Be Studious - by Chloe

My parents are both educators, so school was always an important part of my daily life. They always stressed that it is a privilege to be able to afford a good education and that my brother and I should work hard and do our best. My parents have instilled in my brother and I the importance of being studious.

Being studious is not necessarily about getting straight A’s or graduating with honors, and studious people are not always the smartest or the “nerdiest”, they are just people who work hard and have a successful work ethic. As I have worked my way through high school and have just recently finished my first year of college, I have learned that being studious has much more to do with personal standards. I have learned that procrastinating and stress prevent me from being studious because they disable me from being able to turn in my best work. Being studious has everything to do with never settling for less than your personal best work and allowing for the time to create it.

            Here are just a few tips for how to BE STUDIOUS:

1. Work ahead: Do not procrastinate. Sometimes it may feel necessary to work on things until the very last minute, but it will save you a lot of stress and earn you a lot of sleep if you develop a system of always being a few steps ahead. Getting behind is like GPA murder, so staying ahead gives you a little bit of wiggle room if one week is especially stressful.

2. Set goals: If you have a grade in mind or a certain percentage of improvement it will help motivate you to work hard.

3. Never settle for less than your best: If you turn in something that is sub-par because you ran out of time at the last minute you risk doing as well as you could have.

4. Sleep is not a waste of time: Getting enough sleep helps you to do your best work. No one works well on 2 or 3 hours of sleep, so don’t feel guilty about taking a nap if you are too exhausted to think. I have had to learn that naps can be a good use of a half hour, because they can make you much more productive later.

5. Don’t compare yourself to others: Being studious has nothing to do with anyone else. Do YOUR personal best and know that is good enough. It doesn't matter what anyone else can do or what grade they got. Focus on your own improvement.

      Chloe McLaughlin is a college freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana majoring in Church Music and Christian Worship. Originally from Frankfort, Indiana, Chloe was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. Learn more about Chloe here! 

You Are Your Number One Priority – by Sierra

There is one word that just about everyone on this planet fears being called: selfish. Growing up, we’re taught to do the selfless thing and to share, share, share. We’re always to think of others first and to never do something out of our pure pleaser. Of course there is nothing wrong with this; however, sometimes we are so scared of being selfish, we forget to put our own happiness into the equation.
 
It is so easy to get caught up in the motion of making sure our family is happy, then making sure our friends are happy, and then sometimes even making sure our teachers/professors are happy. By the end of the day, we find ourselves exhausted and indifferent. Overtime, we realize that just about everyone else around us and doing wonderful, and we’re still not truly happy.
 
This usually happens when we overexert ourselves, and to be honest, if this happens to you, there is nothing wrong with that. If more people had the issue of being “too selfless”, the world would be a better place. On the other hand though, you must always remember to only act in what will have the best outcome for you mentally, physically, and emotionally. This means that sometimes we will have to say no to going out with our friends just so we can get some “me time.”
 
Don’t be ashamed to have to tell people that’s what you need. Needing some “me time” is not a sign of weakness or having a nervous breakdown; at some point everyone needs some of it. I will admit, that I find myself wanting to be alone so that I can dance in front of the mirror or so I can belch out every word to my favorite Beyoncé song. Laugh if you want to, I find it very therapeutic.
So find whatever makes you happy and not necessarily what makes everyone else happy. Don’t forget about them, and always be there, but remember: you are your number one priority.

Sierra Terrell is a college freshman at Troy University in Troy, Alabama majoring in Psychology. Originally from Waldorf, Maryland, Sierra was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012. Learn more about Sierra here!

Boston Strong – by Emily

The events that took place two weeks ago in Boston were devastatingly close to home. I go to school less than a half hour away from the shootings and knew people both running and volunteering at the Marathon, some of whom were within walking distance of the attacks. The initial onset of it all was truly heart-wrenching, but what myself, my peers, the city of Boston, and the nation saw during and after the events were truly inspiring.

Last Friday, five days after the events in Boston took place, the police were still hunting for the attackers. That night also happened to be the night of Merrimack College’s annual Spring Concert and The Band Perry was on their way to perform. The campus was antsy and anxious as they kept checking social media for updated news reports, but the show was sure to go on.

