Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

"We lose ourselves in the things we love, we find ourselves there too" 

As I drove back to Rutgers for the commencement of dance team nationals practices last week, I couldn't help but contemplate and reflect on how the team has changed my life. Growing up, I easily would have described myself as a solo dancer, only wanting to better my technique and ability for the sole benefit of myself. Thinking back, I was never really much of a team player, and I am proud to say this selfish mentality has transformed for the better. 

I remember stumbling upon a documentary about the Rutgers University Dance Team on their road to nationals when I was still in middle school. I stayed up way past my bed time with my eyes glued to my computer screen watching each segment of the documentary, mesmerized at the perfect synchronization of the team, the glitz and the glamour of the uniforms, and the infamous "R" brand that flashed throughout the clips. As enchanting as it all appeared, what struck me the most were the clips of the practices and the comradery that was present on and off the dance floor. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted nothing more than to be a part of a dance team, the Rutgers University Dance Team. 

Since that realization, I stalked varsity.com, studied each of their routines in the years to come and each year, that dream became closer and closer to reality. I dreamed, wished, prayed, crossed my fingers(and toes and everything else possible) that one day, maybe, just maybe, I could be one of those dancers, too. Two years ago (gah, times flies!) I stepped into the RAC for the very first time, unaware of the future blood and sweat that I would shed on this floor that would soon become my second home. I had no idea what to expect or even what would be expected of me because I had never seen an actual college dance team, or any dance team, in person. I had no dance team experience, I was trained primarily in modern/contemporary, and I had never held poms before in my life, but for some reason, I thought that I was meant to have this experience and I wasn't going to let anything stop me. I remember my mom scrambling around, searching for something I could wear to try-outs, and coming home with a sparkly red, long-sleeved, turtleneck half top(yes, they do make those). She told me the man at the dance and cheer store gave it to her for free when she told him I was trying out for the Rutgers Dance Team because he was a Rutgers alum. If that isn't luck, I don't know what is! I left everything I had on the floor that night and most importantly, I did what I love most, dance. When I heard my number being called, an intense wave of relief engulfed me, and I tried to contain every ounce of excitement that was trying so desperately to burst out. I got into the car that night and bawled my eyes out like a baby.   I made the team!

In being a part of this team, I've learned more about myself, been pushed to my limit, and have grown into not just a strong dancer, but individual as well. In all honesty, being a part of this team is by no means an easy activity. You are challenged to dance to your ultimate breaking point because you only see so much capability in yourself, while your coaches and your teammates see so much more in your potential. So much discipline and dedication goes into what feels like a short season. Outsiders never see and can never fully understand why we practice so much and why we devote our entire selves to this team, but I've grown to appreciate the grueling hours in the RAC and in the studio. There are days when you want to throw in the towel, but then one of your teammates, your best friends, your sisters, puts their arm around you and says "we're all in this together," and you're reminded of why you fell in love with the sport and why you love being a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself. You want to put your best out on the floor because there are other people relying on you and trusting you. You want to give everything you have because you know the girl next to you is giving all of herself and more. When you're on that floor competing, you can't hear anything besides your own pulse and it's as if for those two minutes, time completely stops. You look out into the crowd and you see a sea of scarlet and those comforting, familiar faces. I think today, while my team did our turn section, my heart stopped and I instantly got the chills. The adrenaline is an experience I can't put into words. In a split second, a single moment, all the aching pain and the long hours just fade, and all that matters is that you're doing what you love with the people you love. As a team, you can just feel whether a routine was "on" or not and that's all because of this shared, personal experience. In all the times we've laughed together, cried together, celebrated triumphs together, and shared some silly inside jokes together, they've enabled me to come out of my shell and become the person I've always wanted to be. In my team, I've found motivation and inspiration. In saying this, I have to mention a quick anecdote. Last June when I was in Ocean City for Miss New Jersey, I received text messages, phone calls, and Facebook messages from every girl on the team and the coaches, even the new girls who'd I'd only met a handful of times, wishing me luck and saying how proud they were of me. This is a true testament to the love found in this team. It goes beyond the dance floor, but follows you in every facet of your life. Being on this team has changed my life, to say the least. It is and will always be a large part of who I am. Pride is an understatement when it comes to describing how I feel about my team. No matter how we place at nationals, to me, we are already winners.

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.   

A Day of Thanks and of Giving

A fun shot from my photoshoot with Richard!

