Do It Anyway - by Christina

One of my favorite places to be is the Welcome Table, a homeless ministry in a church in downtown Asheville, North Carolina.  Every Wednesday, they serve hundreds of homeless people a delicious meal, sometimes serving as many as 600 people in one afternoon.  Afterwards, they open up the sanctuary for a worship service that embodies a “holy chaos” as ministers, homeless people, college students and CEO’s on lunch breaks all praise God together. 

This year, I’m blessed to be home in Asheville for the majority of the summer.  For the first time, I’m able to go help serve meals before the services on Wednesday.  This is not your typical soup kitchen homeless ministry.  Instead of moving through an assembly line of food, visitors are served family style gourmet meals.  The first day I served, I helped pass out platters of lemon poppy seed chicken adorned with banana peppers and sprigs of fresh cilantro, collard greens, roasted potatoes, fresh salad, buttery cornbread and fluffy raisin bread pudding.

The two incredible men who run the kitchen plan the meals well in advance, taking joy in creating delicious dishes that match the quality of something you could buy in a nice restaurant.  One of the men explained to me how important the presentation of the food is.  He said that he didn’t want them going through a soup kitchen line as if they were in a prison.  He wanted them to know they didn’t deserve leftovers or second best.  As fellow human beings, they deserved the best. 

How often do we get rushed, stressed, burned out or lazy and give people our second best, particularly people we may think don’t deserve our best?  What a striking portrait of love for humankind it would be if we treated everyone with the respect, compassion and thoughtfulness we sometimes reserve for those we consider by our standards or the world’s to be “worthy”?

Yet sometimes when you open your heart and give your best, people may not notice your kindness, may not bother to thank you or may accuse you of ulterior motives.  It is important to not be discouraged.

At the very first table I served at the Welcome Table, a women asked for more chicken, which we couldn’t give seconds of.  I apologized and offered to get her more salad or bread instead.  She was furious.  She pointed her thumbs down at me and told me my service got two thumbs down.  She then told me I could go and send someone else over to refill her water, that I was a disappointment. 

At first, I was stunned and didn’t know how to react!  Yet, we have to love people where they are, knowing that we are all in need of a little grace.  So I pulled myself together, smiled back at her and said, “Alright, great!  Let me know if I can do anything else for you!”

Sometimes life isn’t all peachy.  Sometimes we go out of our way to give our very best and get two thumbs down in return.  Maybe you refused to cheat on a test like your friends did and ended up getting a lower grade in your class because of it.  Or maybe when you don’t get the playing time you deserve, instead of complaining or being rude to your coach, you wait patiently with humility – something no one ever compliments you on.  Some of the greatest acts of kindness go unnoticed and unappreciated.  I think that these are the times when the core of our ministry and character is tested.  One of my favorite poems of all times provides inspiration for the times when we may think that our hard work is insignificant or meaningless.  Written by the selfless Mother Teresa, it helps us to remember what to do when we get two thumbs down.  Do it anyway. 

“Anyway” by- Mother Teresa
 
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

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!

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. 

Get to Know Marin Helppie-Schmieder - Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2012

Name: Marin Helppie-Schmieder

Age: 18

Hometown: Carrollton, Texas

College: The Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University

Major: Modern Dance

Favorite food: Green bean casserole 

Favorite TV show: Modern Family

Favorite movie: Singing in the Rain

Favorite quote: “You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”- Martha Graham

Favorite time of year: Winter, because it is a time of giving and celebration.

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Both. I’m usually very good with planning ahead, but we all have those days where procrastination gets the better of us.

Paper OR plastic: Paper

Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: Half-full

Introvert OR extrovert: Extrovert

Cats OR Dogs: Both! My dog, Cleopatra Pistachio, and Cat, J. Butters, are the best pets ever!

