A New Year and Another Chance to Get it Right

In reflecting on this past year I've realized that day to day, it seems as though nothing has changed, but looking at the grand scheme of things, in only a short 365 days, everything has changed. I look back on past photos and see great physical change in the span of a year, but more importantly, I see something that more and more people are beginning to notice: a brighter smile, a more confident stride, and a hearty, genuine laugh. One of my favorite bible verses, Proverbs 31:25 reads "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Through the relationships I've built and solidified with some very special individuals I am blessed to call my friends and family, I have learned a great deal about myself and how, by overcoming extreme cases of adversity, I have been able to bloom into an independent, confident young woman. 

For a good period of time I lost myself in pursuit of being perfect. My head was buried in the books, I kept to myself, and every tiny defeat I took to heart. It took a toll on my spirit, but because of it, I am now able to appreciate all life has to offer and that it's okay to enjoy the perks of being a 19 year old. I would be remiss if I failed to mention how many kind-hearted people left withstanding handprints on my fragile heart by challenging me to my fullest potential, by inspiring me just by being themselves, and believing in me at times when I didn't wholeheartedly believe in myself. This year I've learned the importance of our relationships with others. They can either help grow you, and if they don't serve a positive purpose of your life, they don't belong in it. You can't do everything on your own and it is completely acceptable to admit when you have too much on your plate. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an indicator of strength. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. Kindness and authentic love is still among us, and sometimes we don't even realize it may be right in front of us because we are too busy searching for something else.

This year I also fell in love. I fell in love with life, with laughter, and most importantly, myself. My favorite of all; however, is falling in love with the little voices of young girls calling me "Miss Cierra."Of all the hats I wear, "Miss Cierra" is by far the best. The highlight of this year has been meeting and working with my Girl Scouts, my mentees in Atlantic City and Pleasantville, and gaining a set of little sisters when I was crowned Miss Cape Shores. Being a mentor and big sister is the most rewarding experience and 2013 will be devoted to making my girls proud. They have motivated me to appreciate even the most seemingly mundane or common things in life. I learned the real meaning of love, when another's accomplishments and tribulations become more important than your own.

I searched for my resolutions for 2012 to see how many I actually achieved and I couldn't help but giggle. "My goals for 2012 are to stop biting my nails (a horrible lifelong habit of mine), make top ten at Miss New Jersey and win a preliminary award, make the Deans list again next semester and get accepted to the honors college at Rutgers, make top ten at nationals with RUDT, get an internship with a law firm or non-profit, and to get in the best shape of my life." Although I'm still working on not biting my nails and RUDT is on its way to making top ten at nationals this year, I am proud to say I've achieved each of these goals. It's incredible the things you can accomplish when you write down set goals and take small strides towards achieving those goals each day. In 2012, I traveled to Europe for one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life thus far, I secured my dream internship with the ACLU-NJ(as I like to say, my first big girl job!), laughed more than I cried, won talent for the second year in a row and made top ten at Miss New Jersey, earned a 4.0 in my hardest semester yet, and realized my dream of working with juveniles and underprivileged populations as an attorney.

As many goals as I do have for the new year, I want to share my favorite with you. Oprah once said, "You have to find what lights a spark in you so that in your own way you can illuminate the word."The idea of being a light to ignite a flame in others, and letting that light shine bright for everyone to see has been following me since last April. My resolution for 2013 is to continue to use my passions to inspire others to find their own. The greatest thing I can do for others is to encourage them to find that one thing that makes them come alive and push them to be involved in positive activity. I want to be the best friend/sister/mentor/daughter/loved one I possibly can be, and that goal can't be accomplished in just one year. I am constantly growing, striving, and thriving to do the things I love and be someone others can look up to. 

I am wishing you all a Happy New Year and another chance to get it right, whatever your "it" may be. Use this new year for self improvement and achieve all those goals you've dreamed of. Take risks and never second guess yourself and your capabilities. Be healthy, be happy, and be you!

The Warmth & Joys of the Season

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other”

December has been quite a busy month for me filled with appearances, finals, nationals practices, basketball games, and of course, the holidays! This year Christmas snuck up on me as I spent countless hours in the library writing research paper after research paper in hopes of finishing the semester off strong. Those long, grueling hours I spent glued to my computer paid off and I ended the semester with a 4.0 GPA and a secured internship with the ACLU-NJ for next semester...law schools better watch out because here I come!

