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. 

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.