How to cope

Learning how to cope with a something you are going through can be very difficult. At first, when I was diagnosed I spent a lot of time not talking about my issue. I just wanted it to be over with. As time went on, I began writing my story down and telling my story to others. I think it helps others understand anything is possible when they hear another inspiring message.

One day, I sat down and began writing my story and began to cry. It helped me deal with what was going on. After writing my story, I began reading it aloud to myself and saw how much better I felt and began to lean more on HOPE of getting through my illness.

This week I was asked to be the speaker for the Black History Program. I felt very honored to be asked to speak at the event. I sat down and began to write about my experience as Miss UNA. I loved being able to tell my story but also to encourage all of them to pave the way for many other African American that will attend UNA.

The Family's Role!

One thing I learned while battling my illness is that not only are you battling this illness but so are your family.

 I have a wonderful, supportive family that was there with me while I was facing a hard time. Since I am a very dependent person, I had to learn how to lean on them. They were the ones I depended on to get my medicine, to give me shots in my legs, to schedule my doctors’ appointments, to make my days a little better, and to hive me HOPE through it all. Even though I was the one physically feeling all of the pain, I always felt like my family felt it also. They understood how harsh the medicine was on my body, how everyday of receiving chemotherapy made me weaker, and how learning how to give myself shots at 20 years olds was not anything I ever wanted. Depending on FAMILY is the best thing you can do. They not only are your caregivers but are the ones that you should also depend on to know that it will get better.

Why I love what I do!

You never really understand your blessing in disguise until you see how it affects you after you get better or after you spend a year serving others because you have to have community service for winning a pageant. But I can see it. I am still living it.

One night, during the time I was sick, I lay in bed and asked God what it was I was supposed to be doing in life? How could I turn this situation into a positive one? The very next day, I had to go to the hospital to have a transfusion. My parents and I walked to the back, into this long narrow room with big comfortable chairs lined up on both sides of the walls. They were always occupied with kids getting transfusions done for many reasons. The left side was where kids with blood disorders sat, while the right was the oncology side. As I sat down, in a big blue cushioned chair, right across from me sat a little boy and his mother. I noticed her watching me and my parents as we talked about anything else to take our minds off knowing we were back in this familiar room for another transfusion. After a few minutes, she walks up to us, introduces herself and says, "God is going to use you and your story to be a testimony for others." Right then, at that moment, I knew why I was here. I understood my purpose for living.

Since hearing that message back in 2009, I try to live each day by those very words. Where ever I am asked to speak I am able to tell my testimony and give others an insight to knowing that anyone can go through something traumatic and still live out their dreams. I tell this story in order to help others understand where my passion comes from, why I still volunteer, and why I still feel as if it is an honor to help others.

This week I was asked to speak to a high school sorority, named Zuri. This African American sorority was celebrating Black History month and the sponsor asked me to come speak to the girls about how I got to where I am. As I stood at the podium and began to speak, I noticed this one girl who was sitting on the second row. As she listened to my story, her eyes lit up and I could see that in some way I was helping her. I always say as long as I have helped make a difference in one person’s life, I have accomplished my goal! And this girl was it! Whenever I am asked to speak at an appearance, I pass around a sheet of paper where I make them write down their dreams and goals. Then, I call on them to tell me at least one of their goals they put down on their list. This girl raised her hand, and I called on her. She said her goal was to finish school, go to college, and get a good job where she could support her family. I thought it was very brave of her to say that in front of everyone else. I also saw that this girl had been through something also and had the desire to turn her situation into a positive one. When I left that day, I left with so much joy of knowing that I helped that girl know that it was possible. I helped her see what the power of God can truly do in your life!

"If I have only helped one person, I have accomplished my goal!"

Life goes on

After passing on the crown to another young lady, I didnt think I would still be asked to appear at different events. The list of apperances hasnt stopped. I am very excited to still be able to help others in anyway I can.
Friday night I made my first apperance as the former Miss UNA. It was amazing to see just how much support I still get from the community and students. I was very excited to be able to use my talent in support of my university.
Saturday night, I was asked to judge a pageant. I was very excited to help crown the next Miss West Point. All of those girls were so confident and you counld tell they all wanted the chance to represent their high school. The 21 girls came down to the top 10 and then from there we had 4 runners up and the winner. I love judging pageants because I am able to pick a girl out of the crowd that I think will do the best job.

I am so excited to have the chance to keep helping others!