And then something so powerful and triumphant happened. I was sitting with my friends in the arena waiting for The Band Perry to take the stage when my friends phone went off. It was a text from her mom saying they had captured the final attacker. The battle was over. I turned to my other friend and told her the news and she turned to her friend and within seconds the entire crowd of 3,000 plus people had heard the news.

And within a few more seconds the entire crowd was chanting “USA! BOSTON STRONG! USA! BOSTON STRONG!”

And then The Band Perry took the stage and joined in our rejoicing. They sang Sweet Caroline in honor of our city, and we all took a moment of silence to reflect.
In the past decade we’ve seen school shootings, movie theatre shootings, terrorist attacks, and now these attacks on the Boston Marathon. I think the most devastating thing was how sacred and honored the Boston Marathon was. It was a day for people to take pride in their accomplishments and show that they can succeed in something that they put their mind too. The bombings and attacks was a chance for someone to take away that honor.

But they didn’t succeed.

We are Boston Strong, We are notorious for our headstrong ways and our Boston pride. These attacks didn’t take that pride away from us, in fact it made it stronger. People now more than ever are motivated to run the Marathon and for those who couldn’t finish. There are people in this world that are going to try and break spirit. But just like the 3,000 of us at that concert, the good in this world surely outnumbers the evil. It may not seem that way in these dark and confusing times, but if we can all stand together and appreciate the good in life, we can all be Boston Strong.

Emily Thomas is a college freshman at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. Originally from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Emily was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012. Learn more about Emily here!

National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Studios - a video from Christina

This week, April 22-26, is National Be Your Best Self Week! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being studious, one of five elements that make up the Be Your Best Self program. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!




Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!

National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Responsible - a video from Christina

This week, April 22-26, is National Be Your Best Self Week! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being responsible, one of five elements that make up the Be Your Best Self program. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!




Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!

National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Involved - a video from Christina

This week, April 22-26, is National Be Your Best Self Week! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being involved, one of five elements that make up the Be Your Best Self program. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!

Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!

National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Ambitious - a video from Christina

This week, April 22-26, is National Be Your Best Self Week! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on being ambitious, one of five elements that make up the Be Your Best Self program. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!





Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!

National Be Your Best Self Week - Be Healthy - a video from Christina

This week, April 22-26, is National Be Your Best Self Week! Christina Maxwell, Distinguished Young Woman of America shares her thoughts on staying healthy, one of five elements that make up the Be Your Best Self program. Check back throughout the week for more videos from Christina!




Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!

Looking Back - by Lauren

   

     
     Recently, I passed my title of the Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado off to new aspiring young woman. It’s hard to believe that exactly a year ago, a group of us senior girls walked in to the theater as complete strangers. However, within an hour, an outsider may have thought we had known each other our whole lives. As the day continued with rehearsals, interviews and constant laughter, I realized the unending encouragement, love and support from all the competitors and wonderful staff who helped to put on the program. By the time the night program came along, I saw that anyone of us could easily win. In a way, this put me at ease going into the results. I had gained so much in the short span of 12 hours. Little did I think that I would ever have won because I was surrounded by such incredible women.

     Now, being on the other side of the competition, if officially hit me how much my life as been impacted by the Distinguished Young Women program. I am certainly not the same person I was a year ago at this time. I have grown so much in the past year all thanks to Distinguished Young Women. I feel comfortable in my own shoes taking on interviews, public speaking and any other obstacles that may come my way.
    

     
     People always say to take in every moment before it is gone. I believe that it was in that very moment on stage, as I was giving my farewell speech, that I was so grateful for doing just that. Awhile back, someone once told me to “live in the moment”. Immediately I was overwhelmed with how many wonderful moments that I had experienced within the past year. I am beyond thankful for each moment and how it has been a piece of my life.

     Reflecting back, I’ve realized how important it truly was to “live” in each moment. Before I knew it, my time as the current Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado was up. I think that’s another thing that I have learned this past year. Sometimes I think we spend so much time thinking and waiting for a certain day to come, a certain event to get here faster, for school to finish sooner, for a trip to come faster. Sometimes I think we forget about the other half of the equation—the journey that precedes it. For me, my journey through the Distinguished Young Women program is what I cherish the most. It was so many moments filled with friendship, laughter and tears that led to the final conclusion at Nationals. And I think that’s the greatest gift all. 