Morning person OR night person: Morning person

If you could be any color crayon, what would you be and why? Green because it is my favorite color and it is a reminder of nature and this beautiful earth that we live on.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you absolutely need for survival? A tent, sunscreen, and an endless supply of Goldfish (the snack food, not actual fish!)

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)? Two small cartons of milk, dried mangos (a great snack for some quick energy), and leftover Thai food. With being physically active all the time, I am constantly eating, so the contents of my refrigerator are constantly changing!

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own? One thing I wish someone had told me about college life is how incredibly easy it would be to make friends. Going into a new environment is always a scary thing, but when you remind yourself that everyone is going through the same change, it’s easier to connect and make those friendships.

Sum yourself up in three words.  Determined, kind, witty.

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience. 

Distinguished Young Women has left me with so many cherished memories. From both State and National level, I have truly made friendships that will last a lifetime. But if I had to choose one specific moment, it would be from Nationals at Camp Grace. One of the activities that we all had to participate in was a high ropes course. Now let me tell y’all a little fact about myself. I am always up for a good challenge and I love trying new things. But when that challenge involves standing on a two-inch wide rope suspended forty feet up in the air, I guess you can say my fear of heights kicks in a little. On the course, we had to use one another (grab hands and weight-share) to get from start to finish with each obstacle. While I was completely scared out of my mind (I sang songs out loud to distract myself from how high up we were…the other girls got a kick out of this) it was everyone’s positivity and willingness to help one another that got me through that course. As we all got back down to solid ground (which I kissed with excitement,) we hugged and cheered because we had made it through the ropes course not as individuals but together.

Get to Know Julia Carlson - Distinguished Young Woman of Nebraska for 2012

Name: Julia Ann Carlson Age: 19 Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska College: University of Minnesota Major: Biology with a minor in Management Favorite food: Pumpkin anything…and tea!  Favorite movie: Elf, I watch it all year round! Current #1 most played song on your iPod: Is and will always be "Dancing in the Moonlight"  Favorite quote: very difficult to choose, but one I am recently fond of is… “elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but  of those who have already taken possession of their future.” -Coco Chanel Favorite time of year: Fall, the trees are so pretty!  Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Plan ahead, although there are occasional deadlines that somehow slip through the cracks! Paper OR plastic: Paper so I can recycle it. Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: Half-Full! Introvert OR extrovert: I appear to be an introvert, but I like to think of myself as an extrovert. Cats OR Dogs: Dogs, I miss my dog Bob so much, I haven’t seen him since August and I can’t wait until Thanksgiving when I get to!  Morning person OR night person: Morning person…as soon as I’ve had my tea! If you could be any color crayon, what would you be and why? If I could be any color crayon I would be sea-foam green, because it is the color of my car and my car smells like crayons!  Not to mention, when I tell everyone I own a Volkswagen bug they tend to say, “Oh Julia, you would!” What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)? Currently, my side of my roommate and I’s tiny refrigerator is full of almond milk, apples, left-over tea leaves from the last cup of tea I made, and Trader Joe’s peanut butter. What do you want to be when you grow up and why? For the longest time my career goals have been more scattered than leaves in the fall.  However, I am happy to say that upon entering college I have finally narrowed down what I want to be!  Currently, I would like to earn a dual degree in Law and Public Health Administration and Policy; a mouthful I know!  I want to be one of the people mandating our countries health policies and making change to the public for the better.  I love applying research and working with people and I feel that this is the right place for me.  It makes me so happy every time I get the opportunity to talk about it and I am so happy that I know where I am headed! Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience. It is so hard to choose a favorite moment of an experience that was bursting with happy memories.  However, the one that touched my heart the most was when I heard the name of the Distinguished Young Woman of Nebraska for 2013 and it was Maddy Miller, my dear friend, whose mother has been my dance teacher since I was four years old.  To be able to put the silver medallion around her neck was such a wonderful moment for me.  I was so proud of her and I cannot express how excited I am that she gets to go through the same experience that I did!  Maddy is such a wonderfully distinguished woman and I cannot wait to hear about her experience when she comes back from Mobile, hopefully I will be able to be there for her as a has-been!

