What I Learned in a Year - by Gabrielle

Two weekends ago at my state program, I realized how fast a year truly goes by. I wanted this blog post to be about something I discovered that week. What I found was that my farewell speech summed up the great experience I had as a whole with the amazing Distinguished Young Women program and all who were a part of it.

The person I am today is not the person I was a year ago. That is the way everyone is. It is the experiences, influences, and inner morals that change a person. Without change the world would never move towards a better version of itself. Once given the title Distinguished Young Woman of New York for 2011 my future was brought on another, even better path than the one I had expected. Just like every other teenager, I have ideas, and my wish is to change the world by helping children make a foundation for a solid future through education and health awareness. Earning this title gave me an outlet to change the world.

For National Be Your Best Self week that took place last April, I visited the Charter School for Applied Technologies right here in my own city. It opened my eyes to another side of the place I call home, Buffalo. From the moment my friends and I arrived the halls were filled with nerves of the young girls. To start off we played Simon Says and when it became really difficult to get anyone out, I knew that I had their attention, which is one of the most important things. I lead the way as Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road and we stopped by all of the characters to learn about a special Be Your Best Self Element while singing a song along the way. When it was time to leave, they were changed girls within that hour. They already had the smarts about what all the elements are like exercising to be healthy and doing homework to be studious, but to put all the elements together and be your best self took my involvement. It is the big picture that without one it is hard to have the others. Those girls learned that being your best self is something that everyone works towards each day, yes we may make mistakes, but that is what makes us who we are. Teaching these young girls about being your best self was like looking at my reflection in the mirror. I reminded myself about not only what I am doing, but showed myself some things I can improve on as well. The girls changed me in that I know and see that I am truly a role model for everyone younger than me that I encounter. My actions act as a model for how others act.

From the moment I arrived in Mobile, I was blown away. The kind, warm hearted families, contestants, choreographers, committees, everyone made me feel sooo welcomed. I cannot even name half of the events we did because we were so booked with rehearsals, sponsor events, Girl Scout Troop visits, time with host families, we did it all! Some of the best moments though were the ones that were not scheduled, I call them distinguished moments. Getting to know my host family the McKinney’s and their involvement in the program over some frozen yogurt at Cold Snap and then heading to gulf shores was fabulous. This program is not just something they do on the side, it has become a part of their lives. They do it because they believe in the program and its message of “helping college bound young women develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.” One of the funnier moments was when all the contestants and I were at the Mardi Gras Ball and our group number song “Born this Way” came on and we all as a group just broke out in dance. Those are the distinguished moments. It is the moment when I was at Camp Grace helping children with disabilities and serving them lunch, watching the camp counselors have patience and aid to that child’s every need, that was a distinguished moment. And they happen every day if you look for them.

So one may ask, why is it important to be distinguished? Good old Webster says that to be distinguished is to be “marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence.” No one person is the same in this world. We all have our own ideas, interpretations, and opinions about the world. It is the differences of opposing ideas that makes no one the same. How would the world be if everyone thought the same? Nothing would ever change. There would be no collaboration of ideas to get the best outcome of what people have to offer. I believe everyone has something to offer in this world. Getting things to make yourself better in life is the usual, but giving of yourself to others in the toughest times is self- sacrificing, a distinct action, a distinguished deed. It is the circumstances that we encounter in life that force us to have opinions. Our innate actions show who we are as individuals. It is when no one is watching that you are yourself.

All of my experiences in this past year with the program have helped me become the woman I am today. And what is the outcome of this change? I am in debt to Distinguished Young Women, not debt as in money that I owe, but the debt of giving back all that I have won in spirit. It is up to me to keep going with all the skills, friendships, connections and personal obtainings to give to others through support and teaching. It is the skills and knowledge that Distinguished Young Women has taught me about myself that I can teach other girls about themselves. Like a chain reaction, I can still change the world. I do not need a title, I need an idea, the ability to persuade others to follow me, and determination to follow through with my goal.

I came across a quote from one of my good friends and it reads, “We lose ourselves in the things we love, and often find ourselves there too.” I lose myself in my passions of writing, singing, dancing, and performing. That is where I find myself to be most happy. But I have realized it is performing that does not need to be done on stage, but rather for the people I meet every day; in volunteering, in school.... my passion is a part of who I am. On this stage tonight you are seeing girls sharing their passions with you; themselves in their best form.
No one can succeed by themselves it is known that humans need other humans. So also, besides the letter in the program book I would like to especially thank again the committee as a whole, melissa the choreographer, and host families-- they do so much for this program. The lovely Susan Makai and a shout out to her mother for honestly some of the best sandwiches I have ever had. And finally to my family- Mom, Dad, Mel Will, and Auntie. And my new roommate family- Rachel, Leah, Sarah, and Marissa. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for believing in me when I was struggling to see the success in myself.

