After a multitude of finals, a dance recital, and handling what life has been throwing at me lately I finally have the time to write a blog! A few weekends ago I got the chance to watch the amazing Miss New York competition! Every girl was outstanding. I would like to give  a special congratulations to Miss New York 2016 Camille. I am so proud of my big sister Kristina because she did so amazing that she placed third runner up! A special thanks to my executive directors for letting me tag along for the weekend. 

On another note, summer is upon us and so is going to the beach! Which means everyone should embrace their own body. Since everyone looks different and we are all unique; we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, instead  we should support them. Be you! 

Everyone is capable of being awesome simply  by being the best version of themselves. Express your true self and inspire others. Last week was my last day for a program called Reading Buddies. It is a program that lets qualified high school students go to one of the local elementary schools and work one on one with the children once a month. My buddy, who's name I won't share , was one of the most inspiring 2nd graders that I have met! First of all, he loves math and wants to be a ninja when he grows up. But, most importantly he was so nice to all the other children despite their differences. We can all take a lesson from these children. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Be you always. 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Taste of the Town with my sister queen, Joelle. At this event local restaurants let people sample their food to benefit a local organization. This year the proceeds benefited the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County. This organization provides aid and services to anyone that has been a victim in our county. Joelle and I had the chance to raise money working with Little Ceasars Pizza.  All people had to do was donate then they could spin a wheel for the chance to win a free pizza! Through this, we helped raised $100 for the organization. 

Accept all of your flaws, quirks and oddities because that is what makes you... YOU. There will ever  onlybe one of you so embrace it! Show everyone your confidence, successes and your individual  qualities. You don't have to change yourself because of your peers negative opinions. The only opinion that truly matters is your own. Remember you don't have to be "perfect" to be a respectable person. Be you ❤️

Yeterday I had the chance to visit my local hospital , Samaritan Medical Center. While I was there I got to see what the Children's Miracle Network has done. I toured  the Emergency Room, the Pediatrics Unit and NICU with Morgan Bocciolatt who is CMN manager. I saw the medical equipment that the donations to our local  CMN have provided or helped the hospital purchase.  I saw that every single donation counts and know that the hospital staff and patients are very grateful. 

Today, I had the chance to talk to a Girl Scouts troop about my platform, BElieve in YOUrself. I read them my favorite self esteem boosting book, The Affirmation Weaver by Lori Lite, and we colored pages and worked on worksheets that made each girl recognize her unique qualities. 

I think it is so important to work with young people. Teaching them to embrace the uniqueness of themselves and eachother will help change the views of society in the future. Someday being unique will be the new normal. As always, Be You!

Confidence