Get to Know Emily Thomas - Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012

Name: Emily Thomas
Age: 18
Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
College: Merrimack College
Major: Chemistry/Secondary Education

Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: So You Think You Can Dance
Favorite movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite Christmas/holiday tradition: For Halloween, my family and I go to a farm in New Hampshire where we go on a hay ride and pick pumpkins straight from the patch, then carve them together. 
Favorite quote: “Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.” – Mark Twain

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: plan ahead
Paper OR plastic: paper
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: glass half-full
Introvert OR extrovert: extrovert
Cats OR Dogs: dogs
Morning person OR night person: night person

What is your most embarrassing moment?
During my college orientation, there was a boy’s soccer home game. As a part of orientation, the college set up a barbeque during the game. After getting my plateful of food and drink, I was walking to sit down with my friends and I clumsily tripped, spilling my food everywhere and sending the iced tea down my back. The entire place went silent. I stood up and everyone was staring at me. I looked at all of them, and instead of running away so they could laugh at me later, I stood up introduced myself to try and lighten the mood. It was quite embarrassing, but I tried to make the best of it and I think I did a pretty good job.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you absolutely need for survival?
A boat, a GPS, and my best friend to enjoy the long sail back home with.

What is your biggest fear?
Disappointing people.

What is one goal you have set for yourself and achieved? What is one goal that still remains to be achieved?
When I was younger, it was a dream of mine to climb Mount Washington, the highest mountain in New England. I have always loved hiking, and one day while standing at the top of a much smaller peak, I saw in the distance that top of Mount Washington. I said to myself “I’m going to climb that”, and when I was 14 I successfully climbed 6,288 feet to the top of Mount Washington. As thrilling as that was, I wasn’t fully satisfied. Mount Washington is one of 48 peaks in the White Mountains that are above 4,000 feet. My next goal is to climb to the top of all the 4,000+ peaks in the White Mountains.

What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
I’ve always been someone who loves science, but I couldn’t picture myself in a lab doing solitary research. I’m a people person, which is evident in the types of volunteer work I’ve done in the past. I love helping people, and it’s as simple as that. I decided that becoming a science teacher would be the best way to combine my love for the sciences with my love for helping others. When I grow up, I want to be a high school Chemistry teacher. 

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
Of all the experiences I’ve had with the Distinguished Young Woman program, my favorite was when I came back to meet all the girls competing in my local program for 2013. Here, I got to relive my experiences and memories through story-telling as I explained my involvement in the program and answered their questions. Helping other high school girls gain the knowledge and memories that I have through the Distinguished Young Women program is the ultimate reward that this program has given me, and is something that I will be able to continue to do through the years.

Get to Know Sierra Terrell - Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012

Name: Sierra Terrell
Age: 18
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland
College: Troy University
Major: Psychology

Favorite quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we powerful beyond measure.” – Marianne Williamson
Favorite time of year: Spring!
Favorite time of day: Evening/Night time
Most hated household chore: Making my bed
Favorite food: Spaghetti

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: Unfortunately, I have to admit that I tend to procrastinate.
Paper OR plastic: Plastic, I need the handles.
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: Half-full, of course!
Introvert OR extrovert: Extrovert
Cats OR Dogs: Dogs
Morning person OR night person: Night person

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)?
Minute Maid Peach Juice; Minute Maid Watermelon Juice; Powerade; Water; Lunchables; A Jar of Pickles <3

What is your biggest fear?
This is a hard question, but I think one of my biggest fears is that when it is time for me to go be with my savior I realize that I have made little impact on the world and/or the lives of others.

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own?
Even though I have only been in college for a little while, I have realized that I am the only one in control of my schedule. So it is completely up to me when and how I will get things done.  Therefore, I wish someone had told me to really focus on time management and becoming my own person.

