two years, ago.

I was flipping through my journal this morning and I stopped, and I started reading through my journal entries from when I was on my mini mission. I came across May 30, 2010. Exactly two years ago. I had been serving for about a month and a half.

I'm going to start this by saying I loved my time in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I was 19 and all my guy friends were leaving on missions and I left right along with them to get a little taste of what it is like. I served the people of Cuatla with my whole heart and I loved them. I only remember one day during my two months there that I was super upset, and this was the day. May 30, 2010. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had been completely humbled. I remember coming home after a long day; it was one of those days when a bunch of your appointments fall through, I had been eaten alive by bugs through my itchy tights, and it was probably over 100 degrees.

I went into our closet sat down and just started crying. I started my journal entry with, "I'm just going to complain for as many pages as it takes so that I get over this." I complained about me not being able to communicate because my Spanish wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I complained about the water and the bugs and how people would always talk about my hair or my eyes, and just the dumbest things. I wrote about all of the things I was missing- my family, and everything at home, like my sister PR'ing in her track meet, and about my friends and how I was upset about how they were making dumb decisions. And I wrote about a bunch of other things that were just really upsetting me.

I ended the entry with, "I honestly think this is an amazing experience, I'm just upset. Heavenly Father, please help me tomorrow, and for the rest of my time here."

I've started taking notes in church, and this past week, was all about overcoming trials and forgiveness. Something I wrote down that really stuck with me, was that Christ has been through it all, and he can help us with it all, we just need to turn to him. And although I might pray everyday, sometimes we just need to really be humbled and realize that we can't do it alone. I know I've quoted this before, but it's one of my favorite quotes! It's from President Hickley, and it says, "If Life Gets Too Hard To Stand, Kneel." 


Lately I've been in an odd mood. So when I was reading through this it really hit home. Just like the game chutes and ladders, our path isn't always going to be up. Everyone struggles with different things. Everyone has different circumstances. We are given trials for a reason and the Lord is always there for us, we just need to turn to him. 


Reading through my journal entries, I was reminded of what an amazing experience a mission is. I am truly amazed by the people I met and taught, and about the miracles I experienced.


I don't think I could ever find the words to describe how much my time in Mexico means to me. It makes me so grateful for the missionaries who go and serve for a full 2 years. How incredible. I learned so much on my mission about myself, about the world, and about the gospel. 


PS.   May 31, 2010, the very next day, "wow, today was the best day of my whole mission and it's exactly what I needed." Prayer answered? :) 

Dedicated to my beautiful mother; and second mother, Claudine Taylor

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

to the best mom in the whole wide world:

my mom. 

This is my all time favorite picture of my mom. This picture was my sophomore year, at my apartment, when she came down to Provo for a week and stayed with me. That was probably the best week ever. She hung out with my friends, she went to class with me, she cooked me food everyday, and I don't think my apartment had ever been as clean as she made it. A mother's touch. It was so fun; she's fun. 

BUT LET'S START FROM THE BEGINNING: 

I guess I owe my life to my mom. I mean, I wouldn't be here without her right? This picture is awesome. Even though I'm pretty sure this wasn't the most enjoyable experience, I was her first born. I love this picture because, first, my dad looks scared out of his mind and second, because you can just tell my mom had been through an eventful morning. If you couldn't tell, this is when my mom birthed me (yes birthed is a word), twenty-one and a half long years ago. It's so funny to see my parents when they are more close to my age. 

THEY LOOK FUNNY. HA.

 It's weird because when youre a kid, you always think your parents just know exactly what they are doing. But as I continue to grow up and think about the far away day when I'll become a mom, parenting is crazy to think about. My first child. All of the sudden. I'm responsible for someone else. Oh my goodness. How amazing. How much pressure. As excited as I am, I'm so glad I still have a while. Thanks mom for bringing me into this world. 

PS. why do all babies look like aliens... at least they stuck a bow on my head... 

I absolutely adore this picture. My mom looks like a total boss. I know where I get my amazing style from and good looks from. And look at her hair! What a babe. It's pretty funny because everyone I've ever met that knows my mom says we are twins. When I went to Uruguay for my quienceñera, my family from South America hadn't seen me in years. and I'm pretty sure the first thing everyone told me was how much I was my moms equal. Thanks for my good looks mom ;) 

I just put this picture up to show everyone of how much a boss I was. Side ways hat? Killin it.  I mean, I know this post is about my mom but seriously. I'm so cool. 

