Go CONFIDENTLY!

I had such an inspiring day today at the Hattiesburg Junior Auxiliary’s Big Sis/Little Sis luncheon!  The JA put together an amazing afternoon for an amazing group of girls from Hawkins Elementary School.  I had a chance to eat lunch with a few of the girls and get to know them before my presentation.  I love speaking to large audiences, but there is something extremely special about talking to a small group of 15 girls!  It becomes so much more personal when I can see every face in the audience and talk to the girls on a more one-on-one level.  Once again, I was moved and inspired by the young ladies I met today and I was reminded about how much I love motivational speaking.  Sometimes it feels like I’m talking, but not being truly heard; however, today I could see the light bulbs going off in these girl’s minds like something I said really resonated with them.  There is no better feeling than knowing that there is a chance that someone in that room today left feeling more confident about them self and truly learned something.  The one thing I wanted the girls to learn today is that they truly can do and be anything in this world if they believe it and work hard to achieve it.  So many times we set low expectations for ourselves and what we can accomplish, and I want the next generation of girls to know that there are no limits except the ones we put on ourselves!  That’s why I end my presentation with my all-time favorite quote from Henry David Thoreau who says, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life that you’ve imagined!”

I love what I do!

It’s taken me long enough to start this blog, now it’s time for me to catch everyone up on what I’ve been doing!  In October, I was honored to be asked to attend the “Main Event” in Laurel.  This was an event hosted by the Parents for a Drug Free Youth created for middle school students in the Laurel and Jones County Schools.  I spoke to the group about the importance of character, leadership, and the importance of making healthy life choices in order to ensure success.  This was one of my favorite speaking engagements because this is an event I remember going to as a middle school student and I truly believe in the purpose of this program.  These students were chosen to attend this event and are future leaders in their school and community.  I was honored to be a part of this day!

After I took my last final of the semester, I went to Laurel Middle School to speak to their 6^th and 7^th grade girls.  On December 10^th I gave my first Confidently You! presentation as Miss Hattiesburg.  So exciting!  These young ladies were so sweet and full of questions!  I haven’t presented Confidently You! since last spring and I was so nervous that I would forget an important main point.  Luckily, it’s like riding a bike!  Talking to a room full of girls about inner beauty and goal-setting is the most rewarding experience for me.  At the end of my presentation, I ask if the girls have any questions for me.  One girl in the back shot her hand up and asked if I knew any Justin Bieber songs.  Lucky for her, I’m a fan!  I sang the chorus to “Baby” (my personal favorite) and the girls took on the role of my back-up singers!  After the presentation, I spoke to several of the girls one on one, autographed pieces of notebook paper (so sweet!), and let almost all 200 girls try on my crown. Those special moments are the ones that I know I will never forget!  I can’t wait for the next school appearance, 2011 is going to be a great year!