An Ode to the Letters “D”, “Y”, and the Legendary “W” – by Sierra

Ever since my junior year of high school, roughly three years ago when I was first introduced to the Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship Program, I randomly find myself feeling proud of belonging to the sisterhood of these three letters. Separately, each letter has its own sound and belongs to many different words – just like each woman that is a part of this encouraging program. Each one of us, we find our own path and belong to many other groups. All of us, uniquely able to have a marvelous impact on our surrounding environment, having great potential. However, when these three letters combine to make the acronym, “DYW”, there becomes an undeniable presence – just like if every member of this program were to unite, the potential would be limitless.


I realized that as much as it is important to shine in our own light and glory, it is just as important to shine with our peers. Throughout my life, I have been a part of numerous clubs and dance teams, but never have I experienced what it means to be a part of a true “sisterhood.” My first mentor when I became a member of this program was Ms. Shannon, an alumna. She was a great help at making me feel comfortable and helping me to realize what a great opportunity I had received. She instantly treated me with love and I admit that at first, I was not sure how to receive it. However, I was fascinated by her stories of her trip to nationals some years ago and the confidence she exuberated. Then, I was introduced to more “has-beens” – some already grown with a career, husband, and children. All of these women had such assurance and respect about them. I thought that maybe I would get intimidated, but instead, I felt nothing besides comfort because they were giving me nothing but love, care, and support. 


I did not see it then, but I do now. All these strong, independent, courageous women that I have met through this program began to gain such qualities back when they were my age and experiencing this program just as I am. Every category I faced, they too faced, and we all have gained personal insight through this process. I look back at my junior year self and realize that I have become more confident, respectable, and courageous. I no longer hesitate to speak my mind or give suggestions if I feel I am in the right place and it is the right thing to do. Whenever I do get nervous about speaking in front of my class or speaking my mind, I think to myself “If you were able to speak in front of hundreds of people that you didn’t know with bright lights shining on your face while also being judged, why would this time be so hard?” And whenever I find myself feeling slightly disappointed or being too hard on myself, I think, “You belong to a group of women that have done so much and will continue to do even more. You earned your spot by being you, so continue to do that and you too shall achieve.”


DYW or Distinguished Young Women, either way you put it, it is not simply a scholarship program…it is an opportunity, experience and a sisterhood.


Sierra Terrell is a college freshman at Troy University in Troy, Alabama majoring in Psychology. Originally from Waldorf, Maryland, Sierra was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012. Learn more about Sierra here!

Looking Back - by Lauren

   

     
     Recently, I passed my title of the Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado off to new aspiring young woman. It’s hard to believe that exactly a year ago, a group of us senior girls walked in to the theater as complete strangers. However, within an hour, an outsider may have thought we had known each other our whole lives. As the day continued with rehearsals, interviews and constant laughter, I realized the unending encouragement, love and support from all the competitors and wonderful staff who helped to put on the program. By the time the night program came along, I saw that anyone of us could easily win. In a way, this put me at ease going into the results. I had gained so much in the short span of 12 hours. Little did I think that I would ever have won because I was surrounded by such incredible women.

     Now, being on the other side of the competition, if officially hit me how much my life as been impacted by the Distinguished Young Women program. I am certainly not the same person I was a year ago at this time. I have grown so much in the past year all thanks to Distinguished Young Women. I feel comfortable in my own shoes taking on interviews, public speaking and any other obstacles that may come my way.
    

     
     People always say to take in every moment before it is gone. I believe that it was in that very moment on stage, as I was giving my farewell speech, that I was so grateful for doing just that. Awhile back, someone once told me to “live in the moment”. Immediately I was overwhelmed with how many wonderful moments that I had experienced within the past year. I am beyond thankful for each moment and how it has been a piece of my life.

     Reflecting back, I’ve realized how important it truly was to “live” in each moment. Before I knew it, my time as the current Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado was up. I think that’s another thing that I have learned this past year. Sometimes I think we spend so much time thinking and waiting for a certain day to come, a certain event to get here faster, for school to finish sooner, for a trip to come faster. Sometimes I think we forget about the other half of the equation—the journey that precedes it. For me, my journey through the Distinguished Young Women program is what I cherish the most. It was so many moments filled with friendship, laughter and tears that led to the final conclusion at Nationals. And I think that’s the greatest gift all. 