What is one goal you have set for yourself and achieved? What is one goal that still remains to be achieved?
During high school I was a member of my school’s Poms team, and it was an amazing experience. However, I never had the opportunity to dance with a band. So once I made the decision of attending Troy University, I made the goal of being a member of the dance line on the Sound of the South Marching Band. Fortunately, I was able to achieve that goal and am still enjoying every moment of it currently. One goal that still remains to be achieved is to graduate from college with a degree in Psychology.

Sum yourself up in three words.
Logical, Spontaneous, Understanding

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
Wow, this is an extremely hard question, since there were so many moments that I will cherish forever from my Distinguished Young Women experience. I believe my single-most favorite moment though would have to be during the program to announce the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2013. Towards the end of the program I walked around on stage with a beautiful white gown on while a farewell speech I had recorded was played. At the end of my speech, I waved to the audience and they actually stood up and clapped for me; even the judges stood and joined in! I was so shocked and couldn’t believe that I, Sierra Terrell, received a standing ovation for simply being me and growing through this program. Then I thought of all the wonderful compliments I have received, especially once I earned the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012, and realized that it’s time I stop worrying about my “flaws” and enjoy loving and being myself. So yes, just minutes before I became an official “has-been” is when I realized how greatly this program has impacted me and so many other girls. Therefore, that would have to be my single-most favorite moment, the moment that I accepted me for who I am, and who I know I can become.

Get to Know Ankhita Samuel - Distinguished Young Woman of Kansas for 2012

Hey there! My name is Ankhita Rachel Samuel and I love sleeping, eating, and being awesome. It’s a pleasure to virtually meet all of you, especially as you’re helping me avoid the monstrosity of anatomy homework that has threatened to eat me. Kidding! Totally kidding! Well about the meeting you part; you guys are awesome and NOT just my escape from homework (I promise), but in all honesty, my homework might actually sprout tentacles and consume this girl. If no one hears from me within the next two hours….

So you’re probably wondering about what goes on in the daily life of Ankhita Samuel. Well, let me tell you: parties, doing expensive things that sophisticated people do, and you know, hanging with my BFF, Ashton.

Okay, not really. Like at all. I’m one of the least sophisticated people you’ll ever meet; I’m actually eating a classy dinner of leftover tacos and Wheat Thins and an ideal night out to me means movie night with my girls. Oh, and if you’re wondering about my picture: it’s photo-shopped. But I had some of you convinced, right? It turns out that I never take normal pictures so finding a picture where I look somewhat sane was harder than it should be. I mean the only decent one of me is a photo-shopped picture with Ashton Kutcher. I don’t know what is it about having a camera within 100 feet of me that compels my facial expressions to instantly distort. Maybe there’s something wrong with me. Maybe I have a condition. You know what? I probably have a condition – I would know. I’m a doctor. Sort of. I wear a white coat and am studying to be one, so that counts right? Anyway, I’m a 1^st year medical student studying to earn a BLA major with a Spanish minor in the 6 year medical program* at University of Missouri-Kansas City (Go Roos!). It’s been my dream to be a pediatrician since I was a little girl and I’ve always actively pursued that.

What else could I tell you about me, other than that I’m a chronic procrastinator and that I’m going to be a doctor?

I’m from Olathe, Kansas and I’m obsessed with the Lion King. No, like really. I’ve carried around Simba since I was a little kid and I even have a Lion King bedspread! I LOVE both The Office and How I Met Your Mother. Both shows are ending this year, and when I found this out, I pretty much had a stroke. However, I started watching Dr. Who (I’m on the second season) and it’s pretty much been my therapy; it’s getting me through this hard time while I struggle to come to terms with the harsh realities of TV show cessation. It’s a hard knock life, I know. Also, British people are awesome. I was so born in the wrong country.

