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

 

Not only is today the first day of Spring, but it is also the International Day of Happiness! I'm spreading happiness by letting  anyone reading this know  that you are unique. Just because you are not the pre-conceived idea of perfect, you ARE the perfect version of yourself. No one else can be you and no one can take that away from you; so be happy with yourself. Remind yourself, especially today, to love yourself.  Remember also to love the people around you. 

Having an attitude of love and acceptance is a great outlook on life. Be you. Be kind. Stay happy. 

As the sun starts to beam and the winter blues end, I want you to remember that you are good enough. Despite other people's criticisms, being true to yourself is the best thing you can do. When you are true to yourself you are able to accomplish your dreams and goals. Every single person is capable of fulfilling  their dreams. All you have to do is believe!Always strive to overcome other people's opinions and your fears; strive for your personal best.

Today I had the chance to speak with the third graders at Ohio Street School Elementary! We talked about what it meant to believe in yourself, acceptance, bullying, and how to overcome it. To start off, I asked them what it meant to be themselves and their answers were amazing. One girl said it was  when you believe that you can do anything! Later, I read the book called, "Affirmation Weaver" by Lori Lite. This book is about telling yourself positive sayings to raise your self-esteem and confidence. The children loved the book especially because it had sea creatures in it! I can't wait for the next group of kids I talk to!

Here is my second video!!

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! 

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.