Goodness, let me tell you how rewarding this was! I got the opportunity to speak and work with about 40 girls (all ages 10 &11), this morning. I had that speaker's doubt in my mind, I won't like, during which I was speaking, when I was unsure if really any girls were getting anything out of what I was saying, or if they totally just thought I was some crazy girl blabbering on about how they deserve to be treated with respect and are powerful women. I didn't fully realize what I had on my plate, so this was definitely a HUGE humbling experience as well. The girls interacted with me and gave me pretty good feedback for the most part, which I'm so thankful for. Whenever I started talking about Middle School though, is when they really started speaking up. I got all types of questions ranging from questions about lockers, to finding classes, to teachers, and even about friends and meeting new people. I was proud to share my experience and give them the knowledge that I've obtained through my schooling years. One girl told me, during the seminar, that she loved Justin Bieber and was worried that when she got to middle school that people would make fun of her or for it or not think that it was as cool as she did. I absolutely loved that she voiced this because I know that this was probably on the minds of many of the other girls as well- What if I like something, other people don't, and they make fun of me for it? That's a dilemma that I even sometimes struggle with in high school, but I made sure to tell her that if she feels passionate about something in her life then she should live that out! I stressed how important it was that she stood and and stood her ground if she liked something, even if others didn't! That's one thing that I wish someone would have pushed the importance on me when I was that age, and I really hope it helped her out because it definitely would have saved me a lot of stress and energy when I was that age :)
There were SO many awesome things asked and said at IDEAL this morning and I truly wish I could blog about every single one of them! But we both know that would be impossible ;) I will say that I was completely beside myself with the turn-out of the pre-test/post-tests of self-confidence! Nearly all of them showed progress, and the ones that didn't first started off at the smiley face, which was awesome as well! Below I couldn't help but insert one of the pre-test/post-tests from today, which was my probably favorite because it showed the MOST improvement! Starting (purple marking), the girl only felt half confident, half discouraged about herself but by the time that IDEAL was over she felt completely confident (green)! I was completely floored with even this test alone, that I had the power to make someone feel completely, 100% confident in herself if even for a moment. THIS is what I live for, folks :)
On a much different note, I wanted to updated you guys on the strong girl that I mentioned in my last post, Amanda. It pains me to share that Miss Amanda passed away 3/30/11, at only sixteen years old. I hate hearing about things like this and my heart fully goes out to everyone that was affected by her passing. She was so young and had her whole life ahead of her, I absolutely hate that something like this happened. From what I've heard, and I've only heard things about her since I only knew her through people, she was so strong and definitely a beautiful girl from the inside shining out. Amanda will always reign in those that were close to her and even those that weren't at all, such as myself. As I said, I hate sharing news like this because as you guys can probably already tell I enjoy being happy and spreading a good message, but it's important that everyone keep Amanda's family, friends, and those close to her in their prayers daily, I couldn't imagine losing someone I hold so dear in my life. I've heard tons of stories of very young people passing or in the hospital and it hurts me more than I can explain. I live for this generation and to see so many hurting and passing definitely takes a toll on me. I've been thinking a lot about this and the best thing that I can say to anyone dealing with the loss of a close person in your life is just that they are out of pain now. They've done what they needed to do here on earth and unfortunately God is taking His angel back. Everyone goes through the loss of a loved one in their life and although it's difficult they have moved on to a bigger and better place, far beyond anything earth can offer. Or at least that's what I'd like to think :)
stay strong lovess, until next time! :)
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