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Earlier today in my special needs institute class, I was thinking about an experience that I had awhile back and was never able to really share it. My favorite singer/actress Victoria Justice whom I love so much and truly admire as a good hearted person in the entertainment industry, was starring in this TV show called Eye Candy. And without mentioning what network it was on, I immediately just thought to myself that if I just only record the first episode and see if I like it or not. One of my parents found the show on our TV and immediately had it recorded so that I could possibly watch it the next day. It wasn't really until a little bit later on into the evening, I got this feeling from the spirit that I shouldn't think about watching that show. It kept reminding me that if I ever made the choice to watch this TV show that I wasn't going to be all that impressed with the storyline or the actors who were portrayed in it. I didn't even think that watching this show would really mean all that much to me, and yet I felt like in the end of all of this I had made the right choice. I was very grateful and felt so much at peace with myself that regardless of what was on that television program, I knew in my heart that Heavenly Father loved me. I truly love this gospel more than anything in the world and especially getting to be a part of that special needs institute class is such a blessing. I appreciate my institute teacher so much and the incredible spirit that she brings into our classroom every single week. I am grateful for every single person in my class and the joy each of them bring into my life every week.

Exciting News

Advocates As Leaders Speakers Network

In the summer of last year, I participated in this Quality Of Life Conference that was held up at Provo Canyon and it was truly a wonderful experience. It's also where I was able to hear about this speakers network of individuals like myself who go around Utah to speak about people with special needs feel, believe in, and value. I don't really know how many people I'll end up having to speak to while I'm doing all of this, but I am very excited to try something new and make some great memories. I know it's completely out of my comfort zone and that it's something I've never done, but I can already tell it will be a great opportunity to have my voice heard.  All of the many people who are involved with this, are contracted through Utah State University and even though none of us are on the payroll--We all get paid $50 dollars to write and present what is important to them. I am truly stoked to be learning a lot of new things and getting to hopefully make some new friendships that will last forever. I cannot wait for the many years ahead that I'll get to be a part of something new about being a self advocate. I am not hesistate to admit that this chapter of my life will be a good one and looking forward to inspiring my peers to do the same for themselves. I am also really hoping that we can get out to some of those other ILCs across the valley and get to be reunited with some of my favorite people ever!! I am not saying it will be an absolute for sure thing, but it doesn't necessarily hurt to dream if I say so myself- just saying that right now!! ;)

NINJA Volunteer Youth Mentor - NINJA Conference 2017

THREE YEARS AGO--- My best friend Danielle and I were pulled aside to get some information about this first time ever youth leadership conference. The conference was held up at USU in Logan, Utah and little did we know just what an absolute life changing experience it would become. As I just looked at the schedule of what was to happen at this event, I definitely felt like things like that never happen around here too often- so why not give it a try?? I didn't even really know what to expect in the sense of how much fun this experience would turn out to be or if I would even make some new friends. After getting up to that conference and seeing just how much fun it was going to be, I didn't hesistate to what to do it all over again the next two years. I loved every single minute of this NINJA conference more than words could ever describe and I am grateful to have gotten so much out of it. I am happily excited to announce that me along with my friends, are going to be applying to return to this conference as "NINJA Volunteer Youth Mentors/Staff this summer!!!! I am really thrilled about knowing what it's like to be on the other side of things, which means we wouldn't be attending as the participants anymore. We would actually be there helping out with running the classes and activities that are going to be taking place throughout the week. I know that it's going to feel a lot like doing a job instead of just playing the entire time, (which I'm sure there will be plenty of that going on). I've never seen it from this perspective before and I am definitely hoping for a good experience. I loved going to this conference so much and it was certainly the biggest highlight of my summer vacation, without question.

Free Write

Ever since my twin sister and I returned back to our special needs institute class, I have been able to feel the spirit more in my life than I ever thought possible. I absolutely love this gospel more than I could ever possibly put into words and getting the chance to learn about my Savior, Jesus Christ is just a blessing to me. In our institute class today, our teacher asked the question about all of those things a compass does and how it guides us to where we need to go. There have been moments & experiences in my life where I just really needed to rely on the hand of my Heavenly Father w/out thinking about how much I want him to give me what I need. Regardless of anything that you are facing in life, they are nothing more than just a small moment and not something that's going to be lasting forever. I know that this gospel has brought me more happiness and comfort in my life than probably way back when I was growing up. I know that all of us make choices and mistakes in our lives, but sometimes we just need to remember what is most important. Our Savior, Jesus Christ is going to always love us unconditionally and will never leave us alone in whatever struggle or trial that we are going through.

Upcoming Events

NINJA Retreat 2017

I was really excited to have the opportunity of blogging about my next adventure with getting to be a participant in this NINJA Alumni Retreat in Salt Lake. I heard there was maybe a possibility that we'd be getting to spend overnight in a hotel and then going over to the LCPD reception the next day. I am super thrilled of being able to find out when this event will take place and sharing it with all of you. It has been postponed until the spring of this year so please stay tuned to watch for updates!!!