Much love,

     Lauren Hoppa


Lauren Hoppa is a college freshman at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma majoring in Athletic Training. Originally from Parker, Colorado, Lauren was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado for 2012. Learn more about Lauren here!

Sweet Leadership - by Carly

 

Scholarship, leadership, and talent are the three platforms that truly define Distinguished Young Women.  These three words define what the program is about, but after the program I knew I wanted to be able to continue living by these principles.  Sure, continuing to pursue my love of violin and being a good student would easily fulfill scholarship and talent, but where would being a leader fit in?  The answer to this question came quickly when I found an organization on campus called the Office of Student Activities.  Within this organization is a branch called S.W.E.E.T. (Students Working to Entertain E-Town).  S.W.E.E.T. plans all kinds of on-campus events and trips for students to attend.  I began working as a programmer this past semester, which was the perfect opportunity to get involved.  A week ago, the position of S.W.E.E.T. coordinator opened up, and I decided to apply!  The coordinator oversees the entire S.W.E.E.T. branch and serves on the leadership team for the Office of Student Activities.  I was the youngest person to ever interview for coordinator, but I thought I would give it a try!  An application and interview later, I had the job! 

                Being so young, I had my qualms about taking on such a big leadership role, so I spoke to my advisor about what would happen in the next year.  She started by saying that being a leader is easy.  Now, some would say that being a leader is one of the hardest things you can do!  But, when you break it down, all a leader has to do is what they say they’ll do.  A leader does not have to be extremely intelligent or creative; they just need some courage and strong will power to stand by the promises they make.  A leader does not need to be in the spotlight; in fact, some of the best leaders put their followers in the spotlight and humbly reside in the background.  A leader is true to themselves and self reflects on their actions constantly.  The most powerful wisdom that my advisor had to share was that you do not have to be “in charge” to lead.  Just because you do not hold the highest title of them all, does not decrease your ability to positively influence those around you. 

                When it comes down to it, leadership is the easiest of the three principles of Distinguished Young Women.  I thought that I needed to start all over and find a new group to lead in school to still be a leader.  But I have come to the realization that I have always been in a capacity to lead.  Just being human makes you capable of leading your peers.  Every day is your opportunity to step up to the plate and be the example.  After all, leadership is easy.

 

Carly Henry is a college freshman at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania majoring in biochemistry with a minor is business. Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Carly was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Pennsylvania for 2012. Learn more about Carly here!

 

Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, Smile Because It Happened - by Chloe

Saturday, March 2nd was my final night as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana. As I prepared to pass on my title, I reminisced about the true meaning of this program and the lessons I have learned about myself during my time as a representative and I was brought to tears. The greatest things I gained from Distinguished Young Women were not money, or notoriety, or a medallion; the greatest things I gained were friendships, experiences, and confidence.

A year and a half ago I entered my local program, because I needed to prove to myself that I am able and beautiful. I never dreamed I could do anything like Distinguished Young Women, because I could not trust and believe in my own abilities. After winning my local level I went to State with the intent of having a wonderful time, but to be honest, I was horrified that I would not measure up. I kept worrying about the opinions of others, but that was so unimportant. The girls who greeted me last February were not judgmental; they were accepting and loving. I was overwhelmed by kindness and as the week went on I grew to love them dearly as my “Diwah” sisters. So on finals night as the finalists stood in a line and the runners up were called, I was consumed by joy. I squeezed the hand of the girl next to me as the emcee opened the envelope to reveal the new Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. I was hoping she would be the winner so I could be the first to hug her, but instead the emcee announced my name, and I swear my jaw hit the floor. I was shocked. The judges saw something in me that I never believed I possessed. They believed in me more than I believed in myself. In my judges meeting I cried as they told me that other contestants came up to them in the hysteria after my name was announced and thanked them for choosing me. They all believed in me.

