Celebrations

 

Active Re-Entry (Halloween Treat Bag)

This IL Center reached out to me several back about participating on their Zoom activities and for me at the time, to even think it was something I wanted to do made me feel a little nervous. I was not necessarily sure about whether or not I felt like I was intruding on their activities and getting in the way of what they were putting in a lot of effort into planning. I'm gonna be participating this next week for their Halloween Movie Day and I am curious to know what movie we will be watching to get all of us into the Halloween spirit before we actually celebrate the holiday--but also hope that everybody will have a great time too!! 

Ability First Utah (Halloween Party)

Until I have a costume picked out for this in person activity-- I will most definitely have pictures taken to share on my Instagram account. I do know that there will be various activities going on as well like- a photo booth, costume contest, trunk or treat among other things, but at the same time-- I am not sure about whether or not we will be able to make it. I can only hope our plans will work out smoothly and have the most unforgettable time ever...(especially since this will be the first in person activity that has taken place since life was turned upside down.) 

Weekly Update

 

One of the many things that have sustained me through this pandemic, has been the consistent support and unconditional love from my friends as well as many others. I have legitimately taken all of this ridiculous COVID business pretty hard ever since late April and quite frankly it is not getting any much easier if ya ask me-- I have quite a long ways to go before I return as my old self again. I have cried nearly not quite enough tears for anyone to not visibly see without knowing the obvious reason behind my upset face and not having any questions in mind. 

Extra Support

One of my many NINJA friends needs a little extra help during this uncertain time in life and I'll most definitely do whatever I can possible to help them feel better. I could definitely use someone to talk to about things that are slightly more difficult than most people would think and otherwise-- it is obvious that my life is never gonna be the same. I do know that with reaching out to friends and asking for the advice you need to make it through any kind of situation--is certainly better than keeping it all to your self. I have definitely found myself reaching out to my NINJA friends through this period of life and wanting to just simply let them know I am doing alright--regardless of the circumstances that each of one of us are currently faced up against. 

Official Member

#CouncilNewbie20

Earlier today I received my official appointed letter and certificate with being appointed as one of the newest members of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. It is definitely quite surreal for me to even think about those upcoming adventures with such incredible people who I know are going to assist me along this new journey. This is certainly something that I had really wanted to see happen as the next chapter of my life and now it has come true!!! 

My official duties have not been anything too much as of late---but I do know there will be lots of growth in myself to take away from this experience and cannot wait to share them with my new friends. I'm truly honored with the opportunity of being able to expand my platform on self advocacy and giving insight on what I personally think needs to be done for the state of Utah. 

Youth Member (USILC Membership)

This is not necessarily been made official yet and cannot wait for it to be a new part of my life!! I know it will be a completely new experience for me as one of the many members--but I am grateful for a chance to let people know what it is I am capable of doing. I know my life has gone through endless coasters of highs and lows along the way--but it will not stop me from getting a point across to people about every obstacle that has gotten me to where I am today. I am excited for the opportunity of being surrounded with some of the best people ever and learning from them about what I can do better is just gonna be nothing short of an absolute wonderful experience for me!! I cannot wait to get acquainted w/ all of the amazing people who have been working tirelessly to make young adults with disabilities lives a reality. 

Extra Stories

Earlier this week, I had posted about getting to apply for this adaptive going away to college program for young adults with disabilities at a local university and due to the age limit being at twenty five, I will not have the chance to do it. I am definitely saddened with not getting to be a part of something like that and being able to learn new skills along the way about becoming not only more independent--but also really coming to a realization that I can do anything I set my mind on. With all of the new leadership roles that I've taken on this year in 2020-- I would easily think maybe there is enough on my plate and I can simply hope for new opportunities to show up later. 

Road Trip (Next Month)

My mom, twin sister and I are going to be heading down to St. George to watch the BYU Ballroom Dance Company perform!!! It's obviously been a while from the last time I remember seeing this group of young talent perform in front of people since everything has been turned upside down--but I cannot wait for the chance of watching their new numbers as well. I am excited for another little get away trip and spending quality time with family which is always such a good thing--(especially during times when I just want to be around other people.) 

NINJA Committee (Early Stages)

I am thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible group and giving my input on what needs to get taken care of in order for this wonderful disability conference to happen. I know it is quite a year out from actually being in place and everything--but I am grateful for the chance of doing this along w/ some of my most favorite people!!! I have probably blogged about this one too many times, but I can't wait to see what else is gonna unfold from being a new member of this committee. 

Party Day (Best Night Ever!!)