One thing I love about my mom, is the love and support she has showed me throughout my life. She has been a part of all my important moments. She was there when I tied my shoe for the first time, when I fell down an escalator, when I went to my first day of school, when I got baptized, for my piano, flute, dance, soccer, performances/games,  when I went on my first date, when I went to my high school prom, when I graduated from high school. And she continues to be there for me. 

Although I don't live at home anymore, and don't get to see my mommy as often as I would like to, I know that she would be there in a heartbeat if I ever needed her. I know that I can call her anytime and she will listen. And I know that she will always love me no matter what. My mom thinks anything I do is great and amazing haha, its pretty cool actually. I called her after I completely failed one of my accounting tests, and to her, I was still the smartest student at BYU. 

This is probably my favorite picture of us. This was taken in Las Vegas, when my mom came down for my 21st birthday. We got to see Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King. My mom wanted to go "clubbing" with me, but for some reason I didn't really want to. So I convinced her out of it. My mom is hilarious. 

I really have such an amazing mom. Sometimes I think she has more energy than I do. I remember in high school, sometimes I would have sleepovers with my friends and we would walk upstairs in the middle of the night and my mom would be randomly baking muffins for us in the morning. 3am? What the? To show her energy watch the video that's coming up... 

OKAY. I LOVE THIS VIDEO. This is when my best friend Caitlin came and visited me in Oregon. This is a reenactment of what actually happened when my mom came home and saw that Caitlin was there, and I think it was even more intense the first time. 

Here's Mrs. Molina for you:  

(Sorry it's sideways...)

 PS. My mom is the one in the pink... in case you don't know what my mom looks like.  Ha. But, there's my mom for you. Full of life. Always up for adventure. One of the most amazing women I have ever met. She is SO talented. She plays the piano, the accordion, she cuts hair, bakes crazy cool cakes, sings amazing, shes so smart and really cares about and is always serving others. 

I know my mom isn't the most perfect mom in the world, but she is the perfect mom for me. I love you so much mom. Have a fantastic  Mother's day. You're the best!

throwback.

Real quick, one last story. So, on Mother's Day, when I lived at home (I don't know about anymore) but we would always make mom breakfast in bed.  One year, I had woken everybody up, and we all went to the kitchen, and we made this big breakfast - usually eggs and toast and cereal and cut up fruit. We get it all set up on the tray and walk up stairs to her room. We're all standing there and I go to wake up my mom and I tickled my mom's leg I guess and she had a automatic reaction and just kicked. You can guess what happened... kicked the tray and lets just say I won't forget that mother's day :) 

AND: 

I cant forget my second mother Claudine!!! She is the best second mom I could ever ask for!

You are such an example to me and I hope that I can show as much love to my future children as you show to your kids everyday. I want to be just like you as a mom. You are amazing! I hope that when I'm a mom, I will be as wonderful as a mother as you are. Thank you for everyyyyyyyyything! 

Time flies.

Since I've started college, April has always been an interesting month. I feel like everything starts and ends in April.

Two Aprils ago, I finished my freshman year at BYU, and left to Mexico for two months for a mini mission in Cuernavaca, Mexico. 

Last April, I had just returned from spending a few months in Uruguay and started my first Spring term at BYU.

This April, I am ending my hardest year of schooling everrr, moving to California for two months and then Oregon for the rest of the Summer. (both for internships) 

Everything is always changing. Time doesn't stop for anyone. Its crazy to think its already been two years since my time in Mexico-all the elders I met while I was there, are home. aaaand a whole year has passed since I was with my beautiful family in Montevideo. what!??!

Why does time always seem to fly by? Finals are coming up, and every time I get worried about them, I just think. Before I know it, they will be over. I remember my first day of BYU's accounting junior core. I looked at the calendar full of assignments and remember thinking. "I can't believe I am going to eventually complete all of this." And look at me now. Done with every assignment. All I have are my last exams. It's absolutely crazy.

So. I'm a horrible blogger. It's been almost two months since my last post about the dumb modesty letter that went viral blah blah whatever. (By the way, what an experience....) To be honest, I only started a blog so I could keep up with every other girl in Provo. Hahaha. Maybe one day I'll become more legit and post about daily walks and what I see/think when I look out the window. Or maybe all I have to do is wait until I'm engaged, or married. And then I can post everyday about how in love I am. But right now, I just like to post every once in a while so I don't forget the cool things I do. And remember to be grateful. So if you get bored reading about my life. Then you don't have to read it... hahah. It's that simple.

Here's an update of some of the cool things that have happened since I last posted.