Much love,

     Lauren Hoppa


Lauren Hoppa is a college freshman at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma majoring in Athletic Training. Originally from Parker, Colorado, Lauren was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado for 2012. Learn more about Lauren here!

Sweet Leadership - by Carly

 

Scholarship, leadership, and talent are the three platforms that truly define Distinguished Young Women.  These three words define what the program is about, but after the program I knew I wanted to be able to continue living by these principles.  Sure, continuing to pursue my love of violin and being a good student would easily fulfill scholarship and talent, but where would being a leader fit in?  The answer to this question came quickly when I found an organization on campus called the Office of Student Activities.  Within this organization is a branch called S.W.E.E.T. (Students Working to Entertain E-Town).  S.W.E.E.T. plans all kinds of on-campus events and trips for students to attend.  I began working as a programmer this past semester, which was the perfect opportunity to get involved.  A week ago, the position of S.W.E.E.T. coordinator opened up, and I decided to apply!  The coordinator oversees the entire S.W.E.E.T. branch and serves on the leadership team for the Office of Student Activities.  I was the youngest person to ever interview for coordinator, but I thought I would give it a try!  An application and interview later, I had the job! 

                Being so young, I had my qualms about taking on such a big leadership role, so I spoke to my advisor about what would happen in the next year.  She started by saying that being a leader is easy.  Now, some would say that being a leader is one of the hardest things you can do!  But, when you break it down, all a leader has to do is what they say they’ll do.  A leader does not have to be extremely intelligent or creative; they just need some courage and strong will power to stand by the promises they make.  A leader does not need to be in the spotlight; in fact, some of the best leaders put their followers in the spotlight and humbly reside in the background.  A leader is true to themselves and self reflects on their actions constantly.  The most powerful wisdom that my advisor had to share was that you do not have to be “in charge” to lead.  Just because you do not hold the highest title of them all, does not decrease your ability to positively influence those around you. 

                When it comes down to it, leadership is the easiest of the three principles of Distinguished Young Women.  I thought that I needed to start all over and find a new group to lead in school to still be a leader.  But I have come to the realization that I have always been in a capacity to lead.  Just being human makes you capable of leading your peers.  Every day is your opportunity to step up to the plate and be the example.  After all, leadership is easy.

 

Carly Henry is a college freshman at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania majoring in biochemistry with a minor is business. Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Carly was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Pennsylvania for 2012. Learn more about Carly here!

 

Top 10 Things No One Told You to Bring To College - by Ali

1.      A sleeping mask and earplugs. Remember: This is no longer just your room. There will be nights where your roommate has to stay up late to get that paper done or decides to clean her side of the room at 2 in the morning. Trust me when I say, earplugs and a sleeping mask may become your new sleeping buddy! Also, Melatonin (natural sleeping regimen) definitely got me through some of those “Wide-Awake-Katy-Perry-Style” nights.

2.      A Brita water filter. College campuses have student groups all about going  green so why not help out? I’m not a huge fan of drinking water out of the sink so this definitely helps out!

3.      Rain boots! It doesn’t matter where you choose to go to school. There will be days where it is cold and rainy out and you’re going to wish you had some water-resistant, knee-deep rain boots to keep you warm and dry. Also, umbrellas… are just wonderful.

4.      Extension cords. Dorm rooms have few, low-to-the-ground outlets and if you’re like me and have a short phone charger cord, this doesn’t really get you anywhere. Extension cords help you to… you guessed it… extend! Also, power strips are really nice if you need to plug in multiple appliances, etc.

5.      Bathrobe and flip-flops. Everyone (we hope) uses the bathrooms and showers at your campus. We don’t know what goes on in there. With that being said, shower flip-flops are a lifesaver. Also, bathrobes allow you to be hands free and you don’t have to worry about your towel falling down while you are walking by the boys’ rooms.

6.      Mattress Pad. Honestly, the beds at most campuses are not the most comfy things to sleep on. Mattress pads can easily turn a stiff, rock-hard bed into a soft, luscious cumulus cloud. J

7.      Can Opener. Huh… who would’ve thought you’d need this to get your cans of Spaghettios opened? I learned this the hard way.

