Simply Smiddy - The Idaho Convert

Why do we allow other people to decide who we are and what we are like?  From a very young age, we allow OTHER people to decide what kind of personality we have, who we get along with, or if we fit in. I am so bothered by the fact that I can look back to my elementary years and remember the rumors that society made me believe even from such a young age. For example:   "I am not very book smart. I won't fit in with the all of the intelligent students at BYU. I am a very bad reader. I hate reading. I am not good at it." - Thought I have made myself believe. When I break down WHY I am thinking this about myself I think back to the small events that made me believe this about myself. One in which is POPCORN READING. Guys, I am a passionate HATER for POPCORN READING. I think it is the devils creation and should be removed from classroom settings.  Just kidding.  Well, kinda.  Popcorn reading was one of the worst parts of my da...

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in Distinguished Young Women. There were 27 contestants and it was a tough competition. The girls were incredible and we created a bond I will never forget. Each girl was blessed with her own talent and confident that just glowed onstage. I walked into the competition knowing I wouldn't win because my scholastic score would not be within the top five. But I was blessed enough to win first in talent and first in fitness. Getting a total of $900 in scholarships. It was amazing to show my school and community my dancing abilities and my confidence onstage. Honestly it was a thrill to be onstage. Many ask if I'm disappointed in not winning... I don't hesitate to say no I'm not disappointed.. I am proud of myself and my accomplishments but I am even more proud to have the best representative to go compete in state. Not only do I have scholarship money but I have 26 new friendships I didn't have before. This is a ge...