more than determined to bring a smile and understanding of what it means to give back to other people who may not be so fortunate as we are. I really appreciated getting to just be there not only as a pageant queen but a volunteer that could make a difference in the lives of others in some way or another. 

#NightToShine2020 - The Genesis Project

I am truly grateful for this upcoming worldwide prom event for thousands of individuals with special needs and being simply reminded about God's love for us-- is such an absolute wonderful thing. I just genuinely love spending time with all of my best friends and making memories that continuously last forever no matter how many times we keep returning back to this event. I will definitely be certain to have more stories after this event comes to an end in a few weeks and cannot wait to share all of them with you!!! 

Sneak Preview

Splendid

Thanks to my diligent heartfelt prayers--- Our stake relief society social was an absolute success and could not have pictured it to be any much more incredible. I am grateful for the many sisters who did take time out of their busy lives to attend & reflect on what this time of year is about. After everyone got themselves settled into the pavilion and were able to have our activity begin-- I could not help but think the many people who have not only been a part of my life for many years, but continuously just make an effort to keep an eye out for me.

Favorite Highlights:

- Enjoyed a delicious meal and being inspired by the tender story of "The Giving Tree." It was truly such a reminder to me about what this time of year is about & even though it was a chilly evening-- there was never a dull moment to be shared.

- I also loved how we didn't have any rainfall or snow coming down throughout our activity-- which was one of the biggest worries I had prior to this event taking place. I was forever grateful when the sunshine came out and warmed up things a little bit-- (Not to mention the decorations were amazing in more ways than one!!!)

- I ended up choosing to stay after the event was over and helped to collect salt/pepper shakers that were placed on the tables. It was so much fun getting to contribute with this event in some way and making the clean up process slightly easier was more than just an absolute treat!!! I liked getting to take some of the goodies home with me and not to mention having gotten a ride from an incredible friend whose also our wonderful Stake Relief Society president.

Untitled Post

Untitled Story:

This is my one hundred ninetieth post that I am about to write on here and have this spontaneous goal of mine to write up over 279 posts in the next year. I am confident this might either end up being one of the most legitimate decisions that I have ever made in my life or just turn into a complete utter mess altogether. It is also in honor one of the most legitimate television sitcoms that aired for twelve years and aired that number of episodes-- which I know will hold a special place in my heart for years to come. 

Earlier today in our special needs institute class, the teacher asked us a specific question that has been on my mind throughout the entire day. All of us were asked about when we had an experience or time in our lives when we had to use fasting and prayer--- which to most people it would happen naturally, but this was during a very low point in my life when I didn't know where else to turn.

LONG STORY SHORT--- I went through an experience last year that made me want to reach out of my comfort zone and make a difference in someone else's life. I was already in a difficult position w/ trying to make the best of that awful school year and felt like maybe I needed to start praying for this individual on a consistent basis to make their life somewhat easier. I obviously didn't know what else to do in those moments expect want to storm out of the classroom with them being left in their room with no chance of wanting to return. I was also in a difficult position with not feeling as needed much in the classroom or what I had volunteered to do was fulfilled for the teacher in anyway whatsoever... but I didn't want to them to know how it effected me on a personal level. 

I'll legitimately never forget when they mentioned to me--- "You are so kind!!" not straight to my face but it gave me a boost of confidence that I had been making their life slightly better in the smallest if not biggest way possible. #MorePostsToCome

Kindness Day

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."

#PersonalStories2019 

With everything that I've been through in the past year and a half---has gotten me a lot of time to just reflect how much this quote means to me. It has given me reasons to believe in myself and treat other people with kindness no matter what kind of battle they are faced up against, that I could possibly not know anything about. I know it can easily turn any kind of situation that life throws at us into a much more purposeful experience than doing whatever we need to get back at someone for how they could have made us feel at one time or another.

Praying for a friend of mine who lost their little best friend & making sure they are feeling comfort during such a heart wrenched time. I could easily relate to what it felt like when this happened to me --simply not knowing if I'd have enough love in my heart for another dog in my home. 

 Praying my hardest for beautiful weather in the next several days in behalf of a Stake Relief Society event that is taking place this coming week. I am definitely not consistent with it as much as I was in the last year when I was specifically asked to perform this task for an amazing group of ladies. 

I have also continued praying for a friend of mine and her husband that they would greeted with open arms & hugs in their brand new neighborhood. I haven't ever stopped praying for them since they moved away this summer and could not help but want to do something in their behalf--which for me is just simply talking to my Heavenly Father every night on my knees.

Exclusive

Special Invitation - Stake Relief Society Activity

Somehow all of the incredible stake relief society presidency has been convinced that my faithful prayers last year... made our social an unforgettable experience for everybody involved. I was more than willing to take on that invitation close to heart and never once failed to make sure we'd have not only a successful turn out alongside with being able to have GORGEOUS weather for a perfect evening!!! Earlier today when I was sharping multiple colored pencils & got excitedly asked if I would take on the responsibility of praying for our next upcoming activity in two weeks-- (Of course, I would not pass up an opportunity to do a little more than my fair share in hopes this activity not only has beautiful weather but that everything goes over well.) I will most definitely post about this experience of mine at a later date and please stay tuned for any updates on that down the road!!! :) #Determined #PowerOfPrayerIsReal #LegitimateReasonEnoughRight?!?!