This week, as I guided the class of 2013 through their state week, I realized just how much I needed to win. I needed to win confidence. I needed to win my life back. I have never been so blessed by anything. One year ago I was a totally different person. I learned that I don’t have to be a size 2, 4, or 6 to be beautiful. I have never been a small girl, no matter how hard I’ve worked, I have always been tall and full figured. I always believed there was something wrong with me and I had horrible self-esteem, but as I let go of my insecurities and embraced the experience, I grew. I have learned to place my personal value in my relationships and the impact I can have on other people.

Distinguished Young Women helped me to become the kind of woman that mothers want their daughters to grow into. I truly believe that the goal of this program is to create role models. We are meant to be leaders of character. I have spent the last year striving to uphold the meaning behind the title of a Distinguished Young Woman. I have tried to embody the values of this program and I have embraced my former insecurities and come closer to becoming my best self. This program is not about medallions or even money; it is about the people behind the scenes. Distinguished Young Women is about people who care and young ladies who are role models for little girls. At Nationals last June we sat in a circle at Camp Grace only 3 days after arriving in Alabama and talked about people who have been lights in our lives. If I was asked the same question today, the amazing women I met through Distinguished Young Women would definitely make my list. They have lit up my life and shown me friendship. This program gave me best friends, and even if I had not won a dime I would be a winner because of them. They are the best prize I ever could have asked for.

I have not lost anything by passing on my title, I am simply passing a torch. I still have those friendships and memories that changed my life. My light has lost nothing by helping to light the hearts of another class of Distinguished Young Women and I can only hope that they will grow into the kind of women that little girls want to be.

Chloe McLaughlin is a college freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana majoring in Church Music and Christian Worship. Originally from Frankfort, Indiana, Chloe was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. Learn more about Chloe here! 

At the End of the Rainbow - by Christina

I recently took a wonderful trip to Mobile, Alabama, the home of Distinguished Young Women.  I was there for nearly a week, taking part in the Go Daddy.com bowl game events and speaking and performing as the national representative at various events.  It was an incredible week full of memories that I will continue to cherish.  However, two moments in particular have become a source of inspiration.

I had just finished talking to a large group of girl scouts about setting goals and how I achieved the goal of becoming the Distinguished Young Woman of America.  At the end of my talk, I shared with them my dream of becoming a Broadway actress and sang “Over the Rainbow” for them.  Then I invited anyone who had any questions for me to come to the front. 

A miniature mob of little girls, with their sparkly scrunchies and light-up shoes, crowded around the edge of the stage.  Their questions warmed my heart.  The first little girl asked in a tone of wonder, “How do you get your hair to curl like that?”.  Another little girl asked, “How did you become so beautiful?”.  After a stream of adorable questions, the last little girl asked a question that caught me off guard.  With a very serious expression, she said, “I was just wondering, is there reallya pot of gold at the end of every rainbow?”.

My heart was completely melted at her unabashed sincerity and her authentic desire to know if life was really as good as stories and favorite songs made it seem.

Earlier that week, another child had left me speechless and in tears.  I made a trip with the football players from the Go Daddy.com bowl game to a Mobile hospital to deliver toys and encouragement to children in the hospital. 

One particular little girl was in the ICU, only ten years old, but with a beautiful heart full of selflessness and contagious joy that fought its way through the obvious sadness like a determined daisy shooting its stem up through a crack in the gray sidewalk.  This little girl insists on saying a prayer for anyone who comes into her room.  And sure enough, after we had visited and laughed with this spunky and bubbly girl, she held our hands and prayed for us.  From her hospital bed, hooked up to all kinds of tubes, she prayed a beautiful and sincere prayer, asking for strength and courage for the football players, medicine to make us well and thanking God that we were his children.  Reduced to tears, I couldn’t even speak.  This little girl, burdened with so much at such a young age, exhibited courage, unwavering joy and compassion that we are not familiar with.