Backtracking to the beginning of the month, I had the honor of attending and being a part of the Ocean City Christmas Parade. I was able to spend some quality time with my Cape Shores crew, Emily and Amy, which, as you may know, is one of my favorite activities. It was Emily's first parade as a titleholder and I have to say she worked the crowd like a pro! She really had the wave and smile down pat. Speaking of Emily and Amy, I have to take some time to brag about my little sisters. Emily decided to take action when she realized not every child in her county was as fortunate as her with the holidays approaching and not every child would wake up Christmas day to a room full of toys. She assembled her own Toys for Tots Drive at her school and collected donations from surrounding Gloucester County areas. At such a young age, Emily is already exhibiting the service aspect of the crown by not just getting involved, but by being a leader and spearheaded her own events. Her work is a true testament to the organization's emphasis on community service that is instilled in all contestants from a young age. I am incredibly proud of her and her achievements; she inspires me beyond belief. 

As a big sister I have the privilege of helping Amy prepare for Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen, which is only a month away! We were able to spend some time together at my dance studio rehearsing her dance and working on interview prep, both at which she excelled. She showed me the routine she choreographed to the Celtic Women rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and I was in awe at how beautifully and passionately she performed. She had me go over her paperwork and I saw that she listed me as the person she admires most, for my love of dance and serving the community. Being the big sap that I am, I shed a few happy tears. I can't wait to see her rock that stage next month and I already started saving to watch her in Orlando, FL this August ;)

The next morning I woke up early and headed to Rutger's annual Big Chill 5k Race and Fun Walk, which collects toys and coats to distribute to the neighboring New Brunswick community during the month of December. Over 9,500 toys and 350 coats were collected and I was grateful to be a part of such a great cause, all while getting my daily exercise in!

This weekend I returned home from Rutgers for Winter Break and headed straight to the Pleasantville Rec Center to donate bags filled with toys, sing Christmas carols, and wrap/distribute the toys to the children and families affected by Hurricane Sandy in Atlantic County. U.N.I.T.Y was able to give out toys and gifts cards to over 150 kids. It was truly a blessing to see the children's faces light up as they received the gifts and the hugs of thanks I got from them in return. It was then that I realized the true magic of Christmas was the giving of gifts and service. In my life, some of God's greatest gifts have been the children I've been able to meet in my time as a titleholder through my service ventures. They've all touched my life in unimaginable ways and to make their days a little brighter is the least that I can do. As shown in the picture above, my favorite thing to do with my crown is take it off and let others wear it(especially the little boys, they love it!) Current Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers couldn't have described it better when she said, "While it becomes easy for it to seem so normal to wear my crown, for Neely it was this once in a lifetime opportunity to even hold it and to just wear it for even a few minutes." 

On Sunday morning, I had company rehearsal with the Kinetic Poetic Dance Collective, which I was able to choreograph for this past summer. We had the chance to perform my piece as well as other dances in their repertoire, to raise funds and awareness for the MAPS Foundation at Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. I was asked to perform a solo and chose my favorite piece, "Listen," from last year's Miss New Jersey pageant. It is always a blessing to share my gift of movement with others and use dance as a creative outlet to make a difference. 

Later that day I went to the Shore Mall to support my good friend, Raymond Tyler, who was hosting an event for artists to "Beat the Holiday Blues." He also collected toys and donations to distribute to partnering organizations, all while allowing artists to come to a space where they were free to express themselves in hopes of combating the stressful holiday season. He caught me off guard when he invited me to the microphone to say a few words, so I was able to discuss the purpose of my platform and the upcoming events/service I will be doing. I was even named one of the Little Arts and Wellness Center of Atlantic City's Outstanding Citizens of 2012! It was a great opportunity to network with other community artists and I thank Ray for the opportunity to be a part of this event. 

Later that night(yes, three events in one day!), I drove to Almonesson Church in Deptford to spend some time with my director, Anne, Carol, and my shore little sister, Sandra. Sandra and I had the chance to sing Christmas Carols to all who attended the live nativity to raise money to support the church. I, with no singing talent whatsoever, handed the microphone to Sandra and accompanied her in the background. I have to tell you that this was the third time in two days that I was asked to sing publicly. I think God is trying to tell me I need to change my talent to singing(just kidding!) I made a new friend who was a rambunctious ball of energy and would not let go of my hand or let me out of her site. She told me she loved to dance, and of course I told her I did to. Then, she asked me to dance for her, so I replied, "How do you want me to dance?" and she smiled, "Dance crazy, baby!" Needless to say, she made night. 

 In other news, Miss America is right around the corner and I would be remiss if I did not mention the beautiful(inside and out), gifted, and warm-hearted young woman that has been representing our state with poise and grace, Miss Lindsey Petrosh. I know she will be nothing short of stunning and she will make our state even more proud than we already are. I am so blessed and honored to know her. Bring that crown back home to New Jersey!

 May the Lord bless everyone with a holiday filled with love, health, and happiness. Remember the true joys of Christmas lie in our gratefulness for one another. Make sure to hug your loved ones today because not everyone is as fortunate to enjoy that privilege.