I accepted my offer with Ernst & Young. I'll be interning with them this summer in Portland, Oregon. I. Can't. Wait. And got my other internship figured out in California for Spring. And i'll be living with the Taylors. Can my life get any better!? I love those people SO much.

Got a new roommate! Ariel is such a fun girl and I'm soo glad we got such a cool new roommate. She's such an example to me, and I'm better because of her.

Went Snowboarding.... winter wouldn't be complete without shredin da hecka sicky gnar

Went to Bri's bridal shower. (I can't believe one of my best friends is getting married in two weeks! Luckily I get to go to LA for it! I love you brianna)

My dad came and visited me. I honestly have the coolest dad in the whole world. Haha. You can ask any of my friends how much I talk to him. He calls me, or I call him at least once a day. Usually more. Actually, almost always more. I'm glad he got to come and spend some time with me. He always makes me laugh, he is probably one of the funniest people I know. And. He gives the best advice.

Played by the pool. This winter has been so weird. It's been so warm and sunny and I love it. And then randomly it snows in APRIL!? what the heck utah.

Watched BYU in March Madness. Came back after they were down by 20 points.... it doesn't matter that they weren't that good this year, that was a cool game. And  my bracket got killed. I had Duke winning. Its cool though. I still love Duke.

Went to the red carpet premiere of chickmagnetsmovie.com BEST MOVIE. everyone should see it!

Celebrated St Patricks day! Which is also Tia Any's birthday. FELIZ CUMPLE!

Boyce Avenue and Second Hand Serenade Concert. Oh my gosh. I'm so obsessed with Boyce Avenue. Listen to their acoustic version of thats what makes you beautiful and teenage dream. You too, will love them.

Went to a Jazz Game.  Okay, who actually likes the Jazz? Maybe if Jimmer played for them, I'd be excited to watch them play. But this game just made me miss the Blazers. Rip City girl.

SAW THE HUNGER GAMES. Wow. I really can't choose between Team Peeta and Team GALE. THEY ARE BOTH FREAKING BOMB WOW. Russell and I bought 45 tickets. It was way fun to have such a huge group. And I'm glad I got to go with all of my friends

Went to Ernst & Younger games. It was basically a huge game of capture the flag. So much fun haha. And Jim Turley, the CEO of EY, came and spoke to us. My name tag said "Campus Hire" I felt legit.

Festival of Colors.  Okay. I don't know who saw that meme. "Biggest Hindu celebration on the western hempisphere, 20000 Mormons, 10 Hindus." So funny. But you can't ever pass this one up. It's so fun! And you get bomb pictures. I obviously wouldn't give up a good photo op. duh. Unfortunately, it dyed my hair pink. cool. real cool.

Passover Dinner. HAHHAHA. okay. so funny. Jason killed me. It was really cool experience, we got to see the actual process. And how the Passover meal is performed. AND they made us eat the bitter herb. Hollllyyyyyy gross. I honestly felt sick for about an hour afterward. But that was probably the coolest part, because afterward if you go and read the passages, you get a feel for the bitterness that Jesus experienced. That bitter herb was honestly the most horrible thing I have ever consumed. It got me ready for Easter.

Went with Hunter and Westin to their mission reunion. Stacy and I just took Pictures. I'm going to miss this girl so much when I leave for the summer. I couldn't ask for a better best friend.

Played APRIL FOOLS DAY PRANKS. OKAY so. Here's what went down. I schemed the night before. Chase_Observes helped. It was mostly my brilliant mind though. Okay, yeah, it was all me. OREOS AND TOOTHPASTE. I do it every year. So what you do, (you can probably guess) is you take the frosting out of the middle of the Oreo and you fill it with toothpaste. GENIUS. So I left them out,  for April Fools day. Brad and Bryan came over for conference. BRYAN TOOK AN OREO. wow i love it when other people fall for my genius. THEN. Dallin invited us over for a pancake party. PERFECT right!? I brought the Oreos. Set them out. Watched the boys fall for them one by one. it was so fun to yell at them all APRIL FOOLS. I felt like such a boss hahhahahahah.

then.... I should have known better to trick the brilliant minds at Lanai. When I wasn't paying attention, they brought my oreos down to my car and oreo'd my car...... coooooooooooooool. hahah no. but good job.... i guess i deserved it. not really.