8.      Quarters. Whether you need to do some laundry or catch the bus to the mall, you’re going to want a few quarters around.

9.      A stapler. Yes, unfortunately, you are going to have homework that is more than 1 page long. One day, I had 3 guys from my floor come over to my room and ask if I had a stapler. Lucky for them, (and me… cuties! J) I did indeed have one! While we’re on the topic of school supplies, duct tape does wonders!

10.  Homesick cuddles. To be honest, there will be days and nights that you may get homesick or stressed. It’s good to have something that you can hold or cuddle with to get you through these rough times. As of right now, I currently have a body pillow, pillow pet, monkey, and panda residing in my bed as well as me. I also brought my favorite blanket, yearbook, and tons of pictures of family and friends. The first 2 weeks of school were extremely hard for me but with the help of these things and a few phone calls home to Mom and Dad, things got so much better!

 

 

      Ali Houser is a college freshman at The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota majoring in Dental Hygiene. Originally from Beresford, South Dakota, Ali was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of South Dakota for 2012. Learn more about Ali here!

 

You are more beautiful than you think – by Keyna

As girls, we tend to look at ourselves and notice our flaws. There is no need to be ashamed of our imperfections—it is our imperfections that set us apart and make us beautiful. Be proud of who you are. You are beautiful.

Keyna Hoselton is a college freshman at Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma majoring in Dance Performance with a possible minor in History. Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Keyna was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2012. Learn more about Keyna here!

Top Ten Useful Items to Keep In Your Purse - by Stephanie

1.    Pony tail holder-The possible situations that could arise in which a hair elastic could be useful are endless.  Whether you get to the gym and the hair elastic you’re using breaks, or you’re walking outside and get caught in a burst of wind, always be prepared in case you want your long locks up and out of your face. 

2.    Baby wipes-Messes can happen suddenly and without warning, causing sticky evidence on your hands, face or any other personal items.  Carry a travel-sized pack of baby wipes and be prepared for the unexpected.  

3.    Pen/Small pad of paper-Although the need for this is becoming less and less due to current-day smartphone technology, keeping a pen and pad of paper with you is a nice backup in case the batteries on your electronics fail you.  

4.    Mini deodorant-Self-explanatory-who doesn’t like to stay feeling and smelling fresh, especially on a warm day.

5.    Pair of small fold-up flats-This item will particularly come in handy if you wear heals on a daily basis or walk as a main form of transportation.  For those days that your dress shows and your feet are just not in synch, whip out your pair of flats.  They’re cute, comfortable, and easily stored.  

6.    Band-Aids-In case you forget your pair of fold-up flats, this is the next best thing you can keep in your purse.  Even if you can’t change your shoes, use a band aid to protect blisters and sores that form. 

7.    Emergency whistle-This is especially important if you walk alone often.  If you ever run into trouble, one of the best self-defense mechanisms is to create as much noise and commotion as possible.  

8.    A pill box containing Advil/Tylenol and Tums-Don’t take up the space and weight of carrying 3 full bottles of tablets and medications.  Purchase a small pill box at your local grocery store, and keep it stocked with just a few doses of your over-the-counter medications.  

9.    Pocket brush with mirror-Serves two functions.  If you weren’t fortunate enough to remember your hair elastic, mentioned at the beginning, then if you have this, you can at least fix your hair style once you’ve gotten to where you’re going.  Use the mirror to be on the alert for food bits in your teeth after a meal and to check for smudged makeup.

10.    Key holder-These are both practical and cute.  They usually hang over the edge of the outside of the purse, displaying a cute logo or emblem.  On the inside, there is a clip from which your keys can be clipped.  This way, they don’t get lost in all of the other items listed above and you will always be able to find them in a moment’s notice.  



Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Fun in the Sun - by Marin

Y’all, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Well, I guess it’s not that much of a secret since I know I am not the only one thinking it. Anyways, here it is: I am so completely and utterly excited for summer! It is definitely going to be bittersweet with the school year coming to a close, and having to depart from my friends for three months, but that’s a completely different story! So, getting back on track to summer.