Night To Shine Prom 2017

This amazing & unforgettable prom night experience takes place for me in a week and a half. All of the anticipation and excitement that I have inside of me right now is literally almost unreal. I'm very thrilled to be sharing this special prom night with my best friends and getting to dance till our hearts are tired!! This prom experience is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and apparently it's been an event that has gone on for the past three years. It's ultimately one of those things that don't really come around very often and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to be a part of it. I have not gone to the prom since my high school years and I was very fortunate enough to have had that incredible opportunity. This prom is one of those things where it's literally almost over the top and takes about a year in the making to put together. I'd give more information away but for the sake of time, I'm just going to share with you this highlight video of the event is really like. 

Night To Shine 2017

Flashback

This week my twin sister and I have returned back to our special needs institute class at UVU. I am very thrilled to have the opportunity of feeling the spirit and getting as much out of the lessons as I possibly can. It's definitely been quite a whirlwind of emotions for me recently after experiencing a moment in my life where I didn't know what to do anymore. Nobody should ever feel down about themselves regardless of whatever it is they are going through & keep their head up. Way before all of this happened to me, I was feeling very much at peace with my life and trusting in my Savior for comfort. To make this long story short, I know that my heavenly father and Jesus Christ will always be there at my side to lift me up during the hardest of times. In the YW's theme, the very first line of that statement goes along like this: "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him." 

This powerful statement has gotten literally stuck inside my head & trying to apply it in my daily life as much as I can. I know without a shadow of a doubt that my Heavenly Father and Savior love me-- regardless of what I'm facing. I am not particularly sure why I feel the need to share this, but I know there will never be a moment when the love of my Savior won't be present. My life is not perfect and nobody that I've ever met is, but as we continue to strive to be more like our Father in heaven it's all going to be alright. I know it can appear to be difficult to recognize the lord's hand in our lives and if I am trying my absolute best to start noticing that more often. I didn't even think this statement would pop into my head and yet it has meant so much more to me than I ever thought possible. I am grateful for the purpose that I have here on this earth to fufill my mission as a daughter of God. I know things are not perfect in my life sometimes and that I have to keep pushing through those obstacles to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

As I begin this new year in 2017, I am going to try my hardest to get back to where I was before and feel better about myself as a person. I know this week is definitely gonna be one that I continue to be closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ and never lose sight of what I know is true. 

Year In Review

Some of the highlights from this past year in 2016 were certainly ones that I'll never forget and cherish forever-- but others, I'll probably just hope to never have to face or experience again. I'm hoping this new year will be a little bit better and less stressful but I can't promise that isn't gonna sometimes be the case. Here is a brief preview into what has taken place this year....

- Youth Leadership Conferences in Reno, Nevada & up Provo Canyon

- Family Togethers

- NINJA Friend Togethers

- Back to volunteering at Westridge Elementary

- Special Needs Institute Class at UVU

- Ability First Youth Summer Program

- Late Nights with my best friends

- BYU Summer DanceSport Challenge

- NINJA Salt Lake Temple Square Trip

(Almost decided to live away from home for 2 years and participate in a program called Aggies Elevated.)

(Signed up to participate in  the Advocates as Leaders - Self Advocacy's Speaker's Network)

Most of the things I just shared here in this list, is just a glimpse into what happened in my life this year in 2016. I know it seems like almost too obvious that there was a lot of things going on, but ya get the picture right?? I have definitely learned so much about myself as a person and realizing the highs/lows with being a grown up. It hasn't been easy at times for me to look at the bigger picture, much to my own surprise I am only going to continue to strive harder & notice the positives in life instead of the other way around. 

Grateful Heart

I am grateful for....

The incredible & wonderful opportunity that I had of attending my special needs institute class at UVU. It was truly such a pleasure getting to be a part of a class where the spirit was very strong & inspired me to want to be a better person. I am grateful for the amazing teacher that we had & being able to learn so much from about the gospel. I loved every single minute of this experience so much and getting the chance to express what was in my heart, was really great too. I may never know what next semester will bring us and yet I feel like I was able to get more out of the lessons this time, than ever before just because the class is not as large as it used to be. At this time in my life, I am grateful for the chance I have to go to Institute and feel of the spirit so strongly. It has been such a blessing in my life to go somewhere and learn about the gospel on a weekly basis. 

My friends who I've gotten to know through attending various leadership conferences and having had the opportunity to be in a student ward. I am grateful for their goodness and willingness to reach out to other people who may need a friend or someone to talk to. I am humbled to have them in my life, and getting the chance to know each of them has made me a better person. I know it isn't easy for us together and plan something really fun, but at the same time I know that as a person I will never, ever be the same. I am grateful for their examples to me of what it means to see good in this world and to always remember what is important, regardless of anything that comes in our way. Thank you all so much for being who you are and I am eternally grateful to call you my friends!!