Earlier today-- My best friend Camille invited me, my twin sister and our two best friends to hang out for almost close to eight and a half hours!! We loved every single minute of laughing together, eating delicious meals, watching Sonic-The Hedgehog Movie, Making Necklaces, Photoshoot, Watching our best friend Camille open her presents (which she loved so much by the way) among so many other fun activities!!! All of us have been friends for about eight years now and cannot get enough of just being with each other for countless hours on end--which if you ask me, is never a quiet moment whatsoever and there are almost too many laughs to share!!! 

Party Time

 

Camille,

Happy Early Birthday!!! I am so grateful for your energetic and positive self that always lights up a room that you walk into. Thank you so much for being my best friend and sharing your unconditional love with so many people. Hope you are having the most unforgettable and amazing birthday ever... because you truly deserve all of the best in this world. I cannot wait to share your birthday celebration this weekend along side my twin sister and our best friends, Maria & Danielle!!! We are gonna have the absolute most fun ever being with each other and laughing until our hearts become tired. I cannot wait to celebrate your birthday a couple of days early and just making it one of the best weekend events that we could ever dream of in this world!!! I am excited to see your smiling face and catch up on the many exciting times we will have to share with each other.. which if you ask me there is never a dull moment to be wasted whenever all of us girlies hang out!!! :) 

LAST NIGHT---My best friend Camille dropped off her birthday party invitations and cannot wait for all of us girlies to spend quality time with each other this weekend. It has been since me and my twin sister had our birthday back in July--that we have gotten another chance to hang out. I am excited for all of us to be able to catch up on life and look forward into what other adventures lie in front of us!!!

Future Plans

 

Back in 2016---I had originally wanted to give myself a chance in participating with this adaptive going away to college program for young adults with disabilities and getting to have that college experience w/ roommates and taking college courses. Until I looked on the website itself about costs for tuition-- I just completely blown with how expensive it was to be a part of something that I didn't think it was the right time for me. 

YEARS LATER

I have absolutely no information about the next phase of my life and trying to decide if it would end up being the perfect fit for me. I am not necessarily certain if I could even handle taking the next unknown leap of faith is gonna make me want to pursue this or end up being the worst mistake ever!!! I'd like to keep this as much of a secret from my friends as I can possible, until there is more legitimate info that would feel comfortable sharing with the rest of the world. Stay tuned!!!

Secretary Role (Update)

One of my favorite people in this world sent me an email with the sweetest compliment ever and just simply telling me that I've pretty much killed it with this new leadership role. It was only the first ever meeting with me as the newly elected secretary and it was such an absolute success!!! We had so many good laughs about random stuff and having discussions on what is next for us as a committee and just also trying to recruit new members!!! More updates to come at a later time!!

Recognition

 

One of my colleagues sent me an email last week about responding to some questions related with my new membership with the developmental disabilities council. I also really had to think a little bit hard about what kinds of skills I could bring to the table with being a new citizen of this governor appointed committee. 

LONG STORY SHORT--- I answered each of the questions that were listed off in my email message and then quickly submitted it off earlier this afternoon. Until I completely forgot to send a legitimate headshot of myself for the website that it is gonna be shared with everybody else in this world. Luckily, I will get an opportunity to give my personal input on what the entire spotlight will look like and then have a colleague of mine share it on their website!!! 

I know this isn't necessarily the kind of blog post you wanted to read through--- but due to the endless and many disability conferences that I attended over these past few years, I am grateful for each new door that opened itself up to me and allowed so many chances of learning new skills about being a strong advocate in my neighborhood/community. I am so grateful for the many amazing people who are gonna help me all throughout this journey and remembering how lucky I am to have their support. I could never in a million years perform all of these tasks by myself and not have anybody else to share my experiences with. 

I know there will be countless mistakes to face up against and not knowing what else lies in my path-- I can only hope for the best in whatever happens along this new journey. With little to no idea about how much I will either mess up throughout my years of service or whatever it may be... I am determined to make an effort with doing the best I can possible in every aspect of this chapter in my life!!!

Random Wish: (USILC Mascot)

One of the non profit organizations that I'm ecstatic about working alongside with this year, I reached out to ask about whether or not they have had a mascot before by any chance?!!! Obviously, I did not receive a legitimate and honest answer from them whatsoever-- but I do know of this one bunny who I've had yet of any chance to meet in person but he would be so perfect for the job!! It would give me the absolute biggest smile on my face and knowing if his mom will approve of him doing the job (if I must admit he would be the most legit mascot ever!!!) More about this later!!!