What is it about children that allows them to feel so deeply and be so free with their questions, advice and joy?  I remember when I was little, how I was so enraptured by the new and bright world around me that I couldn’t force myself to take a nap for fear that I would miss something.  I would dress up as Snow White and sing to the woodland creatures I imagined living in our yard.  I wasn’t afraid to tell people what I thought or to be loving and perhaps overly friendly to strangers.  My parents told me a story about how one Sunday at church when I was very young, I sat next to an older lady who was patient and sweet to my fidgety little brother.  After church, I wrote her a note that said, “I met a nice lady in church today and it was you”.

My acting teacher recently gave all of us students a piece of advice that has stuck with me.  In her wisdom and goodness, she said, “It is important that we remember to check in with our five-year-old selves every now and then.”  I believe that she is right. 

What happens as we grow up that causes that child-like wonder to fade?  Where along the line do we let our insatiable appetite for life and love, merry abandonment and our ability to dream wildly be extinguished?  As we grow up, reality sometimes takes a toll on us.  We realize that there aren’t always fairy godmothers to remind us that we are the belles of the ball rather than someone who deserves to be hidden in a corner of cinders.  Young men aren’t always kind-hearted and handsome princes and sometimes the pot of gold you had hoped was at the end of the rainbow isn’t there. 

Yet, in times of inevitable disappointment, I think it is wise to follow my teacher’s advice and see what our five-year-old selves would have done.  I think it is when we can face grown-up trials and tragedies with a child-like heart, full of stubborn resiliency and unwavering belief in undeniable good, that we have truly grown up … and miracles happen.

Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!

Memories - by Stephanie

In the past few days, as I’ve been taking care of some housecleaning, one of my projects was to clean out and sort through old photo albums on my computer.  Of course when I came across the albums from June and July of last year, I lingered much longer than I should have on the pictures of my amazing experience in Mobile, Alabama, reminiscing of those amazing two weeks.  One particular photograph that was taken in the airport before my departure triggered a memory that turned out to be one of the most memorable from the entire trip (and that’s saying something!).  I had just settled in for the three hour-ride home from Atlanta, Georgia to Boston, Massachusetts, filled with mixed emotions.  I was excited to return home and be reunited with my friends and family, but on the other hand was sad to part from the 50 new best friends I had spent the past two weeks with.  I pulled out my itinerary from the trip, my notebook and a pen and began the long process of making a list of all those that I owed thank you notes to for making my trip the incredible experience that it was.  About an hour into the trip, I noticed that the lady across the aisle from me was intently watching what I was doing.  Upon noticing my upward glance, she quickly took the opportunity to ask exactly what I was doing.  I spent the next hour explaining to her that because I won my state competition, I was given the opportunity to spend two weeks getting to know the other state representatives, exploring Southern culture and participating in community service events.  She was a little hard of hearing, so as our conversation continued, her speech volume continued to rise, and I noticed the man sitting next to her, looking over at both of us, seemingly listening to our conversation.  As he leaned over, I expected him to request that we quiet down, but rather inquired, “Are you talking about the America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program”?  Taken aback, I paused for a moment before explaining that yes that’s exactly what we were talking about, except the program’s name had a makeover a few years ago and that it is now called Distinguished Young Women.  Excitedly, he tapped the arm of the woman sitting next to him (who had been listening to her iPod) and replied, “My wife was Idaho’s Junior Miss in the 1980s!”  He then looked over to her and explained that I was on my way home from the National Competition and am the current Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire.  She seemed so surprised and excited and we ended up spending the remainder of the flight talking about the similarities and differences of our experiences.  She recalled how, similar to when we arrived in the airport, her and the other girls were welcomed by the Azalea trail maids.  She recalled visiting Wintzell’s Oyster House and Bellingrath Gardens.  She asked to see my itinerary and went through the entire packet twice over.  She shared stories about other experiences she has had in past years, running into other women who had direct and indirect connections to the program, from her hairdresser to her college roommate’s’ mother.  After speaking with her, it made me realize that what everyone had been telling me for months was 100 percent true.  When I was named as New Hampshire’s representative, I was initiated into a sisterhood.  Not just with the girls that I had the pleasure to meet at Nationals, but also with all other participants from years past and representatives from years to come.

Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

What to Wear This Winter - by Amy E. Goodman

As we enter the holiday season, here are some tips on what to wear to look on trend and age-appropriate as a stylish young adult.

Flowy Blouses, Chunky Knits: The theme on top is voluminous, so think big and billowy. Grab a blouse that has some flow and a thick weave on your next cozy sweater. Layer camis underneath both for added warmth.

Bootcut: After three years of supremely skinny pants, we’re finally seeing a wider hem. So if you like bootleg jeans go for it!

Splashy Skinnies: Of course, skinny jeans, cords and jeggings aren’t going anywhere and pair best with the big tops above. To really spice things up, get your denim in a bright hue or bleached with added texture like distressed, waxed or torn. (Just make sure to leave these at home for interviews or formal events.)

Boy Meets Girl: Plaids, argyle and herringbone—they seemingly make a comeback every fall, and designers have made it a decidedly patterned season. Winter florals are fresh. Even wearing stripes with stripes is catchy, so give it a go.

Beanie Me Up: If ever there were a year for beanies this is it. Keep your head warm with a beanie in a cool hue; this isn’t a look for solely the skater set any longer.

Attention Hair: From sparkle pins to woven and floral headbands, there is a multitude of fun ways to accessorize hair. I personally love vintage hairclips or brooches pinned into tresses for a holiday evening: so elegant. Low, sloppy ponytails, high buns and piecy, half-up-dos are popular right now.

Jazzed Jackets: As the weather turns crisp, use thin jackets like a long blazer to mix and match with other separates. To truly keep warm, fitted puffer jackets with reduced down will keep you toasty while retaining your silhouette: this means no more marshmallow man!

Ankle Booties: The versatility of ankle boots means you can wear them with jeans, pants and dresses with tights. Find the right style that flatters your ankles and legs (you’ll have to play around with where the boot ends on your leg and of course the fit), and then have fun with the hardware: buckles, exposed zippers, rushed leathers, etc.

Journalist Amy E. Goodman was America’s Junior Miss in 1991. She’s the author of Wear This, Toss That!, a style writer for NBC, editor-at-large for Coastal Living and a frequent contributor on the national airwaves. She invites you to join her on Twitter: @amyegoodman.

Get to Know Chandler Cross - Distinguished Young Woman of Rhode Island for 2012

Name: Chandler Cross

Age: 18

Hometown: Woonsocket, RI

College: Muhlenberg College

Major: Theatre (Acting Concentration) and English

Favorite Food: Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll

Favorite Movie: Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas

Current #1 most played song on my iPod: Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap

Favorite Quote: “But whether it be dream or truth, to do well is what matters. If it be truth, for truth's sake. If not, then to gain friends for the time when we awaken.” -Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Favorite time of year: Middle of Fall

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Plan ahead…most of the time. For instance, I procrastinated on this blog. Woops!

Paper OR plastic: Paper

Glass half-full or glass half-empty: Glass half-full

Introvert or extrovert: EXTROVERTTT!!!

Cats or dogs: Dogs!!

Morning person or night person: Night person

What is your most embarrassing moment?

During high school, I worked at a candy and ice cream shop where we would make our own fudge, chocolate covered pretzels and marshmallows, smoothies, shakes, and….whipped cream. One day I had to make a new batch of whipped cream. It was my first time disassembling the dispenser and I forgot to hold down the trigger to release the pressure built up by the CO2. So I started to unscrew the top of the dispenser and all of a sudden there’s a huge POP! The CO2 had blown the cap off the dispenser and shot whatever remaining whipped cream all over my apron, my face, my hair, and any objects that were near by. Not only did all of this happen in front of my co-workers and customers, but also I smelled like rotten milk for the rest of the day!

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own?