Went to Conference. Brad got tickets! We tried to go in the fall but oh wait... we got there late and lost a ticket. haha but this session we finally made it and can i mention it was THE SAME SESSION THAT DAVID ARCHULETA SANG IN. OH MY GOSH. I really almost died. It was the best day of my whole life. After conference was over. I ran up to the front and just stared at him. He may or may not have winked at me. :D

Easter Eggs. HAHAHHA okay. SO we had a Easter egg coloring competition. Spencer and I OBVIOUSLY won. CAN YOU SEE JUSTIN BIEBER ON THAT EGG? it's a masterpiece.

Finished the JUNIOR CORE. Best, hardest, craziest, coolest experience of my schooling. ever. Have I ever mentioned how much i LOVE my major? Accounting is seriously the best thing I could ever ask to major in. It's cool to find something you enjoy. So I'm a pretty lucky girl. I'm so thankful for my group. I think it was different for everyone because last semester we had so many projects and did EVERYTHING together. But this group was just as cool. They are all great guys and I'm glad I got put with them. And what are the chances that I got in the same group as my best friend? I freaking love you Russell Gardner. You're such a boss and I'm lucky to have you as one of my best friends.

I don't know what it is, but I always feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I just have good luck. Maybe it's because I always pick up lucky pennies. No matter what side is showing, they seem to always bring me good luck. I'd like to think my good luck comes from two things. 1. My Heavenly Father. He always knows what I need. Even if it's not the answer I want, or thought I wanted, he always seems to send me to where I need to be, and send me the people that I need in my life. To help me learn, to hurt me, to love me, to guide me, and to make me a better person. 2. I'd like to think it's my attitude. I don't have a perfect life. Bad things happen. I have hard days. But, I don't let those hard things get to me. Life is for fun. You can't always be waiting for life to be fun, "Oh I'll be happy once I graduate." "I'll be happy once I'm married." "I'll be happy when finals are over." No. Life is for having fun and being happy every single day. Even the bad days can be turned into a good day.

Last but not least. HAPPY EASTER. I hope everyone has a fantastic day and remembers what today is all about. Jesus Christ, our Savior, and my older brother was resurrected. I know that he really, truly, loves each and every single one of us. I know that he loves me. One of my favorite quotes comes from President Hickley, "If Life Gets Too Hard To Stand, Kneel." He is always there. He will always listen.

B

my "love note" post went viral.... what the? my thoughts.

SO. this week I learned the power of social media. Its pretty freaking insane. Here are my thoughts, starting with the story from my point of view.

I had a meeting for ALPFA (a club) at 6pm on Valentines day night, so I decided to stay in the Tanner building and study until then. I went to the cubicals because one of my friends was studying there. I went sat down by him, got up for a phone call and then when I sat back down... five minutes later, a random boy came up to me, tapped me on the should and gave me what I thought was a love note. Come to find out... it definietly wasn't a love not.

Here is the note:



Didnt expect that. At first I was embarrassed. Because I was with my friend, and he wanted to read the note... and it was embarrassing! I was also sad I had offended someone with my choice in dress, because that was not my intention. Also, it was Valentine's day night. I'm sorry, but it was not nice. How do you think his note made me feel? If I was struggling with my testimony or modesty in any way... I don't think this boy's note would have made me change my dress or how I feel towards the church. If anything I would have just been hurt, offended, and upset by it.

But after thinking about it, I took it as a joke. I texted a few of my close friends showing them the note the boy had written me. They all responded, oh my gosh! What are you wearing!? So I went in the bathroom... and I snapped a picture to show my friends... haha. Who would have thought that the picture would spread like wildfire all over the US. and even the world. If I would have known that picture would be examined by thousands, I would have taken a cuter picture! hahahah. To be honest, that picture is kind of embarrassing. My friends thought it was funny, so I posted it on my Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For those of you who know me, I love Social Media.... haha. Im always uploading random things I think are funny. Somtimes I'm lucky and get 30 "likes." or 3 "retweets." But I never in a million years thought that my post would be shared over five hundred times and retweeted over 100 times. And... thats just what happened.

Here's what I was wearing:



I had a great rest of Valentines night. I told people about the story, we laughed about it and that was that. Just a funny, sad story. I went to bed that night. Went to my accounting classes the next morning. I got out of class at 11, and my post had 100+ shares. WHAT THE. how did THAT happen. I looked at the comments... They were pretty funny. My friends took it as a joke. For those that know me, they know that I'm not a rebel. Haha, I'm not a "Molly Mormon" but I am definitely always trying my best to keep the standards of the church, because I love my religion. The idea of the Honor Code at BYU for us to be MODEST. not measure inches of covered knees between the end of our loose fitting dress and the top of our boots. I had people going through my pictures on Facebook with a measuring stick to see if they could find immodest clothing... Really? Is that what the Honor Code is for? So we can find fault with each other?

