Today I had the chance to go to my old elementary school and speak to third and fourth graders! We talked about believing in themselves, accepting our differences, and to never bully! They were so understanding and they made a pledge to their families, their teachers and their peers to accept everyone and to be themselves. I even heard stories from them about them standing up for their friends! However, a few kids told me that they were being bullied or have been bullied in the past. I told them to stay strong, ask for help, and have the courage to believe that they are good enough. They seemed so happy to hear my encouraging words! This is just one example why I love the Miss America Organization, I have a huge impact on the kids to believe that they can do anything when they are themselves. Thank you Ohio Street School for having me! 

Yesterday I had the honor of talking to Elise Stefanik, the representative for New York's 21st District in the House of Representatives . We talked about women empowerment and breaking the glass ceiling. She gave me advice about public speaking, and making the biggest impact on my community. Being the youngest female congresswoman ever elected, she has broken the stereotypes "women are inferior to men". Instead of viewing the fact she is a woman as a disadvantage, she used it as an advantage. It made her unique! At times she was underestimated, but she did not let that hinder her campaign or confidence. If you are being bullied because of who you are, Elise says "always be yourself, it will get better". Meeting Elise Stefanik was such an unforgettable experience, thank you Elise for putting an enormous crack in the glass ceiling!

On March 6th, it was Dr. suess's birthday! For the occasion, my tenth grade enriched english class went to Ohio Street school to read to k-4 kids! It was such a great experience to see their smiling faces when I asked them questions and read to them. They were so responsive that they even sent letters home to us! I saw that the kids didn't care what eachother looked like or what other kids like and disliked. They all cared for eachother despite their differences, we should all learn how kids treat eachother because it will diminish bullying, and judgements. 

For the past two weekends I have been competing at dance competitions in Watertown. Out of all of the perks of being a competitive dancer, the best one is being a dancer against bullying. Starstruck Dance Competition is trying to make a difference outside of the dance world and encourage everyone to end bullying in communities. Bullying has become apart of some people's lives; whether they are bullied because of how they look, act or believe about them. We as a society need to make this stop! No one deserves to be treated like that....so I challenge everyone to do thier part to end bullying. You can help someone out that is being bullied, spread kindness, do anything!! Making someone's day brighter is all it takes. Be True. Be You. Be Kind.