For a lot of students, summer means working at a job, or maybe taking a couple of courses for school credit. However, it also means being with family and friends and having ‘fun in the sun’- which brings me to the main point of this blog post: The Sun (didn’t see that one coming, did you?)

While summer is such a happy and fun season, it is also very important for young women and men to be informed on the effects of overexposure from the Sun. I know there is and will always be a trend towards “getting the perfect tan,” but it’s important for the younger generations to be aware of what a “perfect tan” really means for the body in the long run. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation has stated that this year, “1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer,” as well as, “about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.” Also, did you know skin cancer is “the most common form of cancer in the United States?” Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to enjoy time out in the sunshine.  For me personally, there’s nothing better than a hot summer day outside with a good book and some sweet tea! However, that means alongside my tea and book is my handy-dandy SPF 30.

Other precautions a person can take to stay proactive is not spending too much time outside when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. Also, I’m a personal fan of cute hats! They protect the sensitive parts of the face (eyes and nose) while being fashionably trendy at the same time!

Like I said before, summer is such a great time to be outdoors and to have fun. However, if you’d like to continue the outdoor activities for years to come, take some precautionary measures for your health. The “perfect tan” might be great for a while, but it would be a shame if that tan cost you some health issues later down the road. 

So, before you go to take a dip in the pool, or play a game of soccer, or simply relax, lather up! I promise it will be well worth it in the long run and there will also be no possibility of getting a terrible, achy sunburn. I know when I board the airplane to go home to the Texas heat this summer, I’ll have my sunscreen and hat packed. But the question is, will you? 

Marin Helppie-Schmieder is a college freshman at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania majoring in Modern Dance. Originally from Carrollton, Texas, Marin was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2012. Learn more about Marin here!

It’s Spring, so Stop and Smell the Roses - by Emily

        

           Ironically, the first day of spring this year and the start of my spring break coincided with a snowstorm that brought a foot of snow and cancelled classes.

            I never really liked spring. I treasure the four seasons that New England offers, but spring was always one I felt I could do without. The beginning of spring is always wet and soggy as the snow melts and the sun tries to peak through. You never really know what to expect when you step outside during spring until early June when summer starts to come. But spring is an important season nonetheless because it’s a transition period. In high school, spring was my busiest time of year and because of that I never really got the chance to appreciate spring, even with all it’s wavering weather and mysterious ways.

            We live in a fast paced society where everything and everyone is constantly on the go. I know in the past I've been guilty of letting this fast paced lifestyle force me into thinking we don’t need things like spring. Why can’t we just fast-forward after winter right to summer, so we can enjoy the warm weather? But we do need spring; it’s nature’s way of telling us to slow down and appreciate.

            In my philosophy class, we were asked to devote 45 minutes over our spring break to silent meditation. Though it seemed crazy and pointless at first, once I completed the exercise I realized why my professor gave us this assignment. He encouraged us to examine who we are outside of the pressures of society and while sitting in solitude. He offered us this quote that seemed to resonate strongly within me and opened my eyes to all I've been missing:

“We can busy ourselves so much with work, sports, social events, extracurricular activities, hobbies and movie going that we lose our souls. If we stay busy enough, we will never have to confront who we are in silence, solitude, and reflection.”

             I've always tried to fast forward through spring, and I blame the pressure of society to move fast and brush over the seemingly insignificant. But now I've realized the real reason why we need spring. Nature could easily switch from the cold dark days of winter to the warm sunny days of summer, but instead it chooses to take the time to move slowly and gradually. I think we could all be taught a lesson by spring, one that teaches us to slow down and appreciate all that we have in life. So take a moment today to stop and smell the roses of spring, and don’t let them and the many other quiet but meaningful things in our life go unnoticed.

Emily Thomas is a college freshman at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts majoring in Chemistry and Secondary Education. Originally from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Emily was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012. Learn more about Emily here!

Single and Failing to Mingle - by Chloe

I hate to admit it, but I go to a school where it is incredibly common for girls to graduate with not only a Bachelor’s degree, but also an M.R.S. degree. Common IWU terms are “Ring by Spring” and “Freshman Mating Season.” (Ring by Spring refers to the ridiculous amount of engagements that happen in the months of February-April. Freshmen Mating season is basically just a loving description of the madness that ensues as the freshmen discover new future mate possibilities. Yes. It really is that ridiculous.) It seems like so much value is placed on finding a mate and it is an embarrassment to graduate with a bare left ring finger. Since when did it become a crime to be single at 22 or 23?