After it started getting more and more shares, I got nervous. I was literally shaking. I didn't want to get in trouble with BYU and I didn't want my friends, and random people to think that I was mocking the honor code. I personally respect the honor code and I dont have a problem with it. I called my dad and he said that my post was fine, and that I didn't need to take it down. It's good to have conversations about our difference of opinions and what the rules mean or why they are there.  So I left it up because it had already gone VIRAL. and boom. thats the story.

With all of the shares, people wanted to hear what I had to say. Fox News, ABC, CBS, and NBC all jumped on the story. They came out to Provo and interviewed me. Here are the clips.

Fox Interview
KSL interview
ABC interview
KUTV (CBS) Interview

Here's one of the three radio interviews I had
Mix 1079

The Student Review
Daily Universe
Salt Lake Tribune
CBS Las Vegas

Here's the article they posted in the UK
Article
My friend Trevor's blog
imgur

The political cartoon says, "ugh! naked savage!" and he's holding a scroll that says "women's rights"

They even made a Meme... it says "what you are actually wearing" "what society thinks you're wearing" "what the creep in the study hall thinks you're wearing"

It made the front page of MSN and Yahoo....

I have had 500 new followers on Twitter, Over 200 Facebook friend requests, a lot of Facebook messages, countless text messages, phone calls, I got a very nice email from my religion and accounting professors, my parents have received calls, and endless support.

Walking around campus, and the tanner building, random people are yelling. You're THAT girl. from the Love Note story! and Nice outfit! and Thanks for dressing modestly today! Haha I was at the RB at my friends intermural basketball game and there was a boy who completely stopped and did a double take "Youre THAT girl" hahahah.

The weirdest thing is walking by people around the Tanner Building and the library who are either looking at my picture as I walk by, or talking about the story. That was a bizarre experience.

I could honestly go on and on....

Completely, absolutely.  Viral. So.... was there nothing happening this week or what? Was it really that big of a story for it to get that big? I dont think so. But there could be some valuable lessons learned.

When I was being interviewed I really didn't know what to say but to be very careful in my wording because I truly love BYU, and I think the Honor Code is here to protect us and help us be better people. but like I said earlier, the honor code is to help us be modest. not be self-righteous and judgmental.  I LOVE the LDS faith. (I served a mini mission and during high school I invited all of my friends over for discussions.) So I didnt want the news people to cut me in a way that was unfavorable towards the church or BYU. But, after thinking about it. I really wish I would have shared more of my thoughts (to the people of the LDS faith, not for the whole world...) about how men like this really aren't approaching the situation in the right way. 

I have gotten multiple girls that have either tweeted at me or messaged me on Facebook about their personal experiences that were similar to mine. One girl told me that during her D&C class, a boy called her out, in front of the WHOLE class saying her shirt was inappropriate. She said she was so embarrassed and pretty upset by it. For a boy to call a girl out in front of everyone is so sad. especially in a religion class! Thats just one of the many I received. I really feel that for the most part, the girls at BYU are truly fantastic, a light to the world. I'm sure you know, but we live in a crazy world. And to even BE at BYU says something about the type of people we are. remarkable. And when students (girls and boys) are trying so hard to be good and do the right thing... one comment from a self righteous boy would really be upsetting. 


I could post the rude messages from random people saying that it is MY fault that the church is being talked badly about it. But I wont. To them and others, I apologize. I learned my lesson about the power of social media, and I feel bad if you are offended or annoyed by this story... I really had no intention of it becoming this big. People are going to talk. With Joseph Smith and in the times of Christ bad things were said. That is the cool thing about BYU and about the Mormon faith. It still grows, even when there is "bad publicity." 


Almost everyone has been very supportive. I have gotten hundreds of tweets and messages from people saying that they thought I was dressed appropriately and they support me. SO many more nice people in this world. 


To the people of the LDS faith. Please think before you say something. Growing up, people in my ward thought it was their job to call me out and tell me what I was doing wrong. As someone who loves my religion, it didn't help. It just made me upset. Some people get very upset by comments, so be careful. I am not perfect and I know that, but I want boys (and girls) at BYU, and within our faith, to know that sometimes, you just need to ignore the situation and walk away. I do respect others who have the courage to stand up for what they believe, but please, be very careful.... espcially at BYU, where, like I said earlier, we are all trying to be the best we can. We have a honor code, and that is amazing. It is one of the things I love about BYU. The students here, for the most part, really are trying to be good Christians and be a "light to the world" 


My dad has always told me, the gospel is perfect, the people are not. So true. 