While I’m telling you about my favorite media-related things, let’s talk movies. I am definitely a romantic comedy sort of girl, so some of my favorite movies are 27 Dresses and Ten Things I Hate About You. If you haven’t seen the latter movie, stop whatever you are doing, and GO WATCH IT. Also, I’m going to marry Joseph Gordon Levitt. He doesn’t know this yet, but it’s going to happen, so he’ll find out eventually. I think if I ever met him, (I’m just being honest) there would probably be a lot of hysterical screaming and perhaps a restraining order involved. I think Mean Girls is genius, but in terms of non-comedy cinema, I love Star Wars and basically every superhero movie. Particularly Spiderman and Superman (2013: Man of Steel, anyone?!).

What else could I tell you? Let’s consult the list of questions they gave me, shall we?

Okay, here’s one. If I were stuck on a deserted island, the three things I would need would be an airplane, a pilot, and a full tank of fuel. There’s no way I would live alone and without at least seven ice cream stores within walking distance. ICE CREAM. I haven’t mentioned how much I love ice cream, have I? Frankly, I love the frozen goodness and though I will eat anything, ice cream is my favorite food of all time.

I am most definitely a dog person. I love both big and little dogs (I’ve had both) but for some reason, I haven’t met a cat that doesn’t hate me. So I don’t hate cats, but I haven’t actually been given a reason to like them. My dog’s name is Titan; he’s a tiny white bichon-poo that does everything from cuddle to go on long walks with me.

As far as music goes, I listen to everything. Some people say that but I actually do. As a classical musician, I have grown to appreciate and enjoy various pieces from different centuries and even attend symphonic concerts when I can. I also happen to have a soon-to-be-16 year old brother, so it wouldn’t be extraordinary to find Eminem or 50 cent on my ipod either. No one else thinks so, but I can rap Drake like a boss.  

Now that I’ve mentioned my brother, I’ll tell you a tiny bit about my family. I have two brothers; I love them both to death, as well as my parents, who are the two most wonderful people on this earth. I don’t know where I’d be without my family!

If you can’t tell from this blog, I’ll let you know that I’m pretty quirky. I think the best part of Distinguished Young Women is that everyone not only accepted my quirks and I, but loved me for them too. In Mobile, everyone called me A-Swag, if that tells you anything. EVERYONE did. Frankly, that was pretty awesome. I think this general acceptance was exemplified during the Girl’s Night out Mardi Gras ball. It was probably one of the greatest nights I’ve ever had. Everyone was so energetic and looked so beautiful that you would never have guessed that we had just been through a very long day of rehearsal. That night was amazing for many reasons, but I will always hold it in my heart especially for one reason. Let me give you some background: I’m not a dancer. At all. I love to dance, but that’s not the same as being a dancer. The vast majority of Distinguished Young Women have had at least some background in dance, if they don’t dance practically on a professional level already. And then you have me: the girl with noodle arms and two left feet. Needless to say, I’m hilariously awkward and watching me flail around is quite a sight, but it didn’t seem to make a difference; everyone just cheered and danced harder. Also, I’ve never been with a more energetic group in my life. At school dances, parties and any other social event that may or may not revolve around dancing, I’m always the first one to run to the dance floor and that one kid who still jumps around when everyone else is done. At the Mardi Gras ball, every single one of us had every right to sit down and take one big collective nap when the night rolled around, but instead, every single one of us danced and sang out hearts out, completely unfazed. This is only one instance of a million moments that made me fall further in love with the program. I honestly could write pages and pages of why I loved my experience so much, but I’ll end this soon. I know that’s cheesy way to end this, but I should go; I think I just felt the slimy touch of a tentacle…  

Anyway, it’s an honor to be writing on this blog and I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed procrastinating! I sincerely enjoyed sharing a sliver of my life with you and look forward to doing this again!

*If any of you have any questions about the six-year medical program/are an aspiring pre-medical student, feel free to ask me questions!