04/10/2024
🎉 Big news! I am thrilled to announce that I'll be speaking at Columbia International University in New York City next week! 🎓
As a small town girl from West Virginia, this is a moment that feels like a dream turned into reality.
Growing up shy, lacking in self-confidence, and always in search of acceptance, I never imagined that one day I'd be standing in front of an audience at such a prestigious Ivy League institution.
I wanted so badly to fit in, yet often felt like an outcast—not because of anything my classmates did, but because of the stories I told myself.
As an only child with no siblings or pets (apart from a fish in a bowl—who was great company by the way! LOL), I often felt out of place.
But guess what?
That small town girl who just wanted everyone to like her is now stepping onto a stage to share her story, her insights, and her journey.
If you had told me back then that my experiences would lead me here, I would've blushed with disbelief.
I'm proof that where you come from doesn't dictate where you're going.
And, I will always be proud of growing
up in Wheeling, West Virginia
What I needed to overcome was the lack of self-confidence and the feeling of being an outcast mostly because I was an only child and adopted.
I had the best parents ever.
And lots of family members. . .Cousins who are always there for me.
I also had the greatest friends and athletes who I ran cross country and track with during some of the best races of my life.
West Virginia 4-H helped me find my voice.
They also helped me gather courage to be seen more.
It was with that group of amazing leaders that I traveled around the country as an exchange student and held all offices in our club to work on my leadership skills.
I still have the engraved mallet that I started and adjourned all meetings.
After 4H, I joined Chi Omega: WVU Theta Chapter where I learned even more about life, building networking connections and basic job interviewing skills to prepare for the real world.
So even though I felt loved by others, I did not love and honor myself as I should have. . .That’s the truth my friends.
Perhaps you can relate.
It's about the steps you take, the chances you embrace, and the belief you build in yourself along the way.
To anyone who has ever felt out of step or unsure of their place in the world—know that you have unique contributions to make and your voice deserves to be heard.
I'm beyond excited for this opportunity and I can't wait to connect with everyone at Columbia.
It's time for ALL of us to turn our dreams into dialogues and our doubts into declarations!
Remember: If I can do this, so can YOU!
STOP all excuses.
WHO is with me now?
