1 day left:
This year's 2012 state pageant!
2 days:
Last year's, 2011, state pageant where I placed 2nd runner up!
3 days:
State Pageant 2009 where I placed 1st runner up!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Countdown!
It's been hard to keep up with the blog with Nationals prep, finals, and packing for my exciting study abroad! So here is a squished up version of my countdown to Nationals:
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
5 days!
5 days left until I leave for Nationals! This was my 2005 Nationals experience. It was one of the most exciting weeks of my life. I met some of the most amazing girls that really changed my life.
Though I didn't win, I walked away with some amazing life skills, memories, and friends. Here's hoping to another fabulous nationals experience!
-Shelley
6 days!
There are 6 days left until NAM nationals!
This picture is from the 2005 New York Pre-teen Pageant- the night that my life changed in a way that is greater than I could have ever imagined. That year was one of the most motivating and inspiring years of my life. Not only was I reminded of the success of perseverance and hard work, but also of the power that an individual can have in the lives of others.
I met some of the most amazing young women and learned from their great experiences. I realized my spark: helping and empowering others. That was the most important thing of the entire year and really set the foundation for S.P.A.R.K. today.
Being able to be a role model in my community really opened my eyes to service and all that I could offer- even as an eager and ambitious 10-year-old. That was also a crucial element in my development- realizing the importance of service and giving back to others.
This year made me fall in love with an organization that still holds my heart today. Thank you National American Miss for giving me the best NAMily a girl could ask for. Thank you for helping me grow confidence. Thank you for helping me define myself and become the young woman I am today!
"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness." - Oprah Winfrey
-Shelley
Monday, November 12, 2012
7 days!
There are officially 7 days til NAM's 10th Anniversary Nationals!
I am so honored to have the opportunity to attend this year.
Every day this week I will be posting a picture of a special moment in my NAM journey. Here is a picture from my first pageant: the 2004 NAM New York Pageant!
I competed against my sister, Shreya Jain, and placed top 25. She ended up winning the state title and we headed to Anaheim, California for our very first NAM Nationals.
So much has changed since then. This was really the night that changed the rest of our lives.
I am so beyond grateful to National American Miss and everything that they stand for.
Happy 10th Birthday National American Miss!
-Shelley
Sunday, November 11, 2012
veterans day
Happy Veterans Day to all those who have served and are currently serving!
"Because all of us believe and understand in the fabric of the common bond of why we call ourselves American is to care for the men and women who wear the uniform; and when they take off the uniform, we care for them when they are veterans."
-Steve Buyer
-Steve Buyer
-Shelley
Thursday, November 8, 2012
someone else needs it more.
Hurricane Sandy #2
NOTE: Yes, I am from Staten Island, New York. The very Staten Island being mentioned on every news channel and paper as a victim of Hurricane Sandy's damage. Luckily, my family was safe and sound and we didn't suffer any damage- just power loss for a few days. Unfortunately, a lot of our friends and loved ones did lose a lot. Please comment below with your email, message me on Facebook, or let me know somehow if you are interested in donating or volunteering with the relief efforts.
"Oh we will survive without it, there is probably somebody else that needs it more!" was the trending statement of the day on Staten Island's Midland Beach on Sunday, November 4th.
My dad and I were at a donation center in Midland Beach helping sort donations as they came in. Once we had enough, we loaded up the van with some food items, clothing, supplies, batteries, flashlights, blankets, hats and gloves and drove to affected areas to give out supplies. Luckily, my dad had waited a mere 2 hours for gas (yes, that is relatively short compared to some of the other wait times at gas pumps) the night before so we were all ready to go!
That is one of the biggest issues I have observed of Hurricane Relief efforts- getting the supplies where they need to go. Shelters and centers have tons of donations, but the people that need them usually do not have the means to come and get them. That's where we come in! With gas and a van, we were able to drive around Midland Beach and hand out supplies to families.
This was so rewarding and challenging. I had just come back to Staten Island from college and was just witnessing the damage firsthand. Houses had been tipped over, demolished, mutilated, removed from their foundations. Some areas were still flooded. Piles and piles of garbage, wreckage, and ruined wood and furniture covered the streets. And this was after 5 days of cleaning and rebuilding. It's not that we as a city were ineffective, it was just such a large project, that it took so much time and energy to accomplish.
Families were so grateful and caring. They truly believed that because they were alive they were considered lucky and most didn't really think they to be helped. They thought we could better serve our time helping "somebody who needs it more." But it's hard to say no to a persistent volunteer and a whole new pack of batteries and cleaning supplies. They were so humble and resourceful in their pickings that we would have to convince them that it was okay to take both a pack of paper towels and a box of tissues.
I remember my dad and I squeezing into dead end streets and meeting people who were being skipped by many volunteers because of their inopportune locations- their incredulous gratitude was so memorable.