I will openly admit that I don’t really have any experience where relationships are concerned; in fact I have spent 19 years becoming really awesome at being single. My friends have said before that I am single and failing to mingle. Don’t be too jealous. Haha  (I should also note that the possibility of this streak being broken anytime soon is slim, because I go to a college where the girl: guy ratio is 3:1. Yes I am still serious.) I have never been ashamed of my single status, because I have learned how to be myself. So many people, especially women, see singleness as a weakness or a disease of some kind. Well news flash my teenage and twenty-something friends, IT’S NOT!!! Embrace your singleness without shame!!

Come on All my single Ladies!

My mom has always taught me that being married and having a family is wonderful, but there is something amazing about the years you get to be yourself. My early twenties are the years I should be finishing up school and pursuing my dreams, but the average expectation seems to be that I will be planning a wedding. I want to spend the next 6-8 years chasing the things that I have been dreaming about my entire life! I want to have the freedom to live somewhere incredible, travel around the world with nothing but a back pack, or ride my bike across the country like my mom did. After all, you really do only live once. I don’t want to regret not pursuing one of my dreams.

There is nothing shameful about being single. It can be exhilarating and fulfilling! Whenever I accidently drink the IWU Kool-Aid and start getting down about being “alone” I just remember that my relationship status on Facebook or a silver band on my left hand does not define my value. I have to love myself before someone else can love me.

So ladies (and gents if you are reading this!) do not stress about being “alone!” Spend your college years trying to find your maid of honor or best man and then you can worry about your groom or bride. Becoming your best self does not have to include another person! Enjoy college and stop worrying! Become YOU and happiness will follow!

Chloe McLaughlin is a college freshman at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana majoring in Church Music and Christian Worship. Originally from Frankfort, Indiana, Chloe was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012. Learn more about Chloe here! 

Goals - by Sierra

Where do you plan to be in five years?

What goals do plan to have accomplished in the next ten years?

How old do you plan to be when you join the workforce?

These are just a few of the questions that we have gotten so accustomed to answering. The moment we begin our journey of education, is the moment that we should be thinking of the future. In elementary school, usually your teachers and parents are telling you of how you will go to middle school then high school, and then hopefully, eventually, you will attend college. So starting way back then, we have started carving out our path for the world. At my age of 18 and like most of my peers, goal setting is practically second nature for me. There are the moments of getting overwhelmed, but we don’t even know how to operate without setting some type of goal.

Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in the notion of having a set path of what we plan to accomplish in our lives that we feel like a failure if we do not achieve one or if we are not sure of what our exact plan is. Goal setting has become such a big part of our lives that we even set goals for an everyday schedule. How many times have you caught yourself saying that today you have to go to the grocery store, or you have to study or things of that nature?

Now, I’m not saying there is something wrong with that or with goal setting. On the other hand though, we have to remind ourselves and others around us that it’s okay not to have an exact path or to change your goals. Thinking back to my junior year of high school, I was very focused on college already. I figured that by the time I get into college, I must know my major and what I want to do in graduate school. One of my fears was starting college as “undecided”. I even found other people (and I still do) that slightly cringe when they hear that word.

However, I have learned and am still in the process of learning that goal setting isn't the only thing in the world. We need to remember too that there is good in living in the moment and that life is an ever-changing journey. So if you ever find yourself feeling disappointed because you don’t think you have enough “set goals”, remember that there is nothing wrong with that. People change their minds all the time. Just relax and enjoy the moment of right now.

Sierra Terrell is a college freshman at Troy University in Troy, Alabama majoring in Psychology. Originally from Waldorf, Maryland, Sierra was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012. Learn more about Sierra here!

Not Wasting Our Youth - by Christina

George Bernard Shaw once said, “youth is wasted on the young”.  As a young person, this can be a somewhat discouraging thing to hear.  I think it would be quite a tragedy to waste the golden years of opportunity in our youth.  Yet, in some ways, it is hard not to.  Although our bodies are young, we don’t have the wisdom that can come only through experiencing the years of life’s mountaintops and valleys.  In our youth, we sometimes can’t fully understand the depth of the decisions we’re making, the words we’re saying and the challenges we’re facing.  In effect, we sometimes end up squandering our youth and wasting the precious moments of health and vitality we are blessed to have.