Since the hurricane, I am slowly getting my life back on track and constantly find myself in a state of extreme appreciation. While some of my neighbors have no home or belongings to return to on this day, I am even more appreciative to be surrounded by the comfort and warmth of family and friends. My "What I'm Most Thankful For" list could go on forever, but I do have some quality family time waiting for me! With that said, here's a brief list of the many blessings God has given me:

Family- Where would I be without this kooky bunch of supporters, confidantes, and financial saviors? These people have taught me the real meaning of love and generosity. My mom has sacrificed everything to give me the life I've dreamed of and always puts the wants of others before her own. She's taught me how to have a kind, open heart and given me a strong, independent soul to emulate. Alvin has been more than just a dad to me, but my best friend. My knight in shining armor, he always has inspirational words of wisdom that help me push through all my hardships. My brother, Justin, always looks out for me and always has my back. He has shown me the meaning of loyalty. I am         eternally thankful for them.

Friends- This year has been an emotional roller coaster and I could not have made it through without the people I am lucky enough to call my friends. Not only has some amazing new friends come into my life, but I've been able to rekindle my lifelong friendships as well. I am thankful for all the times they've kept me laughing and taught me to come out of my shell and enjoy life. Now, more than ever, I am realizing how something as small as a smile, a hug, or a call/text can significantly change the outcome of your day. I am thankful I have friendships to count on.

 

Teammates/Coaches-I never knew how vast an impact being a part of a team could change my life. I am thankful for the opportunity not only to represent and bring spirit to my school, but to be a part of something so much greater than just myself. Our friendships that have turned into sisterhood aren't left at the RAC or on the football field or even on the nationals floor, it's something that carries into our everyday life and my team stays with me everywhere I go. I am thankful for our inside jokes, for the unbelievable talent on my team that pushes me to work harder, and for the long, grueling practices that have turned our team into a family.

My ability to dance- When Martha Graham once said, "To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful," I couldn't have said it better myself. I am thankful that dance has given me an outlet of expression, an escape from reality, and a goal to always work towards. I am even more thankful that God has given me this gift to share with others so that they too can enjoy the beauty and the power of the arts. 
Girl Scouts & Mentees-I thank God everyday for my little blessings. This group of girls inspire me and motivate me. I carry them in my heart every second of the day. Everything from their tiny voices telling me about their latest achievements to their little arms wrapped around my waist to their starry eyes when I let them try on my crown makes my life fulfilling. I am thankful they were brought into my life to teach me my life purpose. I thrive on their accomplishments. I am also thankful for my Cape Shore clan-Amy, Ashley, Ashley, and Emily. They bring so much pride into my life. The other day when Amy texted me, "You are like my mentor/choreographer/interview coach/best friend combined!" I melted. When I went to Emily's dance competition and saw the heart she puts into her dancing, I was incredibly proud. Thank you to my girls for teaching me how to be a mentor and a role model.

 

 

The "Little" Things- This may sound silly but I am really thankful for the "little things" in life that bring me joy- a good book, fall/winter nights, traveling, starting every morning with a cup of coffee, laughing so hard my belly hurts, hugs & kisses, chocolate, pumpkin flavored anything, Pinterest, sleeping in, football/basketball games, falling in love, fairytales, running, jewelry, cupcakes, musicals, just to name a few :)
God & His Blessings- Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for God's love and all of His blessings. God has been keeping me busy and in that, I find that I am so blessed. The harder I work, the more opportunity He gives. Even in my darkest hour, He gives me something to be thankful for. I am thankful He watches over me and gives me undying strength. I am thankful for all my trials and tribulations because they have taught me that life goes on no matter how difficult things may seem. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I am thankful to be in school and to be exposed to so much knowledge that has helped me grow and shaped my future goals. Recently, I was offered an internship with my dream organization, the ACLU-NJ and will be working with them next semester two days a week. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to achieve so many of my dreams at such a young age. Next month, I will also be honored as an Outstanding Citizen of Atlantic County for my efforts working with arts and education. I am thankful to be recognized for my hard work, but more importantly, I am blessed to be able to share my passions with others.

I hope all of you have a safe and rewarding holiday! There are so many things to be thankful for.

Home is Where the Heart Is

I am very fortunate to report that after a long week, I am back at school with power, ready to start classes back up tomorrow. So often we forget how seemingly common, trivial aspects of our life have such a vast impact on our day-to-day routines. Things like electricity, heat, a warm bed, and even small things like a pillow or blanket can negatively affect our state of mind when we are without them. Although I am blessed my small hometown of Galloway left unscathed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, not everyone in my surrounding county is lucky enough to say the same. The Atlantic City boardwalk and surrounding beach towns, the place I call home, is now in ruins, and thousands of my neighbors are left without shelter, food, and their most personal belongings. It breaks my heart to think my mentees in Atlantic City, who were evacuated from their homes, only carrying a few small items,  now must return to an empty space where they once found solace. They all are remaining positive about the situation and are making the most of a devastating tragedy. My grandpa, the most positive man I know, lost a good portion of his property to the storm and is now in the process of rebuilding his home. My former director, Jeanne, and her family suffered from a fire, which burnt down their house and left family members in critical condition. I ask that you keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers. In this I must also note, "God only gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers."

