You are more beautiful than you think – by Keyna

As girls, we tend to look at ourselves and notice our flaws. There is no need to be ashamed of our imperfections—it is our imperfections that set us apart and make us beautiful. Be proud of who you are. You are beautiful.

Keyna Hoselton is a college freshman at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma majoring in Dance Performance with a possible minor in History. Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Keyna was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2012. Learn more about Keyna 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! 

Uniquely You - by Marin

          
It is officially a New Year. And everyone knows that along with a New Year, comes New Year Resolutions. I still find it hard to believe that it is already 2013, but alas, time does not stop for anyone. Like the millions of other people around the Globe, I too have taken a New Year’s vow. But it’s not the traditional vow of, “being more fit” or “getting a better job.” In fact, it is more of a challenge to others. Are you ready for it? Well, here it is: I challenge YOU to be YOURself and embrace YOUR differences from others. That’s it.

As I sat around a table with some of my close friends during New Year’s Eve, I realized how different we were from one another. We laughed, reminiscing about High School and how different our lives were in College. From Biology majors to Education majors and even Undeclared majors, we are anything but alike. However at the same time, it’s our differences that brought us together. We discussed our New Year’s resolutions and after some (healthy) debate, came to the conclusion that we didn’t want to change who we are, but embrace it.

Our culture and World is so vibrant, fast moving and ever changing. It is sometimes hard to keep up with the latest trend or fashion. Wouldn’t life be so much more enjoyable without the stress of constantly being up-to-date on the latest thing? I believe everyone brings something special and unique to this World, and that it should be embraced with open arms! I know as I head into 2013, I am going to continue finding the positivity in everyday life. Plus, it makes every day more enjoyable!

So, as you make your New Years Resolutions, find a way to squeeze in how to be uniquely you. What sets you a part from others? Find that one thing (or more than one!) and hold onto it tight. It’s 2013, a new year. Embrace it.

Marin Helppie-Schmieder is a college freshman at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania majoring in Modern Dance. Originally from Carrollton, Texas, Marin was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2012. Learn more about Marin here!

Beauty Tips - by Keyna

How often do you find yourself comparing yourself to the girls around you? If you’re anything like me, the answer is A LOT. 

“She is so much prettier than me.”

“Why can’t I be skinny like her?”

“Ughh. Why is my hair always so frizzy?”

“Why am I so clumsy?!”

“I just want him to think I’m beautiful.”

Sound familiar?

What if I told you that I had the secret to achieving the beauty that we all so desperately desire?

Guess what…

I do.

1. Forget the lipgloss.

FOR ATTRACTIVE LIPS, SPEAK WORDS OF KINDNESS.

2. Eye shadow? Mascara?  You don’t need it.

FOR LOVELY EYES, SEEK OUT THE GOOD IN PEOPLE.

3. STOP DIETING!!!! Seriously.

FOR A SLIM FIGURE, SHARE YOUR FOOD WITH THE HUNGRY.

4. You know you’re just damaging your hair with that straightener right?

FOR BEAUTIFUL HAIR, LET A CHILD RUN HIS OR HER HAIR THROUGH IT ONCE A DAY.

5. Tired of tripping up the stairs? Worry no more.

FOR POISE, WALK WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE.

THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN IS NOT IN THE CLOTHES SHE WEARS, THE FIGURE THAT SHE CARRIES, OR THE WAY SHE COMBS HER HAIR. THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN MUST BE SEEN FROM IN HER EYES, BECAUSE THAT IS THE DOORWAY TO HER HEART, THE PLACE WHERE LOVE RESIDES.

THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN IS NOT IN A FACIAL MOLE, BUT THE TRUE BEAUTY IN A WOMAN IS REFLECTED IN HER SOUL. IT IS THE CARING THAT SHE LOVING GIVES, THE PASSION THAT SHE SHOWS, AND THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN WITH PASSING YEARS ONLY GROWS!

by Sam Levenson

made famous by Audrey Hepburn

Being a girl in today’s world is hard. We are expected to be “cookie-cutter beautiful,” but you need to remember that your beauty comes from the inside! It’s not about how you look, but rather how you act and treat the people around you.  It doesn’t matter if you have blue eyes or brown, if you weigh 90 pounds or 200, whether your hair is straight or curly. The only thing that matters is that you are the best YOU that you can be! You don’t need to change who you are or the way you look to fit in with a certain group of people or to get that guy you’re crushing on to like you. You are beautiful just way you are!

Keyna Hoselton is a college freshman at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma majoring in Dance Performance with a possible minor in History. Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Keyna was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2012. Learn more about Keyna here!

The Body Peace Project - by Hannah

So… It’s summer again!!! School is out and it’s time to sleep in late, go on vacation, and soak up the sun!  But, with the wonderful summer season also comes the either dreaded or loved bikini season.  Whether you love or hate the summer, the season causes nearly everyone to think of body issues and self-esteem issues.  While I have never really had a problem with being overweight, I’ve often been called too skinny or underweight and I often find myself worrying over getting my body “swimsuit-ready.”  I recently went on a day-trip to the beach with my family, and like every beach-visiting-girl I had a stack of magazines ready for the day.  While I was reading the magazine Seventeen I came across an article entitled “Body Peace.”  This magazine has created a new type of forum on its website called the “Body Peace Project” where girls can go to blog about becoming satisfied with their body, whatever shape or size.  There is also a page to sign an actual treaty to be at peace with your body.  I went online and read some of the blogs other girls had written about their personal struggles with body peace and viewed the treaty as well.  Many celebrities such as Katy Perry and Whitney Port have signed the treaty as well and have also shared their personal struggles. 

And here’s the link…

http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/body-peace-nplp-0508

We are all aware of the fact that the media, especially many teen magazines, push the idea of being super skinny and in turn create the desire for girls to look like the airbrushed and photo-shopped pictures seen in these magazines.  I am so delighted that Seventeen seems to have realized this and has created an outlet for girls to vent about the issue.  Check out the website for yourself; even sign the body peace treaty.  Whether you see yourself as overweight OR underweight, you are perfect just the way you are—it’s time to make peace.

Hannah Roberts is a college freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi majoring in Biochemistry with a Pre-medical emphasis. Originally from Mount Olive, Mississippi, Hannah was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi for 2011. Learn more about Hannah here!

Self-Esteem in a Self-Obsessed World - by Hannah

So, I have recently become an avid Pinterest user.  It’s great—I highly suggest creating one; but, I have recently been noticing the amount of “Motivation” boards on the site.  (For those of you that don’t know, on Pinterest, you make different “pin boards” for different themes, food, pets, etc.)  Well anyway, these boards usually consist of 80-lb. super models and bronzed to-the-max female athletes with unattainable features and bodies.  Whether or not you use Pinterest, everyone should use healthy and realistic methods for motivation.

 
Point Number One: The majority of these photos have been photo-shopped and retouched beyond recognition.
 
Point Number Two: Girls should not aspire to look like other girls—it will never happen.
“Motivation” boards, or really using pictures of “perfect” girls for motivation in general, is not a healthy or productive habit to possess.  Instead, use healthy or inspiring pictures for motivation and goals.
 
For example:

• Pictures of things on your “Bucket List” 
• Pictures of healthy fruits and veggies 
• Pictures of places you would like to go/see 
• Pictures of your future occupation/goal

Almost anything can be used for positive motivation, other than the pictures of others, of course.  Provide yourself with motivational quotes and healthy alternatives of motivation as opposed to Victoria’s Secret models and pro athletes.  Finally, learn to be happy with who you already are—your best self!

Hannah Roberts is a college freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi majoring in Biochemistry with a Pre-medical emphasis. Originally from Mount Olive, Mississippi, Hannah was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi for 2011. Learn more about Hannah here!

