Dreams and aspirations come in different sizes. Whether they are big and long term or small and short term, everyone has them. The key to making the first strides for your dreams is believing in yourself. You have to ignore the criticism and negative comments from others to accomplish what you want to do. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but that does not mean you have to agree with that opinion. You are your own person for a reason right? You can have your own opinion even if you feel you should follow the crowd. Be different and be you always. 

As some of you may know, September is Sucide Awarness Month. Organizations like the American Foundation for Sucide Prevention help and educate anyone that has been affected by sucide. Today I had the chance to walk and donate to the Out of the Darkness Community Walk. It was great to see how many people came to support a great cause. With a small town like mine, it was extraordinary. I can't wait for next month because it is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month! Remember if you see or know someone that seems to be at risk for sucide... Smile,  talk to them, and make sure they know they are not alone. Don't forget always be you, despite what anyone says. 

As it was my first day of school, it was my last day of being Miss Northern New York's Outstanding Teen 2015. This year has been such an experience! From the inside jokes, laughing till I cry, and the things I have learned that I will carry on through my life... I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone that supported me through my journey by reading my blog or by following me on social media. A special thank you to my parents for being my biggest supporters, for taking me places, and for putting up with me when  I didn't want to do mock interviews. Thank you to family and friends for screaming for me and holding pictures of my face at my local and state pageants.  Thank you to The Miss America Organization for teaching me to come out of my comfort zone and increasing my self-esteem. Thank to to the friends I have made through being a part of this wonderful organization. Keep being yourself and accept who you are!Thank you for being there and making everything so fun along the way. To team Upstate, we always rocked it no matter what we were doing, thank you two for always being there. To the trio, I can't wait to see you again! Thank you for making this experience a one of a kind, our bond can never be broken. To Shelby, from my earrings to my shoes you were the most amazing personal stylist! Also, thank you for all the tips and critiques that have  helped make me the young lady I am today. To Sue and Gary, thank you for being my pageant parents and supporting me through everything I did and thats how Sue C's it! Thank you to my role model and choreographer Mandee for everything you have taught me. Thank you to Allison for being my big and helping me pageant prep throughout my year. Kristina, although I have only had a couple weeks as your little, thank you for everything! Your kind heart always brightens my day. This year I have promoted BElieve in YOUrself- you are a limited edition promoting the end of stereotypes and encouraging the acceptance of others. I have had so many inspiring appearances this past year. Nothing makes me more happy than to see a childs face smile after talking to them. I will still run my blog and my page because the passion for my platform does not stop. Always be you! Signing off as Miss Northern New York's Outstanding Teen 2015 Brianna Lockwood. 

Although I am only a teenager, I feel that I have a good understanding about life and some of the challenges it entails. We all face decisions. Whether these decisions are small or large they still have an impact on us on many different levels. Not only do our decisions effect ourselves, they also effect the people around us. Trying to make the right decision can be stressful and cause anxiety. So, my advice is take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What outcome will make you prosper and grow? However, we can't forget the possibility of making mistakes. When that happens make a new decision and learn from what has occurred. Don't dwell on the past because you have so much to look forward to. Remember stay true to yourself and what you believe in. Be you always.