I encourage you to take a look around and give thanks for those who are a part of your life. After the storm I was able to return home and spend some much-needed quality time with family and friends. Many thanks to my best friend Anna for housing me after I was evacuated from school. God truly works in mysterious ways and I am thankful to have had time to refocus my energy on my loved ones amidst this stressful time during the school year. We don't realize what we have until it's gone, and this is something I've kept in mind throughout the aftermath of the storm. Hold your loved ones close. A hug, a phone call, an e-mail never hurts because you never know what could happen. Reach out and donate your time to the relief effort. My dance studio and I are collecting food, toys, clothes, and school supplies, which will be donated directly to the Atlantic City school district. I am also working on a collaborative project to combine my platform with the relief effort, so stay tuned for more info. Stay safe and stay warm!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

After reading the heading of this post you're probably wondering either one of two things - 1) This girl must be crazy, we still have a few months until Christmas. 2) Where has Cierra been? She hasn't updated in quite some time. Luckily, I have answers to both of these questions. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year title is no longer held by Christmas, sorry folks, it is in fact the start of Fall and school(at least in my opinion!) The past month I've been consumed with my 20.5 course schedule, dance practices, football games, appearances, planning speaking engagements, and coordinating new opportunities for my Girl Scouts. On top of all this, I am a mentor for first-year, non-traditional, and transfer students and assistant teach a course about women's leadership, which is also keeping me on my toes. I've been applying for internships for next semester as well, so keep your fingers crossed! It's been quite an eventful semester so far and now that I'm in the midst of midterms, I am running on adrenaline and coffee. I constantly have to remind myself that "busy is a blessing."
As mentioned in an earlier blog post, my first project as Miss Cape Shores was a "Stuff a Bookbag" Drive for my Girl Scouts, in which I am proud to say I collected over 300 school supplies for not only my girls, but their siblings as well. The looks on the girls faces, and their parents' faces, warmed my heart because they were so in shock that they were receiving these essential gifts with no obligation to do anything in return. This is where the title of this post comes from. It was truly the most wonderful time of the year to be able to give back to a group of girls who have done more for me than they'll ever know. Did you know that 20% of children in the US live in poverty? That means 16 million kids will go without basic school supplies this year. A thousand hugs goes out to the selfless individuals who aided me in teaching the girls the value and importance of education coupled with hard work. Along with the school supply drive, I was also able to start a library for the Delsea Village Apartments, which now has approximately 350 books. My platform is not solely based around the arts, but most importantly, instilling the value of obtaining a well-rounded education in our youth to become more well-rounded, knowledgeable citizens. In other news, my Girl Scouts will now have official uniforms thanks to The Carley Foundation, whose goal is to enhance and improve the lives of those in Cumberland County through grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to social and family services. My utmost gratitude goes out to this organization for helping me supply my girls with the resources they need.

Along with an intense course schedule, I've managed to find time for some fun service and friends! A few weeks ago, one of my teammates, Emily A., created a team called Emily's Entourage, which we walked at the annual Embrace Kids Foundation Heel to Heal Walk to fight cancer. Emily was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma her senior year of high school, and is now a strong and super spirited survivor. I am blessed to have her not only as a teammate, but as a friend. 

Columbus Day weekend was a very eventful pageant weekend! On Saturday I drove up to Stanhope with Anna to watch the Miss Gateway/Tri-County/Northern Lakes pageant. I felt right at home because  I held the Miss Northern Lakes title last year and was part of the North Jersey triple pageant family. I loved getting to watch my friends compete and everyone said they could tell I was there because I was cheering (quite loudly, I might add) for everyone. I now have a lipstick stain on my sash from too much hugging! As if there's such a thing! A highlight was winning one of the raffle baskets because that NEVER happens to me. As a I read my ticket and heard my number being called, I jumped up and squealed with enthusiasm. After the winners were announced I approached Terry, hugged him, and told him he's never getting rid of me. He grinned and told me without hesitation, "Once my girl, always my girl." I think this saying goes to show you the bond that grows between a pageant family. Congratulations to Krysten, Andi, and Nicole W. I am so proud to call you my sisters! Welcome to the Miss New Jersey Class of 2013.

When Sunday rolled around and I found out dance practice was cancelled, I threw on some makeup, hopped in the car and drove back home for the Miss Columbus Day/Atlantic County pageant. As a former Miss Atlantic County, my first title in the Miss America Organization, I again felt the warmth of being in the presence of the loving Consalvo family, who taught me a great deal about pageantry and what it means to be Italian! I am forever grateful for the support they've shown me over the years. Welcome back to Lindsey G. and Courtney C., I can't wait to spend the year with you and I wish the best of luck in their years of service to these two kind-spirited young women. 