As we were driving around, we saw some amazing things: volunteers in boots and gloves just walking door to door and offering their manual labor, families carrying cups of coffee and bagels to give out to victims as they stood out in the chill, trying to salvage their basements and houses. There was so much spirit and community that day. It was so powerful and such a life-changing experience. Volunteers of all ages and types coming together to rebuild a community is such a beautiful thought and such a vividly stunning reality on Staten Island. It's amazing if you actually think about it: business that have lost a full week's worth of profits are still giving back to the community by donating free food and supplies to victims that were affected by Sandy! It is so inspiring to see that there is so much good in our community!
It was unreal to see the National Guard and army trucks crawling through the streets. It gave everyone so much pride in our community and hope for the future. Mixed in were troves of orange clad people running to houses- they were none other than the New York Runners. There were so many volunteers from all over the state, country and world, just doing whatever little they would to make an impact.
As much as I want New York and Staten Island to go back to normal, I was not supportive of the decision to hold the New York Marathon and was proud that it had been postponed to a much later date. In the face of a tragedy, our community has to come together and become strong to become normal, not put up a front for a day and then go back to rebuilding tomorrow. And being able to volunteer with many of the would-be-marathoners was pretty fun! We even took one aboard the van with us and he stuck with us for the rest of the day, helping run supplies from our van to the houses!
There is a great Facebook page that fostered the movement to have the marathoners instead run with donations on Staten Island: https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRunnersInSupportOfStatenIsland
It was so unreal to see the damage first hand and speak with victims who had swam to safety, waited on rooftops for safety, saved a life, lost a loved one, etc. It was hard, but so so so rewarding to be able to help them and give back in the slightest.
The gas lines are still long, the damage still there, the wounds still fresh, but the spirit was stronger than ever. I am still in awe of the optimism, perseverance, courage, and hope that Staten Island possesses. I am so proud to call myself a true Staten Islander.
NOTE: Yes, I am from Staten Island, New York. The very Staten Island being mentioned on every news channel and paper as a victim of Hurricane Sandy's damage. Luckily, my family was safe and sound and we didn't suffer any damage- just power loss for a few days. Unfortunately, a lot of our friends and loved ones did lose a lot. Please comment below with your email, message me on Facebook, or let me know somehow if you are interested in donating or volunteering with the relief efforts.
"Oh we will survive without it, there is probably somebody else that needs it more!" was the trending statement of the day on Staten Island's Midland Beach on Sunday, November 4th.
My dad and I were at a donation center in Midland Beach helping sort donations as they came in. Once we had enough, we loaded up the van with some food items, clothing, supplies, batteries, flashlights, blankets, hats and gloves and drove to affected areas to give out supplies. Luckily, my dad had waited a mere 2 hours for gas (yes, that is relatively short compared to some of the other wait times at gas pumps) the night before so we were all ready to go!
That is one of the biggest issues I have observed of Hurricane Relief efforts- getting the supplies where they need to go. Shelters and centers have tons of donations, but the people that need them usually do not have the means to come and get them. That's where we come in! With gas and a van, we were able to drive around Midland Beach and hand out supplies to families.
This was so rewarding and challenging. I had just come back to Staten Island from college and was just witnessing the damage firsthand. Houses had been tipped over, demolished, mutilated, removed from their foundations. Some areas were still flooded. Piles and piles of garbage, wreckage, and ruined wood and furniture covered the streets. And this was after 5 days of cleaning and rebuilding. It's not that we as a city were ineffective, it was just such a large project, that it took so much time and energy to accomplish.
Families were so grateful and caring. They truly believed that because they were alive they were considered lucky and most didn't really think they to be helped. They thought we could better serve our time helping "somebody who needs it more." But it's hard to say no to a persistent volunteer and a whole new pack of batteries and cleaning supplies. They were so humble and resourceful in their pickings that we would have to convince them that it was okay to take both a pack of paper towels and a box of tissues.
I remember my dad and I squeezing into dead end streets and meeting people who were being skipped by many volunteers because of their inopportune locations- their incredulous gratitude was so memorable.
As we were driving around, we saw some amazing things: volunteers in boots and gloves just walking door to door and offering their manual labor, families carrying cups of coffee and bagels to give out to victims as they stood out in the chill, trying to salvage their basements and houses. There was so much spirit and community that day. It was so powerful and such a life-changing experience. Volunteers of all ages and types coming together to rebuild a community is such a beautiful thought and such a vividly stunning reality on Staten Island. It's amazing if you actually think about it: business that have lost a full week's worth of profits are still giving back to the community by donating free food and supplies to victims that were affected by Sandy! It is so inspiring to see that there is so much good in our community!
It was unreal to see the National Guard and army trucks crawling through the streets. It gave everyone so much pride in our community and hope for the future. Mixed in were troves of orange clad people running to houses- they were none other than the New York Runners. There were so many volunteers from all over the state, country and world, just doing whatever little they would to make an impact.