Yet, all around us, there are people who have the wisdom we are lacking.  The older generations of people in our lives have lived through the triumphant celebrations and heartbreaking tragedies that life brings.  Many of them have faced war, sickness, political strife, death of loved ones, hunger, disappointment and heartbreak that we have not yet experienced.  They are experts at things that we are only beginning to understand.  Every day, we are surrounded by this remarkable source of knowledge.  Imagine how remarkable it would be if we took the time to stop, sit down and ask questions.  What would happen if we invited these people to share with us their years of memories and if we truly listened?

I’m blessed to have all four of my grandparents still living.  I’m amazed at all that they have lived through with such grace: breast cancer, painful deaths of loved ones, surgeries, military service, raising children and grandchildren and seeing the world around them change completely.

I think of how my dad’s father, “Pa”, left college on weekends to go home to take care of his mother, who was in excruciating pain and dying of cancer in a time before modern treatments and pain control.  Wanting to give his dad a break, he selflessly endured the heartbreak of trying to comfort his suffering mother, something that reminds me to be a faithful caretaker of those I love.

How my dad’s mother, “Mamma Ginny”, one of seven children, had the courage to leave home and get a college education in a time when that wasn’t the norm for women.  She was the first in her family to get a college education, helping give me the bravery to go so far away to Michigan.

How my mom’s dad, “Papa”, can always find the perfect way to put things in perspective for me.  He lightens my load whether taking my hands and dancing with me in the kitchen (with or without music), or telling me to “just let it go” with his newly coined phrase,  “Oh, hashtag”, that he created after hearing my brother and I talking about Twitter.


How my mom’s mother, “Grandma”, has made her whole life about serving other people and God.  She gives fully of all she has, whether a fresh-baked pie or hours of time, and does so with a true joy and an invitation for me to learn how to truly give and do the same. 

Although not everyone still has grandparents living, everyone has older people in their lives who have so much wisdom to share.  Many of the elderly people in my church or community have impacted who I am.

I think of Dr. Roberta Rice, who served overseas as a missionary surgeon in a time when women simply didn’t do that.  A few years ago, I interviewed her about her experiences and was shocked by the beauty, intensity and boldness of the stories she had to tell, of the memories she shared.  

Reverand Thorton Hawkins, who sends me a card every year on my birthday, reminding me to remember to thank my mom on my birthday, without whom I wouldn’t have this day to celebrate.  He sends beautiful poetry and thoughtful letters to me regularly and even gave me a very special guardian angel that I carry with me, reminding me how he is, in a lot of ways, my own guardian angel.  

Mary Louise Spain, who even though I moved away from her seven or eight years ago, traveled to Asheville to see me perform in many shows and concerts and continues to travel on go on the kind of adventures I dream of one day having. 

Charlie David, a celebrated veteran of the stage in his eighties who made a return performance, playing grandfather Arvide to my Sarah Brown character in GUYS AND DOLLS last year. He reduced me to tears as he sang to me every night onstage about all of the happiness he wished for me in my life and is a dear friend of mine to this day.  

Virginia Byers, who sends me letters written in beautiful, swirling cursive print reminding me of how precious I am to her and to God.  She sends me lists of quotes and scriptures that always end up hanging over my desk where I can be reminded of what’s really important.

These are only a few of so many incredible older people who have touched my life in a way that I will never forget.  I have been blessed by those who have embraced me and taken the time to love, encourage and teach me.  

It is remarkable and humbling to think of all the wisdom the older generations around us have to impart.  I believe that if we take the initiative to ask and the patience to listen, we will find that they are more than happy to share their own life adventures with us.  It is a gift to us to be able to sit in their presence and gather wisdom and to let them know that their stories matter to us while we’re blessed enough to still have them here. 

Who in your life has stories and lessons to share? How will you find the time and space in a busy world to listen while there is still time?

Christina Maxwell is a college freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Asheville , North Carolina, Christina was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina for 2012 and the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012. Learn more about Christina here!