a new chapter.

In the story of my life, this is a new chapter. 

      This fall I will be a freshman at the CUNY Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College's 8-year Coordinated BA/MD Program (whew, that's a mouthful!), I moved to Brooklyn (from Staten Island), and was just crowned the National American Miss New York Teen 2012! New chapter indeed!
I am so blessed and honored to be given both these opportunities, and so beyond excited for this upcoming year!
      This year is meant to be something greater than me and I have dedicated it to SPARKing self-esteem in our nation's youth. In 2010, when I founded S.P.A.R.K. (Students Partnering and Reaching Kids) with my sister, my dream was to empower teens to become mentors for kids. Today, I am fulfilling that dream as we work with teens to develop their leadership skills then have them give back by mentoring kids through the power of goal-setting, community service, and personal development.
      The power of a mentor is invaluable. Mentors are people that can change lives, inspire minds, and alter history. Teens have the power to become a role model for kids. They have the power to positively impact somebody's life. They have the power to become a mentor. Mentoring somebody is one of the most noble, honorable, and powerful things that anybody can do.
      It is such a great feeling to be able to positively impact somebody's life. Everyone has the potential to become a mentor, but choosing to act upon that potential is the first step. SPARK helps teens do just that.
By being there for somebody else, teens are empowered and inspired. This sparks their self-esteem- the process of developing their own leadership skills and then getting a chance to mentor somebody is so rewarding.
      In turn, kids are gaining valuable mentors. They are gaining a sense of security. They are gaining a role model. These kids are gaining self-esteem from having a real-life guide who understands them, plays with them, and encourages them.
      The values of SPARK is so closely linked with National American Miss: dreaming big, setting goals, and growing confidence. This year, as I represent NAM as a state queen, I encourage my fellow sister queens, state finalists, and teens all across the country to embody these values and then take it one step further to mentor a child. Teach them what you have learned. Help them learn from your mistakes. Help them develop skills you have developed. Not all kids can get a NAM experience, so if you are fortunate enough to have one, help them achieve the same personal development that you have through NAM.
    I thank National American Miss, Steve and Kathleen Mayes, Ms. LaKishia, and everyone who is and was a part of this great organization for empowering girls all across the country and making dreams come true.

You can follow me during my reign on this blog as I talk about my work with SPARK and my appearances this year:

on Twitter: @Shelley_Jain

on Instagram: @ShelleyJain

and FOLLOW S.P.A.R.K.:

on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SPARKSelfEsteem

on Twitter: @SPARKSelfEsteem

on Instagram: @SPARKSelfEsteem

"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction." 

-John Crosby

Shelley