"It's time to promote uniqueness versus weakness"
Welcome friends! I am thrilled to be the newly crowned Miss Teen International 2009 and cannot wait to share this journey with each and every one of you. It is a privilege and an honor to be the Official Teen Spokesperson for the International Dyslexia Association. I will wear my crown as a symbol of pride, determination, values, faith, and possibility on behalf of every challenged learner. This reign marks the beginning of my lifelong mission to raise awareness about dyslexia, provide better intervention and technology, increase research, and create new legislation. Please join me in my campaign to teach others to "See the Ability" that lies within each and every one of us despite our learning differences.
When not actively promoting awareness for dyslexia I am a normal college student. I love to go to movies, horseback ride, go bowling with friends, and boating with my family! I have two wonderful parents, one older sister and one younger brother. I absolutely love dogs and have an English Mastiff, a black Labrador, and a Beagle/Golden retriever puppy named Remington. While I love to spend time with my friends and family you'll often find me at the local SPCA spending time with the cats and dogs and working hard to get them adopted into loving homes. Animals need love just like people!
I am also a full time college student and am proud to say that I have earned a 4.0 cumulative grade point average, have received numerous merit based scholarships, and have earned the Presidential Honor's Distinction for my academic accomplishments. I have also been nominated for the esteemed Remy Johnston Award. This is given to one outstanding dyslexic youth each year at Walt Disney World through the IDA! Words cannot express how much all of this recognition and support means to me.
A very big part of my life continues to be community service. Starting from a very young age I began to travel with my family and school to help communities in need. Experiences ranging from working with Mexican orphans, native aborigines of the Australian Outback, Nicaraguan refugees, to at risk youth right here in my home state of Ohio have opened my eyes to the enormous need that exists both across the globe as well as in our own backyard. As the teen representative for the UGIVE Organization, I will continue to design meaningful programs to encourage high school students to get involved and will also stay actively involved myself. My main message for teens is to find something that you enjoy, have a passion for, or have a talent in, and just get involved. I did and it has changed my life. Don't miss out!
I have already begun working hand in hand with educators, health care providers, government officials, parents, and children in the field of dyslexia to bridge existing gaps here within the United States as well as Internationally. I will carry each one of you in my heart and keep you updated through this website. Thank you for being a part of this magnificent and eventful time of my life. Together we will make this a memorable and meaningful year. And please, remember to "See the Ability" in every person you meet. You can make a difference-please join me.
All the Best,
Jessica
