Motivational Speech at I.S. 180

Heyy Everyone,

On Tuesday November 30th I visited P.S./I.S. 180 "The Seeall Academy," where I delivered a Motivational Speech. I have to start by saying that the experience was unforgettable! I left the school with the biggest smile on my face and the most amazing adrenaline rush.

My drama teacher from when I was in junior high school; Mrs. Marino, was kind enough to set up this opportunity for me. She is wonderful person, who over the years has turned from teacher to friend and I am so thankful to have her a part of my life. She truly has been a constant supporter of mine :-).

Mrs. Marino <3

Principal Williams & The Assistant Principal of I.S. 180
(and mom of course) :-)

Mr. Gaglio (who happens to be another teacher at I.S. 180
and the father of one of my oldest friends Sarah Gaglio)

When I arrived at I.S. 180 everyone was very welcoming and extremely kind. I was able to meet with both the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Seeall Academy who made me feel right at home in the school. Prior to the assembly that I spoke at, I walked around the school a little and went into some of the classrooms. The first was an adorable Kindergarten class where one little girl asked "are you a princess?" lol and literally made my heart melt. After walking around to a few classes it was time to go to the auditorium to address the students. I was under the impression that I would be speaking to a few classes, but no no no I was mistaken because when I walked into the auditorium I learned that I would be speaking to close to 500 junior high school students!!!! I will admit I was quite nervous lol, but so excited for the opportunity. Mrs. Marino introduced me to the students and it was now time to speak .  . yikess!!!

"Are you a princess?" -Kindergarten Cutiesss <3

Well . . .  I was blown away by the reaction these students had. They were all so receptive and literally if you listened you could hear a pin drop, that's how quiet they were. I must thank them for being so respectful and for welcoming me with open arms. I spoke for around 20 minutes and told them a little bit about who I was in Junior High School (odd looking with braces and bad eyebrows lol) and explained to them my journey and how I ended up Miss Brooklyn. If someone told me a few years ago I would be on the track to Miss America, I would have thought they were crazy, but somehow, someway, here I am!!! Never doubt your abilities for one second. We all have a niche in life, something we can hold onto and know that no matter what it will always be there for us. For me that niche has always been DANCE! It has been my passion since I was three years old, from the time I saw the movie Grease and thought I was Sandra Dee lol. Dance is a part of who I am and it is what has brought me to the Miss America track. So for everyone out there that believes they aren't good enough to achieve a goal, or think they are good, but believe someone else is better . . . TOSS THOSE THOUGHTS OUT THE WINDOW RIGHT NOW, because you are good enough!!!!
"HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO, and know that it will guide you in the right direction. Your life will surprise you and I guarantee you it will not go according to plan. Trust me you can color coordinate and write lists and ideas out, but life is going to take you where it wants and it may not be what you thought, IT MAY BE BETTER!! Never give up and fight for everything you want in life, because when giving up is not an option, the world will be at your fingertips. Hold onto the excitement you had when you were 5 years old and believed you could be a princess or a ninja turtle and don’t be afraid to get knocked down the ladder of success a few times. You will get some bumps and bruises, but once you make it to the top I promise you success is all the more sweet!!!!" 

The Seeall Academy 

Me delivering my speech !

Following my speech was the recognition of the new Student Counsel and I would like to congratulate those students who ran for office, you all should be very proud . . . and a special congrats to the honor students who each received a 95 academic average or above!!!! 

Exceptional Achievers 

After the assembly concluded I was surrounded by tons of students asking me to sign everything in creation lol!!! It may sound silly, but I felt like a ROCK STAR lol. I signed the following . . . . . 
1.) Notebooks 2.) Folders 3.) Backpacks 4.) Cell Phones 5.) Arms 6.) Ipods 7.) Sneakers 8.) Sweatshirts 9.) $20.00 Bills 10.) PSP 11.) Pictures etc. 

Signing away

Mrs. Marino's Class

This started off a picture with one
and then they all jumped in lol

Students of class 701

:-) 

:-)

These girls were sweethearts 

6th grade cuties

hmm something was funny I gather !

:-)

<3

:-)

Students came over to me thanking me for inspiring them and sharing my story and it made me realize that many of us do not know how powerful words can be! Simply sharing my story and being open and honest with the students made a difference and I have to thank them from the bottom of my heart for inspiring me to believe in myself on a whole new level. Your love and kind words will stay with me always!!! <333 xoxo


I hope to see you all again very soon :-)


xoxo
Christina