David Archuleta Christmas Concert - Capitol Theater (Salt Lake City)

Please stay tuned for updates on this when it gets a little bit closer!!! I am not particularly certain with any kind of unexpected surprises or anything like that to happen while we are there, but I'm not trying to get my hopes up at this point either. I do know without any questions asked-- All of us will mostly have an incredible evening together and cannot wait to get ourselves in the holiday spirit. I am fairly determined that we will enjoy being in the same room with each other and making memories that I'll know cannot ever be forgotten!!! 

Miss Amazing Queen Fundraiser:

All of us are gonna donate stuffed animals to an organization called "The Page That Gives" and we'll be giving these special gifts to families in need. I am very excited for this opportunity of giving back to other people who may not wake up Christmas morning with gifts under their tree and I am grateful with being able to see smiles on their faces, which I know will warm my heart in more ways than one if you ask me!!! 

Monthly Update

Post Halloween Craziness:

I really enjoyed getting to be dressed up as Miss Transylvania for an entire day and was more than relieved to be myself the rest of the night. I also liked spending time with my third grade students more than anything in this world & feeling of their excitement was just incredible!!! We also went down to University Mall and several of the stores had candy available for the thousands of kiddos that were dressed up!!! It was so much fun getting to see my cute niece Skye have a slight feel of what trick or treating would be like for her and despite the fact, she is still quite young with being able to understand all that is going on-- she looked very cute in her Halloween costume!!! :) 

As this time of year begins, I have so many things in life to express my gratitude for and in more ways than one!!! I obviously shared maybe a little too much in the last year about my challenges and not knowing if I deserved to experience them or if it was to teach me a lesson. I may never want to see those happen again in the future, but I do know my life would not be what it is without them to help me grow everyday. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated with an incredible non profit organization called Miss Amazing throughout this year!!! I have definitely loved getting to make new memories as well friendships with the other queens who have made this reign, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have really liked getting to participate in the National Miss Amazing Pageant in Chicago this summer and being inspired by so many young women and girls with disabilities, to know they can make a difference in more ways than any of us could ever imagine. 

I am grateful for the remarkable (almost ten years) that I have been volunteering at the neighborhood elementary school. From the time I was seventeen years old until now, I have learned so much about what an incredible thing it is to give back and help other people besides myself. It has given me a fair share of challenges along the way but I am grateful to have so many extraordinary people, who want me to give it my best no matter the situation is. I am grateful for the hard times I was able to survive and get through even if I had tears rolling down my cheeks, that I could always give myself another chance at it the next week. 

I am grateful for living in one of the best communities ever and surrounded by the greatest friends & neighbors my family could ever have in this world. I truly love being able to know that I am in a safe place where everybody watches out for each other and when my parents were told: (when they were looking at the lot our home is on now from people-- "Oh, You will love Grandview, it's like one big happy family!!" It has definitely never ceased to amaze me that our community here appears to feel more like that in countless ways that I could easily ramble about--- but there is no time for it now.) 

(End of Part One)

New Slate

I have certainly long awaited for this moment to come and wish that every phase in life, could assist me in persevering through all the trials life has to offer. I still have no clue what else this school year holds for me and hope with everything that takes place, I am more than willing to face it with a smile as much as possible. It was slightly hard for me walking outside of the school today & not having had tears want to immediately run down my cheeks... but I am determined to make the best of whatever it is that happens throughout this experience. 

As I returned back to the elementary school year this afternoon---I was incredibly thrilled to be inside of a classroom with not only an incredible teacher- but someone who never fails to make me feel alright whenever I mess up. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to help in anyway that I can & hopefully impact her student's life in some way or another. I absolutely loved getting to make corrections with assignments for students and file all of their stuff into folders, which is not an uncommon task that I have ever gotten asked to taken care of. 

Halloween Activities:

There is truly nothing more fun than getting to see all of the kiddos in their Halloween costumes and seeing their excitement for this once a year celebration!!! I have never actually been into any of that scary side with the holiday whatsoever and most likely never will be any time soon. I am definitely excited to have an opportunity to dress up again and disguise myself as somebody else for an entire day!!! More about this to come at a much later date and stay tuned!! :) 

Untitled Post

Over these past couple of weeks, I have neglected to receive information about whether or not I will be heading back to the neighborhood elementary school this year. It has been extremely difficult for me not being over at a place that feels like a second home and making a teacher's life easier in some way. 

I am not particularly certain if this has much to do with the difficult experiences that happened last year at all whatsoever. I am confident there might be some hesitation about stuff-- but there is not a reason for me not being there due to what the previous school year made me feel like at the end. It's been one of the most unusual experiences ever and not knowing what could happen down this road- has left me with being not needed or forgotten about. I am completely feeling like maybe there isn't much for me to help out with anymore this year and even though I greatly miss all of those kiddos-- life has not been the same for me. #iMissYouSoMuchThirdGrade

Girls Retreat - Park City, Utah

I have definitely long awaited for this event to take place and cannot wait to get away from the stress that life has continuously given me. I am more than looking forward to a weekend with lots of laughs, stories to tell, memories that I can positively know will last into the eternities!!! I have always wanted to go up to the National Ability Center in Park City and cannot wait to see it in person with all of the most amazing people ever!!!