Miss Atlantic County 2011/Miss Northern Lakes 2012

Thank you Ro, Giulietta, Terry, Sharon, & Jeanne for everything you've done for me!

My best friend & forever pageant sis, Krysten

Krysten, Me, Anna, & Nicole

The Bonnie Blue Gang

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the HERO Walk in Ocean City, NJ to support my best friend and pageant sister, Anna Negron, on her team "Think Before you Drink." I was never directly exposed to dangers of drunk driving, but after becoming so close with Anna and learning the story of her dear friend, Josh, who was hit and killed by a drunk driver, I've allied myself with the HERO campaign and pledged to be a designated driver. Over 2,000 people were in attendance, which is twice the number of last year, and I can't wait to see how the HERO campaign grows over the years. Not to mention I was interviewed by NBC 40! Although my segment didn't air, it was a great experience to be interviewed on such an important occasion. It was a pure stroke of luck that the HERO campaign tables at the Rutgers football games, and upon seeing them I, of course, had to brag about my Anna and formed a partnership with Mr. Elliot, whose son, John Elliot, was killed by a drunk driver and drove him to start the campaign. I was able to catch up with my pageant sisters and get the 411 on Miss NJ's Outstanding Teen, from my teen, Amy. I cannot wait to see her light up that stage in January! I am continually blessed to have cultivated friendships with those who are passionate about their work and remind me to never take my loved ones for granted.

Fall not only means schoolwork, local pageant season,  and event planning, but also....FOOTBALL SEASON! As of right now, my Scarlet Knights are 6-0, 3-0 in the Big East, and nationally ranked at Number 15! It's unbelievably thrilling to be on the field, with the stands packed to full capacity, and looking out in the crowd and seeing red for miles. I will never regret my decision to attend Rutgers because of all the energy vested into school spirit. Tomorrow Rutgers travels to Temple and the dance team gets to go with them. It should be a competitive game. Keep your fingers crossed for a Rutgers win! Here's some fun game photos to enjoy!

Unfortunately, my books are calling my name and I need to get back to studying. My next project as Miss Cape Shores is "Operation Christmas Card" where I am collecting donations of Christmas cards for people to send over to the troops as a reminder of how much we appreciate them risking their lives for us on a daily basis. I also recently partnered with Project Empower (proempower.org) and will be starting a Rutgers chapter in the Spring! I've been scheduling speaking engagements to talk about the importance of arts education for our youth, and more information will follow soon. I'll leave you with one last quote and a promise to update my blog more frequently. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa

International Day of the Girl

"It’s a day to celebrate the work being done worldwide by and for girls’ rights. And mind you, this isn’t just about doing work on behalf of girls — but supporting the many, many girls worldwide who are already engaged, quite literally, in changing the world."


Today the UN and the world celebrate the first International Day of the Girl. All over the globe, young women are advocating, educating, and facilitating change and it's time we celebrate the many successes of the women of the world. Growing up I always knew I would obtain higher education and pave the beginning steps of a path for my family in being a first-generation college student. Although the road to college was not always an easy task, I was fortunate enough to be blessed with a supportive family and insightful mentors who saw my potential and burning passion for academia. I learned the importance of perseverance and every accomplishment I've achieved thus far has been even more fulfilling, knowing I took the initiative to make things happen for myself. Not many young women today are fortunate enough to have that same opportunity, as I've experienced first-hand through my time acting as a mentor and role model for young women in different settings. Whenever I'm asked to tell an interesting fact I always beam when I say, "I have over two hundred kids." I have been blessed with many hardships (yes, I really do mean blessed!) in a sense that these seemingly detrimental experiences have lit a fire within me to empower young women in similar situations. I truly do believe life is not about what happens to you, but rather how you handle these situations. My favorite quote of all time by Oprah Winfrey, "You have to find what lights a spark in you so that in your own way you can illuminate the world," truly defines how I have set out to live my life. I am a mentor to over 200 girls ages 5-12 throughout different urban areas in New Jersey, who inspire me every day. Nothing is better than opening an e-mail, or picking up a phone call, or visiting these bright girls who offer so many hugs and hearing "I got an A on my spelling test" or "I was made captain of my cheer team" or "I made the symphony band at school." My mission is to teach these young women that you should never settle. Do not worry about what your parents have done, or what your friends are doing, you have to create opportunity yourself. Use education to reach your highest potential. Expand your mind and your horizons and always welcome new experiences with open arms. Educated girls are the most beautiful girls because they see how change can positively affect the world. Knowledge is something that can never be taken from you, so use it to your advantage. Use your voice and your passions to make a change. Today is an important day to me, as it should be for everyone. Without education, I would not have had even remotely close to the number of positive opportunities I've had or been able to realize the importance of giving back. Happy International Day of the Girl!