I wish somebody had told me that nobody actually enforces quiet hours! It will get to be 2 A.M. on a weeknight (quiet hours start at 11 P.M.) and there will be people running up and down the halls screaming. I’m usually the one who has to go out into the hall and play RA for a couple minutes and tell everyone to quiet down. I might get some dirty looks from the immature people that are causing all this noise, but I believe that quiet hours is a time that needs to be respected. People are either trying to sleep or finish up whatever homework they have left. I don’t mind people wanting to have fun with their friends at college, but they can take it outside or to one of the many student lounges that we have in the college’s commons. If I am accepted as an RA for my sophomore year, enforcement of quiet hours will be one of my top priorities.

What is one goal that you have set for yourself and achieved? What is one goal that still remains to be achieved?

I have become extremely involved in college life. I am now a member of the College Choir, Women’s Ensemble Choir, and an all female A Cappella group. Making that A Cappella group was possibly one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. When I first got to Allentown, PA, I didn’t know a single person here. I began auditioning for shows and ensembles like crazy. I auditioned for everything that I possibly could. I waited by my phone, received a lot of “no’s,” cried a lot (trust me, it isn’t easy), but then I was accepted into this amazing community of girls that had been through everything that I had been through. I could connect with these people on every level and they could teach me so much. With their help, I feel like I’ve found my place in Muhlenberg College’s community. The next thing on my list you might ask? I want to become a Writing Assistant for the school’s Writing Center. I’ve already been nominated so hopefully I will get an interview and be on my way to helping students next year improve their writing skills and find their place in the Muhlenberg community!

Sum yourself up in three words.

1. Talented

2. Determined

3. Charismatic

What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

I have a whole laundry list of things that I want to be when I grow up. And why not? Why should I only have one profession my entire life? When I was little, I wanted to be a ballerina/police officer/doctor/veterinarian/whatever else I could think of. And while the jobs themselves have all changed, the ambition to take on multiple professions has not deterred. I want to act, that I know for sure, whether it’s on the big stage on Broadway, the silver screen, or in toothpaste commercials. I also love to sing and play guitar, so maybe I can become a famous singer/songwriter. Even if I can’t, that will always be something that I do regardless of whether it makes me money or not. Continuing the laundry list, I want to be a high school English teacher, news broadcaster, newspaper columnist, freelance writer, coffee shop owner, proud mother, loving wife, dog owner, anything and everything. I want to be someone who does what she loves and loves what she does. I don’t want to compromise my integrity or settle for less than what I deserve. There’s so much that I can do in this world and I want to try it all.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
So I might as well get this out of the way now, since it will definitely come up again when Has-Beens rolls around next year (WOO-HOO!). I, Chandler Cross, am an elbow-licker. I can’t remember exactly when I started or what provoked me, but there is one day in particular that stands out in my mind when it comes to my elbow-licking escapades. (For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, let me explain. The skin on the tip of one’s elbow is completely numb, making one very vulnerable to others, such as myself, when the elbow is exposed. The idea of elbow licking is to lick the target’s elbow without them ever noticing. Following me now?) Anyways, one day all the girls were eating at a café together and one of the police officers that would chauffer us girls around and look out for us came up to me and said, “Hey, I heard you’re the elbow licker. You see that guy over there? That’s David Weincek, the MC for nationals, and a bunch of girls last year tried to get him, but he was always wearing long-sleeved shirts or a jacket. Today he’s wearing short sleeves though. That’s never happened. You’ve got to do something.” At first I laughed and thought Is he serious?! Then I stopped for a second and thought about it. All my friends around me were waiting for a response as to whether I would do it or not. I shook my head, let out a sigh, and rose from my seat. David had his arms stretched across the back of two chairs as he chatted with a couple of my friends. I put my finger up to my lips as I told them not to give away my position. Everyone was watching me. Stealthily, I crouched down, stuck out my tongue, and licked David Weincek’s elbow. Immediately I bolted back to my table as the room erupted with laughter. David didn’t suspect a thing or even know that I had gotten him until someone explained the situation a minute later. This is my single-most favorite moment because it shows just how well my friends embraced my weirdness and how it was something that they loved about me, even though we had only known each other for two weeks. These girls understood my quirks and me better than most people that I’ve known for years. Needless to say during talent practice that night, I was introduced as Chandler “The Elbow Licker” Cross, a nickname I’m sure will stick around for a while.