what's in a name?

As I write this, I am currently munching on my newest addiction: dark chocolate covered cranberries. I think I'm in love (sorry to anyone following me on Instagram). But,

Why Sparkles and Service?

     I love the word spark. That is probably the reason why S.P.A.R.K.'s acronym is such. But the word spark is short, sweet, simple and implies that this is just the beginning, and that the possibilities are endless. A spark may be small, but it can ignite a fire. And at S.P.A.R.K., that's exactly what we hope to do- we want to ignite the spark of inspiration in our youth and help turn that spark into a fire, a fire that consumes their lives and helps them find a greater purpose in their lives.
     Sparkles is also indicative of the "sparkley" crown I am honored to wear this year. The crown is a symbol of hope to little girls all across the world, and with this crown, it is my duty to inspire as many people as I can with the message of National American Miss and S.P.A.R.K. This year, I will get to "sparkle" across the great state of New York, California, and wherever my journey takes me. And since  "sparkles and service" permeate every aspect of my life, I will continue sparkling even after my reign is over.
 (creepy: on Z100 they JUST asked listeners to text in the word "spark". Maybe that's some sort of good sign from the universe.)

    The service part is an innate desire to make an impact with my year, my resources, and my ideas. Service comes in the form of doing my duty to empower girls, teens, and children to set goals and become confident in themselves and their abilities. It is more than just community service- it is a commitment to my duty as a young woman, as a daughter, as a student, as a dreamer, as a sister, as a friend, and as a human being. It is giving my all in everything I do, keeping my integrity, and maintaining my values.

SPARKing Self Esteem at the Staten Island Children's Museum!

So, now that you know why I stand for "sparkles and service",  FOLLOW me:

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

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

 - Winston Churchill

Stay SPARKling,

Shelley

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

the number 11.

Junior Year has officially begun, and it's kind of exciting yet scary! ;D
So as I sit here and finish up my 30948230948320498323430948.33338 gallons of homework, I'll try to post something to keep me awake!



This is a scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1!
It's Xeno Lovegood at his house.
I can't wait for this movie to come out, or maybe I can because that will mean that they are actually over! I started reading Harry Potter in the second grade before I even understood more than half the words and have gone to the midnight book releases and movie showtimes. It's been such a big part of my life and childhood!
I absolutely admire J.K. Rowling for creating something so inspiring, magical, and clever that has become a worldwide phenomenon. The way she has left clues in earlier books leading up to the 6th and 7th novels is just fascinating.
I can talk about this for days, so as I get back to my homework:

It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

~J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore

Juniors.

Summer is almost over and I just realized I am going to be a Junior. A JUNIOR.

That means SATs, APs, College, NHS, resumes, All- nighters, and goodies of such sort, not necessarily in that particular order.

This summer has been super exciting and super BUSY! One of the exiting (and not so intelligent, but very fun) things I got to do was walk the Brooklyn Bridge; from my internship in the city I had to take the subway to South NY NAM Pageant at the Brooklyn Marriott, so I took the 4 down and reached Borough Hall. I got off and had no clue where I was! I even asked some people for directions but they said I had to take the train back to the city, go to Brooklyn Bridge and then walk over. I was late and tired but I had to get to Brooklyn to meet my mom and sister. So, wearing jeans, carrying a massive bag, and luckily, sneakers, I walked the Bridge! I have drove over it hundreds of times but never walked!

Living in NY my whole life, I have never gone to all the "tourist places", but this summer I went to the Statue of Liberty and walked the Brooklyn Bridge. Here are some of my highlights of that day:






Then I got there, changed into a decent dress and cheered on some friends and met old ones:

"So little time, so much to do!"
(Remember that MaryKate and Ashley Show!?)



So until next time, remember,

Anger is only one letter short of Danger.

Slippery Slides

So a couple of weeks ago we had a little sleepover with my cousin's kids, it actually turned out to be pretty big. Three little kids running around and screaming, one young girl trying to be fabulous, one basketball playing boy, two teenage girls who had a lot to do! But it was fun and exciting!

We went to the park and got some Baskin Robbins before they headed home:

We're all dreamers.

Today I had a practice SAT at Columbia University.
That place is my dream school. Whether I end up doing medicine, law, or journalism, I want to be there. I don't know the chances of me getting in, but we'll worry about that next year. ;)

The campus is beautiful! And to think its right in the middle of New York City, I don't think anybody could tell just by the campus. Well here are some pictures I got of the dream.







The SAT lasted forever, and fried my brain, so I treated myself to little Columbia University sweatshirt on the way home! :D

Celebrations

The second half of the year is always filled with celebrations in our family:
The Samster's Birthday, Raakhi, Mom's Birthday, Dushera, My Birthday, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Amma's Birthday, Christmas, and all throughout that a sprinkling of more family birthdays. Its a pretty exciting time.
In two weeks its the Samster's 8th Birthday! Last year:



We surprised him with a DSi wrapped in a Barnes and Nobles Bag.

I love love LOVE giving surprises that make people smile. (:

So in October, my big oh-one-six is coming up! The Oh in the front makes it seems older, kind of. I have always wanted a big sweet sixteen bash for all my friends and family, but I really want to do something meaningful. :) I have something in mind, so that surprise is something I'm working on now, and invites should be in the mail by the end of August! It's pretty exciting!

This summer has been super duper busy! The school year ahead is looking even busier! Some things coming up are MSIOT, which is recruiting contestants! SING, which is recruiting Tech juniors and freshman that can sing/dance/act/build/paint/or love the theater! SCHOOL, which is kind of exciting and not, all at the same time!
SO for now, I'm enjoying the summer and all its craziness and looking ahead for a busy, busy fall! :)

Until then, something very true I stumbled upon:
People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. -Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Hello Bloggers (:

Today is July 20th. That means we are almost at the "summer is half over" mark. I think one of the best summer trips I had was to the Bahamas in 2008:



This makes me want to go back.

I love inspirational quotes. They are all over my desk, my laptop, my binders, my notebooks, etc. I don't know why, but they make me feel all warm, fuzzy, and empowered.

My motto in life is: Shoot for the moon because if you fall you just might catch a star.

I think thats what makes me an overachieving perfectionist. ;D

Well, I'm super excited to start this blogging business and chronicle my life on the internet. :)