Bras - by Amanda

There are two girls that will never leave you no matter how much you complain about them, or wish they would change. They aren't just any girls; they're THE girls. That's right. I went there. With so many girls exposed to negative images of what being a beautiful woman is really about, I believe it's important to emphasize what we as girls love about ourselves. This entry is not to be interpreted as “risque” or “inappropriate” in any way; my intention is simply to be realistic and celebrate just some of the things that make us beautiful. There is a three letter word that can solve 99% of the problems we as girls are faced with today, and no it isn't “man.” It's BRA.
 

I went shopping the other day with one of my sorority sisters, and we walked into Victoria's Secret; I was immediately reminded of the first time I walked into this iconic store. Simply put, the first trip to VC left me feeling horribly unqualified. Frankly, I was flat. I was not gifted with a chest that left people staring in insane jealousy. I was left thinking I wasn't as beautiful as Miranda Kerr or Giselle Bundchen, (but really who is? They are like freaks of nature, beautiful freaks of nature). Realizing the differences between me and the model in the photo, I started to feel less beautiful, less feminine. I became very insecure about my body. Was I too skinny? Was I too fat? Were my thighs too big? Suddenly I found that every magazine cover, and every TV program that featured people like Kim Kardashian or the hotties from the Hills was leaving me with an unhealthy sense of self pity. I had small boobs, and there was nothing I could do but complain and be patient in hopes that God would eventually give me the same equipment He blessed these models with. Naturally this was all at the tender age of thirteen.

On my seventeenth birthday, I was peering up at Miranda Kerr. Naturally she was modeling some kind of lingerie, which naturally I was not interested in. I was not interested in buying something cute to model to my nonexistent boyfriend; I was not interested in making my boobs each the size of Jupiter; I was not interested in making sure I had the perfect leopard print bra that would make all the girls in gym class jealous. I was on the hunt for self esteem, and there was only one place that could help me. So I took the plunge and opened the glass door rimmed with gold metal that resembled the entrance into some kind of palace. Immediately this experience was different than my first encounter with the undergarment underworld. I was still intimidated by the overwrought sexuality that surrounded me, but I was focused. Nothing could distract me from the quest to conquer my insecurities. I began the hunt. I didn't need anything basic like a white, black, or nude bra (EVERY GIRL SHOULD INVEST IN A WHITE, BLACK, AND A NUDE BRA), but I am also just a teenager who isn't known for being particularly wild or sexy, so there was no need to seek out a lacy, risque bra. After briefly glancing about the store, my confidence started to dwindle. Gradually, I became increasingly discouraged. Then suddenly, in a last ditch effort I opened the only drawer that was labeled with my size that I had not opened. Every bit of my being was praying that this drawer held my sacred holy grail. As I peered into the drawer I heard angels singing a Lady Gaga anthem behind me, and I knew immediately that I had found the bra for me. It was from the Incredible Collection. It was perfect for me, because I live in t-shirts, and this bra is so comfortable and has a playful rainbow animal print pattern. This was my bra. As I walked towards the register, I felt as though the other girls and the employees were applauding me. The pride I felt after that is incomparable.
 

On this most recent visit that I took accompanied by a sorority sister, I greeted Vickie as an old friend who played an intricate role in me defeating low self esteem. When I was talking about this with a friend, they laughed and inquired why a bra was what I needed to feel beautiful. She added that it was a silly idea because I was the only person who saw my bra. That's true. I don't gallivant around town in just my bra, but the fact was, I see it. I wear it, and it is just something that makes me feel beautiful. So maybe it doesn't solve 99% of girls' problems. That may have been a tad bit far fetched, but I bet that there are just a few problems a girl will face that a trip to Victoria's Secret can fix. It fixed my self esteem, and after I buy a new bra, even though it's not “sexy”, I still feel like a million bucks. Who knows, maybe this is the key to curing female insecurities forever. What's most important to remember, is that everyone needs to find what makes them feel beautiful, no matter what it is.

Amanda Wineman is a college freshman at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama majoring in Political Science with a minor in French. Originally from Cut Bank, Montana, Amanda was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Montana for 2011. Learn more about Amanda here!