I am so honored to be your Distinguished Young Woman of 2011, it is an experience I will never forget, and I am proud to pass on the title to another deserving young woman tonight. Thank you! :)

Gabrielle Walter is a college freshman at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York majoring in Biology/Pre-medicine. Originally from East Amherst, New York, Gabrielle was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New York for 2011. Learn more about Gabrielle here!

Be an Iron Lady - by Rachel

The United States has come a long way since women were first given the right to vote in 1920, but it has been a long road. Even today women on average are paid less than men and a smaller number of women are employed.

Recently, I have been noticing a lot of jokes coming out about women; most of them are centered on us “knowing our place” and “staying in the kitchen.” People are beginning to feel like it’s OK to talk down to women, treat us like we’re inferior, and demand things of us again. And some women are letting them!

Guess what? It’s not okay! Susan B. Anthony did not fight for our rights just so a century later we would fall back into apathy.

My friends and I were bored the other night so we decided to watch The Iron Lady at the dollar theater. It was the best dollar I have spent in a very long time. I cannot tell you how inspirational that movie was. I highly recommend you rent it and watch it with all your best gal pals. It followed Margaret Thatcher’s political career from the beginning all the way until she was the first woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She was not taken seriously until she made incredibly pivotal decisions for the country. She brought the UK into prosperity. My favorite quote (that actually brought me to tears!) was this: 

“I will never be one of those women, who stay silent and pretty on the arm of her husband. Or remote and alone in the kitchen doing the washing up for that matter. One’s life must matter, Denis, beyond all the cooking and the cleaning and the children. One’s life must mean more than that. I cannot die washing up a teacup.”

Margaret Thatcher, later nicknamed the Iron Lady, exceeded all expectations that the country had of her. She was determined and genuinely had her people’s best interests at heart.

The movie made me remember that all of these jokes, that I sometimes think are funny, are just fuel to a fire that women before us fought so vigorously to extinguish.

Ladies, do not allow anyone to make you feel inferior. We must remember that we are just as able and capable as any man to do anything we want.

On a side note, another thing that has become quite popular: do not immerse yourself in Hollywood portrayals of women that act weak and incompetent. Turn away from the character of Isabella Swan in Twilight, and embrace Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games or Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. Although all three are wonderful stories; consider which woman you would rather aspire to be.

Aspire to be great. Leave behind a legacy that women of the future will admire. Assume the position of leader, doctor, engineer, or even President of the United States. As Margaret Thatcher said, your life must matter.

Be empowered!

Rachel Williams is a college freshman at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico majoring in International Studies. Originally from Kirtland, New Mexico, Rachel was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Mexico for 2011. Learn more about Rachel here!

Kelsey's Summer Must Reads

Two things I LOVE: reading and summer. Summer is so close I can taste it; so why not put together a little summer reading list? Really, is there anything better than relaxing on a blanket in the middle of some green grass while the sun is shining down, and alternating between reading and napping? I don’t think so.

 Just a FEW books I have read and loved (in no particular order):

1.    Harry Potter series: seriously guys, if you haven’t read them yet you are SO FAR BEHIND! But they’re amazing books- and are great to reread about 100 times. This series follows a boy named Harry Potter who not only is a wizard, but a wizard who has a serious destiny to fulfill.

2.    The Hunger Games trilogy: again, you are behind if you haven’t read them yet. These are amazing action packed books with a nice helping of love story. Told from the point of view of Katniss, these books tell about a future world where the Capitol forces the people Panem (futuristic North America) to sacrifice their children to a game that forces them to fight to the death. Only Katniss is about to change everything.

3.    Water for Elephants: because I’m in the circus, I’ve read tons of books about circuses and loved them all. This is one that everyone can enjoy, focusing more on a story than history. The story follows a young man who loses everything and runs away with the circus; only it’s during the Great Depression, and he finds out that the circus is more intricate side than silly clowns and pink cotton candy.

 
4.    Atlas Shrugged: this is definitely not for those who enjoy a light read- its packed with tons of words in tiny print on numerous pages, but it’s also a thinker and requires deep thought. It’s an amazing story with a lot to teach. Who is John Galt? And what happens when the greatest minds in the world disappear, rather than continue to fight?

5.    The Shack: an absolutely amazing, inspirational story that will leave you feeling happy and blessed. A man loses his connection with God after his daughter is murdered in an old shack in the woods. Then, God invites him back to the same shack to talk with him. What happens in the shack changes him forever.

6.    The Luxe series: definitely a guilty pleasure. Full of betrayal, lies, and rumors. These books focus on a group of people in wealthy New York  in the late 1800s; back when everyone still wore giant, gorgeous gowns, attended balls, and rode around in horse drawn carriages. However, life is not as simple as it seems, and those pretty houses and dresses hide a lot more than you would believe.

