Happy New Year everyone! 2015 was a crazy and exciting year for me, not only have I expanded my platform, but I have impacted people all over New York State. My hope is that impact more adolescents in the upcoming year. I have also grown as person. Through the course of the year  I have gained more confidence, self esteem, and experience. I have faced many challenges and had to make a lot of decisions. I have learned from all of these things and they have all helped shape me.  Although 2016 has a big shoes to fill, I am ready for whatever comes my way! I have one resolution... To be myself always. We all get caught up in wanting to be liked by our peers but, we shouldn't have to change ourselves to do so. We should all have friends that like us for us despite our differences because it is  our differences that make us beautiful. For this new year remember to believe in yourself. 

BE YOU

For a little while now, I have been working on a video about my platform BElieve in YOUrself. Now I can officially say here is my first video with many more to come!

With all the spending on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, its good to give back, and what more perfect day to do that than Giving Tuesday! Today I had the chance to donate 13 scarves and 8 pairs of socks to my local Urban Mission. These scarves and socks will now be donated to those in need around my community. With the craziness of the holidays don't forget about those in need! Even the smallest donation or interaction with someone can make a huge difference! Oh and never forget to be you. 

Its just a simple phrase.. "Believe in yourself".. however, there is a lot of power behind it. Not only does it encourage positive thinking when you face a challenge in your life, it also encourages you to accept yourself for who you are. You shouldn't have to live your life trying to please everyone that you come into contact with. But, that is what peer pressure does. You want to act and do the things that the "cool" kids do but its not what you would usually do right? Nowadays this happens so often that adolescents lose themselves  because they are infatuated with the idea of being popular. However, the time is now to bring out your true self and show your uniqueness to the world. If you are a teen reading this, I understand it can be scary and you feel like you will feel like an outsider. Your true friends will be by your side and will like you for who you are. Break out of the mold and be you  because what's cooler than being you?

 Hello everyone, we have one more challenge for Bulling Awareness month. This one is all about participation. Since the month is drawing to a close stompoutbullying.org wants to create positive messages. The list of things you can do are:

1.) Create positive notes and hand them out to people at school. 

2.) Create anti-bullying videos and share them on the stomp out bullying website. (listed below) 

3.) Share stories on the website listed below.

4.) Create an act of kindness and encourage people to do the same! 

Here is the link for the website:

http://www.stompoutbullying.org/share/

Encouraging positive messages doesn't stop here, you can do whatever you want to promote the end of bullying. Make sure you post them and be you always! 

Hello! As everyone knows, it is National Bullying Awareness month.  I hope everyone made a new friend last week! I know I did. For this week I have a new challenge. This week if you see someone being bullied I want you to stand up for them. This usually makes the bully back down and feel bad for what he or she has been doing. Also, the person being bullied will usually feel that they are not alone and thankful for what you have done. You will make that person happy and make their day... Guaranteed! If you were being bullied you would want someone to stick up for you right? However, if you do not feel safe standing up for someone due to the situation  go get an adult. You want to be a part of the solution- not the problem! Always impose positive peer pressure and be you always! 

It's October! Not only does this mean that Halloween is right around the corner, it also means its BULLYING AWARENESS MONTH!!!!! A few days ago was wear blue day. People wore blue to show support of people who are being bullied and to show they were against Bullying.  Did you remember to  wear your blue? If you didn't don't worry this month is full of activities! The next one is during the week of October 12. The challenge is to make friends with someone you don't know at school or at work. This can makes someone's day better and you both get a new friend! Always be you and be friendly!