Number One.

SPEAKs 2009

So, I never have 'regularly blogged.' One because I always tend to forget that I have an account with whatever blog site. Seriously, the last time I had a true "blog" was in the 8th grade when everyone had a XANGA. Remember those days? Well, maybe it was just my school... Fast forward many years later I am giving this another try. Why? Because my life is taking some pretty drastic turns for the better. Which is very exciting! I am simple southern girl. I love the south, and even more I love the fact I am from the grand ole state of Mississippi.  I am now a Junior at the University of Southern Mississippi. SOUTHERNMISSTOTHETOP! After many years of changing, I have landed on a major and finally found one that I am excited and happy with. Going from Pre-Law/PolSci to Paralegal Studies, to History/PolSci to History with a Teaching License, to finally Special Education with a minor in History. It's safe to say I am indecisive. But that is one of my few quirks. Almost a year ago, it became clear that I could not deny my gift of working with teens. I loved law, and everything it entailed but I am honestly a people person. Working with kids and teens is one of my God-Given gifts. 

SADD Nationals 2012 w/ MS SAB

Fast forward a little bit. I began working with the Mississippi Student Advisory Board (MS SAB) last summer. I was a member of this board my senior year of high school. I had an amazing time being apart of the board, but I had no idea how working with these teens would change my life. This board is comprised of teens all over the state of Mississippi, with one mission to be the voice of the youth for the state. This mean educating their peers on the daily dangers they face; from texting and driving, drinking and driving, and underage drinking, to drug usage in schools, and one of the hottest topics in today's headlines... bullying.  Throughout the year, these teens spoke to my heart on a daily basis.

I became involved in this program through my high-school SADD (students against destructive decisions) chapter. I fell in love with the organization and all it stood for. Which led to me working for SADD Nationals the summer of my Junior year in DC for their summer legislative team in 2009, SADD SPEAKs. It was safe to say I was "gung-ho" for this organization and on fire to make a difference. But, my senior year held many different obstacles that has taken me a while to over come. It almost felt as if my senior year was a MOUNTAIN that I had to conquer. The mountain?? My father's third marriage was taking place to a woman who I was not very fond of. I had a less than perfect relationship with my ex boyfriend which lead to horrible amounts of stress, self esteem issues, and i'll just say it therapy. A denial letter from a scholarship that I had spent the entirety of my high school career accumulating community service working towards, and it was the downfall of my senior year I felt as if I had nothing to show forth. During the process of that year I let my fears get the best of me. The fears of imperfection.

MS SAB and SADD Affiliates from Pakistan

Fast forward two years, I am a better person for all that I went through. I am stronger, in the sense that I know now what I want out of life. I am slowly learning what my talents and gifts are and realizing that it is okay to stand out and speak up for what I want. Working along side the MS SAB helped me to realize and come to this conclusion. The passion that I had summers ago for  SADD and SAB are still burning bright. The best part about it is, my major now includes me continuing to work for these organizations. 

Robin (SAB Advisor/Boss/Lookalike)
and I at Disney Land

I am a week shy of returning from the SADD National Conference that was held in Los Angeles, CA this year. It was an amazing trip, even more so it was rewarding to watch the SAB members carry home the Spirit Stick. It makes being an alumnus of the board and everything that I have gone through the in the past two years worth it. It was much more than a conference, it reassured to me that I am on the right path and doing what I was meant to do with my life. Who knows where this path may take me... Future SADD Advisor?? a Motivational Speaker?? Working alongside the National Office??  Or maybe even with other campaigns and organizations with similar interest? All I know is that I am loving the journey.

(I must say, I pretty proud of my first post!)

Until Later!

-Emily :)