7.    Sing me to Sleep: literally the saddest book I have ever read. Do NOT read unless you want to cry for a good hour or two. Her classmates have taunted Beth as long as she can remember; they call her the Beast, and let no day go by without telling her how ugly she is. Yet, Beth has a voice so beautiful people cry when they hear her sing. When her choir gets a chance to compete at Nationals, one of her fellow performers gives her an extreme makeover. Vulnerable, scared, and looking like a completely different person, Beth is exposed to her perfect Prince Charming. But watch out, because there isn’t a happy ending in store here.

8.    Need series: I won’t lie, I LOVE fantasy. Dragons, princesses and princes, wizards and magic, fairies- all of it. This series is about a girl who finds herself in a battle of fairies versus shift-changers (like werewolves, but they change into all kinds of animals). She falls in love with a werewolf, but then finds out she is part fairy. Can she save the world and maintain her relationship? Or will she find a new prince in an unexpected place? [Fourth book coming out this May!]

9.    Wings series: again, another fairy book. This one is completely different than all the other books I’ve read though. Laurel finds out she is a fairy, which means, she’s not a human, a mammal, or even an animal at all. She is an extremely developed plant. Trying to navigate between the human world she grew up in, with her boyfriend, family and friends, and the fairy world where she came from, is complicated. Even more complicated? There’s about to be a war, and she may be the only one who can help stop it. [Fourth book also coming out this May!]

        
10.     A Million Little Pieces: this book has received a lot of negative press because the author originally portrayed the book as a memoir, which isn’t true. However, the way the book is written, and the content are both extremely different than most books and extremely raw. WARNING: this book is NOT a happy, la-la-la, fairies and magic, book. It contains a lot of harsh stories, curse words, and references to drugs, alcohol, depression, etc. However, I think it’s still a great book for a lot of different reasons. It follows a man through rehab, as he tries to conquer a lot of inner demons. Followed up by My Friend Leonard, which is also a great book. 

Sometimes, it pays off to find a good author and look into any and all of their books! Here are three great authors! All of their books are great!

1.    Jodi Picoult
2.    Nicholas Sparks
3.    Maeve Binchy (My FAVORITE is Circle of Friends!)

I could give you a list of a thousand great books and series to read (Before I Fall, Paranormalcy, and on and on and on I could go), but I’ll refrain, as reading my list would take away from your time to actually read and enjoy your books! So, here’s a short list of some books I want to try to finish this summer; leave me a comment and tell me what books I need to add to my list!

1.    Under the Tuscan Sun
2.    Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (reading now!)
3.    Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
4.    Still Alice
5.    Room
 

Leave me a comment and let me know if you need any new books to read- seriously, I could give you a thousand books to read this summer.

 

Kelsey Quin is a college freshman at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana majoring in General Health with a Pre-medicine concentration. Originally from Peru, Indiana, Kelsey was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2011. Learn more about Kelsey here!

5 Steps to Finding Your Personal Political Views - by Hannah

With so much going on in the media surrounding the upcoming political election, I feel that young people—especially juniors and seniors in high school—should begin forming their OWN political opinions.  If you are 17 or 18, it will be time to register to vote soon, and if you are voting, you should know about whom you are voting for and why you are voting for them!  Many young people don’t know their own political views and will sometimes simply vote for someone based on another’s opinion (ex. Parents, teachers, etc.).

 
So…. It’s time to figure out your own opinions!

Step 1: Start watching the news.

I recommend watching Fox AND CNN to get both sides of the story.

Step 2: Do a little research on who is running in the election. Learn their qualifications, views, etc.

Step 3: DO ask for others’ opinions!  

Just don’t base your thoughts completely off of someone else’s.

Step 4: Know that you DON’T have to be in a political party!  

I have never joined one and vote in every election!

Step 5: Register to vote ahead of time for the election and GO VOTE!

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!

Do You Have "Margin" in Your Life? - by Kinsey

Hello, my most excellent friends!

May I preface this post by saying that everything I’m going to write in the next several minutes is also a reminder directly to myself.  I’m about to address one of my biggest challenges in life; and believe me, solving this problem does not get easier the older one becomes.  Not to be depressing or anything ;)

I want to talk to you today about the importance of having margin in your life.  To me, having margin means having free, unscheduled, open time that is dedicated solely to relaxing, meditating, strolling along a hiking trail, napping, baking….the list goes on.  Too many times we are involved in so many activities that we only focus on running from one thing to the next to the next.  Ladies, this is detrimental in so many ways!  If we don’t have margin, it’s nearly impossible to execute the activities we DO participate in with excellence, because we are too over-scheduled to devote our full attention to the task at hand.

