Back to Brigham

This afternoon I had a blast speaking and performing for the kids at Brigham Elementary School, which is where I was a student from kindergarten through sixth grade. I loved my years there--I made so many great memories and friends that I'm still in contact with--so it was really special to be back. It was also a little bittersweet because today's assembly will be one of the last-- Brigham school kids will be moving to a new school after this year.

At 2:15 pm, Principle Schoonover got on the intercom to make an announcement that I had arrived and during the next 10 minutes, hundreds of excited children (and several teachers that I knew from my elementary school years) filed into the gym and filled up the floor and bleachers. When I was introduced and walked in, they just erupted in cheers and clapping! They had so much energy and were a great audience during my presentation, so we all had a lot of fun.

I talked about my platform, which I call "Redefining Success: Using Your Talents to Serve Others." It was very interactive--I had lots of volunteers answer questions and audience participation as I encouraged the students to identify what their talents are, to practice and develop them, and then most importantly, to use those talents to reach out and serve others in order to make a positive impact on those around them, which is what truly being successful is about. I explained that the way that I've personally applied this as a pianist is by playing for the elderly at nursing homes and patients at hospitals and by performing benefit recitals to raise funds for organizations like Children's Miracle Network. I also reminded them of the importance of being humble and respecting the different talents that people have because every person is just as valuable. I tied this into the Character Counts program by integrating several of the pillars of character into my presentation, since they have already implemented Character Counts at Brigham.

In addition, I encouraged the students to set goals for themselves related to their talents, and to work hard and not give up, even when they face obstacles along the way. I shared a personal story about my journey as a pianist and student, facing financial obstacles that prevented me from returning to Manhattan School of Music where I completed 2 years. But I thank God that through persevering by continuing to practice and having a successful audition, I have been offered scholarship money to transfer into the Music Conservatory at Wheaton College. I've gone through some very challenging times during the past couple years, but I have grown, learned, and matured so much that I'm thankful about it. I hope that hearing my story gives listeners hope that will help them get through their own situations when they arise, rather than hearing advice from someone who doesn't understand what it's like to face hard times and hasn't had these types of experiences.

After my talk, I performed two pieces on the piano for them, which they absolutely loved! I had so much fun, especially remembering the times that I performed in that very place as a little girl during the talent shows over 10 years ago.

After my performance, I answered a bunch of questions, ranging from "What's your favorite color?" and "Are you a real queen?" to "When did you start playing piano?" and "What's Miss Capital City?" It was also a big hit to have one of the teachers come to the front and try on my crown! Afterwards, a couple kids in the front row gave me a big hug..which turned into a big mob of kids surrounding me! They were so adorable. I think they really realized that I cared about them, which touched my heart. I signed too many autographs to count, including one girl's backpack..I hope her mom doesn't mind! There was such a big crowd of kids frantically waving pieces of paper for me to sign. I signed as many as I could and I hope no one missed their bus! Anyway, I'm glad I met a lot of the kids individually and gave them a card with my email address and blog on it for them to be able to contact me.

In years past, speaking at Brigham as a titleholder has always been something I've wanted to do when I would dream about competing for Miss Illinois and Miss America, so I'm so glad that I was able to. I'm glad that my parents were able to come and watch as well. I won't forget it--the whole experience couldn't have been better. A big thank you to everyone at Brigham for having me!

Today I spoke to children, but this is a valuable message that I desire to share with everyone. It applies to people of all ages and backgrounds--I believe that everyone has something to offer. I hope that people are encouraged, inspired, and motivated by the truths of my platform, this perspective, and the way of life that I am passionate about sharing.

Remember: IDENTIFY your talents, PRACTICE to develop your skills in order to reach your goals, and most importantly, use your talents to reach out and *SERVE OTHERS!*