As much as I want New York and Staten Island to go back to normal, I was not supportive of the decision to hold the New York Marathon and was proud that it had been postponed to a much later date. In the face of a tragedy, our community has to come together and become strong to become normal, not put up a front for a day and then go back to rebuilding tomorrow. And being able to volunteer with many of the would-be-marathoners was pretty fun! We even took one aboard the van with us and he stuck with us for the rest of the day, helping run supplies from our van to the houses!
There is a great Facebook page that fostered the movement to have the marathoners instead run with donations on Staten Island: https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkRunnersInSupportOfStatenIsland
It was so unreal to see the damage first hand and speak with victims who had swam to safety, waited on rooftops for safety, saved a life, lost a loved one, etc. It was hard, but so so so rewarding to be able to help them and give back in the slightest.
The gas lines are still long, the damage still there, the wounds still fresh, but the spirit was stronger than ever. I am still in awe of the optimism, perseverance, courage, and hope that Staten Island possesses. I am so proud to call myself a true Staten Islander.
"To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind - this is a choice which is possible for all of us; and surely it is a good haven to sail for."
-Henry Van Dyke
-Shelley
Saturday, November 3, 2012
you can take away our home, but you cannot take away our heart
Hurricane Sandy Post #1 (#1 out of a possible 4)
NOTE: Yes, I am from Staten Island, New York. The very Staten Island being mentioned on every news channel and paper as a victim of Hurricane Sandy's damage. Luckily, my family was safe and sound and we didn't suffer any damage- just power loss for a few days. Unfortunately, a lot of our friends and loved ones did lose a lot. Please comment below with your email, message me on Facebook, or let me know somehow if you are interested in donating or volunteering with the relief efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many New Yorkers, were left without power, water, and shelter. Many schools on Staten Island are being used as shelters and are full of families and pets. As we slowly return to normalcy, it is absolutely amazing to see the community coming together like this.
This past weekend was so absolutely full of emotion, heart, spirit, and lots of energy. On Saturday, November 3rd, S.P.A.R.K. volunteered at the Wagner High School shelter on Staten Island. The most striking thing is the large sign turning away clothing donations and volunteers encouraging people to bring the clothes to other areas where clothing needed more. It is so impressive that so many people have stepped up to rebuild our community.
From various donations to S.P.A.R.K., we were able to bring coloring books, colored paper, crayons, and books for the children that were staying at the shelter. The kids were so full of spirit and life even though they had been in the shelter for days. They loved hanging out with us and talking to us about their experiences. I was surprised as to how well these kids were reacting. They really were being supportive to all the volunteer efforts and making sense of their situation. It was hard to see what some of the families had gone through and are going through, but their spirit resonated.
Feel the Beat Productions of Staten Island, NY brought their DJ, characters, face painting, and dance moves to the kids for free to lift their spirits. Violet Dominguez, a professional dancer and fellow pageant sister, also taught some of the children a dance lesson. Everyone was so full of energy and enthusiasm, it was a great way to lift the spirits of the kids and give them some time to let loose. Whether it was the hula hoop contests, dance offs, face painting, coloring or sharing stories, they kept all the kids engaged and excited. It was really a great, rewarding night.
NOTE: Yes, I am from Staten Island, New York. The very Staten Island being mentioned on every news channel and paper as a victim of Hurricane Sandy's damage. Luckily, my family was safe and sound and we didn't suffer any damage- just power loss for a few days. Unfortunately, a lot of our friends and loved ones did lose a lot. Please comment below with your email, message me on Facebook, or let me know somehow if you are interested in donating or volunteering with the relief efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many New Yorkers, were left without power, water, and shelter. Many schools on Staten Island are being used as shelters and are full of families and pets. As we slowly return to normalcy, it is absolutely amazing to see the community coming together like this.
This past weekend was so absolutely full of emotion, heart, spirit, and lots of energy. On Saturday, November 3rd, S.P.A.R.K. volunteered at the Wagner High School shelter on Staten Island. The most striking thing is the large sign turning away clothing donations and volunteers encouraging people to bring the clothes to other areas where clothing needed more. It is so impressive that so many people have stepped up to rebuild our community.
From various donations to S.P.A.R.K., we were able to bring coloring books, colored paper, crayons, and books for the children that were staying at the shelter. The kids were so full of spirit and life even though they had been in the shelter for days. They loved hanging out with us and talking to us about their experiences. I was surprised as to how well these kids were reacting. They really were being supportive to all the volunteer efforts and making sense of their situation. It was hard to see what some of the families had gone through and are going through, but their spirit resonated.
Feel the Beat Productions of Staten Island, NY brought their DJ, characters, face painting, and dance moves to the kids for free to lift their spirits. Violet Dominguez, a professional dancer and fellow pageant sister, also taught some of the children a dance lesson. Everyone was so full of energy and enthusiasm, it was a great way to lift the spirits of the kids and give them some time to let loose. Whether it was the hula hoop contests, dance offs, face painting, coloring or sharing stories, they kept all the kids engaged and excited. It was really a great, rewarding night.
"Sandy, you can take away our home, but you cannot take away our heart."
-Staten Island, NY
-Shelley
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