I remember one time in high school; it was about 11 p.m., meaning I was emotionally unstable to begin with (I like my sleep!).  I was sobbing to my Dad about this Chemistry test that I had the next day, along with rehearsal for the latest theatre production, a meeting for Student Government, and a voice recital I had coming up.  I was totally overwhelmed, impatient, irritable, and just generally freaking out.  After I had thoroughly soaked my poor Daddy’s t-shirt with my tears, he gently reminded me that I was going to have to start thinking about my commitments and begin planning ahead to build margin into my schedule.  His point was, unless you intentionally plan for time with no plans, it won’t happen.  He is so right!

Building margin into our lives is essential to our productivity, happiness, success, and well-being.  I’d encourage you to find time at least once a week to spend a few hours doing something quiet and alone; it’s so calming and healthy to have a chance to reflect.  I personally like getting up a little early on Saturday mornings, spending time journaling, reading my Bible, and praying; it allows me to be rejuvenated and take on the day.  Embrace peace!  My words to you end today with what Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 


Much love,
Kinsey

Kinsey Crow is a college freshman at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama majoring in Nursing. Originally from Mount Vernon, Ohio, Kinsey was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Ohio for 2011. Learn more about Kinsey here! 

In Everything You Do, Celebrate You! - by Alessa

I’ve been twirling since I was in 3rd grade and one of my favorite things to do is coach. Today while coaching one of my students, I began to listen to the lyrics of the song that she has chosen for her latest routine. 

As cheesy as it may be, the song is entitled “Celebrate You” by Corbin Bleu (Yes, the High School Musical star that we all secretly love!). The song is about taking the time to recognize all the awesome things that you have done.

Sometimes, I think we all get too caught up in the “I’m not good enough” mindset and we forget all the amazing things we have accomplished.

It is never easy to deal with rejection or disappointment or anything else negative, for that matter. But, in those moments where you feel like everything is going wrong, don’t forget all of the good things you have going for you.

Here are some of the things that I always try to remember!

•    I have an amazing and supportive family.
•    I have great friends.
•    I was lucky enough to be accepted to Drake University.
•    I love my major of Elementary Education.
•    I am blessed to be a part of Distinguished Young Women.

The list could go on and on!

What would be on your list?

Don’t forget… “In everything you do, celebrate you!”

Alessa Strelecki is a college freshman at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa majoring in Secondary Education and Mathematics. Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, Alessa was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Iowa for 2011. Learn more about Alessa here!

What To Do When There's Nothing To Do - by Allii

1.    Game Nights - sometimes just pulling out good old Monopoly or going bowling can really save a night that seemed hopeless, into a night of fun and laughter. And with so many different versions of Monopoly now a days, there has got to be one just right for you and your friends!

2.    Start a Band/Music Group - That’s what I did! I am in two music groups now and between practices, recordings, and performances, I always have something to do at night. Singing never gets boring for me!

3.    Do Community Service - For a while, I was doing Community Service at a local Church because I needed it for a grade. But once my hours were finished, I kept going to that Church to help out at a youth group because I loved it there! Something that was mandatory turned into something I wanted to do! Visiting nursing homes or spending time at an after school program could really open up new doors and give you something to do with extra time! Make a difference!

4.    Try Something New - Whether it be the gym, a new instrument, a club, or a sport, trying something new is never a bad option. You can meet new friends, get active in a community, and just have fun! There are so many options that there HAS to be something right for you! Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons.

5.    Take a Nap - If you get bored, take a nap. You probably need it! Most young adults and Teens don’t get as much sleep as they need. Between homework, school, activities and everything else us teens do, sleep is often overlooked. Next time you’re bored, just catch a little shut eye.

6.    Fuel Your Imagination - For me, whenever I get bored, I start to write a story and it usually gives me a constant flow of thought where soon enough I forget that I am bored. Unfortunately for me, I usually start a story, don’t finish and then start a new one the next time I am bored. One day I learn to finish one! But you should try it!
 

7.    Act Silly - Whenever I was home alone in the house, or even now when I am alone in my dorm room, I blast music and jump off my bed and dance or sing in the mirror. It can waste time but yet you still have fun and get to act like a kid.

8.    And finally….GO OUTSIDE! - With the past week being absolutely beautiful, it gives hope that the upcoming months will be as well. Whether it is snow, rain, sun, or wind, you should go outside and have some fun. Build a snow man, jump in a puddle, go swimming, or fly a kite. No matter the weather, there is always something to do. Leaving the computer for an hour or so, taking a break from homework, or just getting out of the house could really change your mood!

Just remember, being bored is your choice. There is always something to do, you just need to find it!! And if you’re a junior or senior girl and you’re ever bored you can always check out www.distinguishedyw.org and find a whole new world that will ALWAYS keep you entertained!

Allii Fontaine is a college freshman at Elmira College in Elmira, New York majoring in Nursing with a Pediatric tract. Originally from Burrillville, Rhode Island, Allii was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Rhode Island for 2011. Learn more about Allii here!