Community service & explorations.
I think with doing a lot of the things I did when I was little I learned a lot of life lessons. When I won the pagaent title of Jr. Miss Burning Mountain in 2004 I got to take on a lot of community service projects such as helping people with disabilities, preforming for the elderly, and helping out at the local buisnesses in the county. This was such a fun experience for me. Not only did it make me feel good that I was helping other people, but it was also a fun way to explore the town. Another experience I had was when we got to bowl with people with disabilities. This taught me that I was so lucky to have what I did and that even people facing hard times can make it through with some of the best attitudes. It was so enlightening to me to be able to interact with people like this. I would have probably never had this chance if I never put myself out there and givin everything a chance because before doing it it probably wouldn't have been my idea of a good time or something I would have chose to do. Another pagaent I competed in was the Garfield County Pageant. With this pagaent it was very important to try and get the community more involved to come together. We put on parades and gathered people to talent shows and much more. This taught me that it is good to get people involved because it brings people all together and makes things better for everyone living here. Along with pagaents I did a lot of sports such as soccer, basketball, track, and volleyball. Through all of those I got to travel to a lot of different places and meet a lot of new people who shared my same intrests. We all worked so hard and for every single time we played a game I always met someone new. I think its so important for kids to stay active and involved in things growing up. Its so important for everyone young and old to come together throught life.
Teen Parenting.
I started attending school at Yampah my junior year. In January I found out that I was pregnant. I decided to talk to the counselers at the school because I knew they would help me and give me the advice I needed. I decided to keep my baby and try and finish getting all of my credits before I had her. I was due at the end of October. I asked the school if there was a way for me to get credit over the summer. They presented me with many ways which made it easy for me to stay busy and get a lot done before even going back for my senior year. I ended up having my baby girl Alicity on 10-16-11. I got all of my credits a month into school just like I planned! :) Ever since then I have been able to focus on being a full time mom (thanks to everyone at Yampah.) I'm now going to be able to start college classes and still be ahead even though I had a child. But it is not all a happy ending. The struggles of being a mom and also doing other things is a lot harder than I had expected. A baby is a full time job on its own and not knowing this I thought my life wasn't going to change much. Well I was wrong and it did. Everyday I take care of my daughter all by myself not having time for any of my old interests or hobbies. I love it because I get to watch her grow and smile, but to see my teenage life passing me by its kind of depressing. I wish I would have waited a couple years before having a baby and I hope at least one person who reads this will get the point I am making and will choose to wait. So basically it hasn't been easy or what I expected but I know that I'm doing the right thing for her and I will always try and do my best when it comes to being a teen mom. I love my daughter more than anything in this entire world and I know I will do anything for her. Shes my heart and soul. <3