Speaking Engagement
Several weeks ago I was asked to be a guest speaker at my high school. I would be speaking to the 7 th and 8 th grade girls about self confidence, how to develop good self esteem and a strong sense of self, making good decisions and my experience being part of the Miss America Organization. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to this group of young women! I remember so well the feeling of being their age and not knowing exactly where I fit in the world. Of looking up to the older girls in school, of worrying about how I looked, what I wore and what others thought of me. I immediately began brainstorming what I would say. My notes started with thoughts of what I used to think being self confident meant; being boastful and conceited. And that thinking I was good at something and celebrating that equalled a self centered attitude. I wrote down notes about being your best self, about not giving into peer pressure and how your decisions now will impact your future. I took pages...