If that boy is out there, I'm sure he feels really bad, and I'm sorry, I really didn't mean for this to happen. Hopefully he (and others like him) learned something though. At first, he probably walked away feeling proud of himself. For sticking up for "what was right" but really? Valentine's day night? And was my outfit really that bad to write a note like that? If I upset that boy that much in the three seconds I walked by before sitting in my cubical then it truly wasn't my fault, but it was his. 

In the end, I want to say two things.

First, To those who don't know much about the LDS/Mormon Faith/BYU, we aren't all crazy. Haha. We definitely are different than others, but not crazy. There are the few out there who are pretty bizarre, but for the most part... we are normal, nice, people.

Second, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and been sooo kind. There has been an overwhelming response and I know that (thankfully) in a few days this will all be over.

Thanks,

B

Let's hear it for New York

New York. IM OBSESSED. I’ve been waiting my whole life and I finally got the opportunity to go! The best part was that Ernst & Young (one of the big four accounting firms) paid for my trip! It was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had. We listened to some of the most successful, inspiring people speak and I got to get a picture and talk with the CEO of EY. I was there for four days and I learned so much and fell in love with the city. 

My first day, I arrived in NY at the same time as this girl named Mariana. I met her at the airport and it was love at first sight. Haha but really, I got so lucky, shes a way cute girl and we had so much fun that week. That night, we went to Times Square and Rockefeller Center. 

Times Square!

Rockefeller Center 

Dinner at Carnegies.

Next day: The conference started at 2:30pm. So we had until then to EXPLORE NYC. We started early and you'll never guess how much we accomplished. Starting at 8:00am: Empire State Building, then Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Down to the statue of Liberty, Across the ferry to Staten Island, then up to Wall Street and the 9/11 memorial, then to Soho, saw John Mayer's house, China Town, Little Italy, Grand Central Station, up to the MET, and walked back by central park to our hotel. ALL IN SIX HOURS. It was crazy and exciting, just like the city. We are pros at using the subway now.

Empire State Building!!

Wall Street 

Statue of Liberty!

9/11 Memorial 

China Town

Madison Square Garden! Justin Bieber performed here!

Pizza at Little Italy 

Soho! This is the building that John Mayer lives! 

Grand Central Station 

Steps of the MET, we sat on them just like Serena and Blair would :)


That day at the conference:
A bunch of people spoke with us but my favorite speaker was Jim Turley, the CEO of Ernst & Young. I think listening to such successful people is so interesting. They are so smart and talented at what they do. One of the things he said that really stood out to me was that a big part of being successful is just being able to connect with people. In the business world today, you not only have to be smart but you have to have social skills and know how to network. You could be the smartest person and have the highest GPA, but still not be successful because people can't connect with you.


 
Here he is!


That night we had a scavenger hunt! It was SO fun! The people at this conference were hilarious and all so nice! I didn't get any pictures because I didn't have my camera but basically we had to run all over Times Square looking for certain things and statues.  My group almost won....... almost.


Third day:  7am-9pm speakers and activities! It was amazing. I had two favorite speakers:
1. Dot, the Americas director,  talked with us about her career. I really enjoyed hearing from her because she is a mom with 3 grown children, yet she is very successful.
2. Ken Bouyer talked about how we can all do great things. He grew up in hard circumstances. When he finally got out, he got a summer job fueling airplanes. His job made him work that much harder at school because he realized that he didn't want to be fueling airplanes for the rest of his life. He talked about three things that really stood out to me.
a. You've got to be hungry. Don't be happy just being there. If you have big goals, you have to make them happen.
b. Average is your enemy. We are all unique and we shouldn't try to be like everyone else. Be bold. Bring new ideas to the table. He talked about being a peacock in a land of penguins. Let your colorful wings show, they are beautiful.
c. Your reputation and your brand is everything. Build it wisely. Once you have credibility, people will have your back because they know you are a hard worker and you've proved that you deserve to be there.


I really liked his talk because it reminded me of my father who has really shown me that we really are in charge of our future. You can come from the poorest, hardest, situation and because of your choices and decisions, you can make a better future for yourself. It's really cool because I'm at the point of my life where I am making some of the biggest decisions of my life. Things that will determine the rest of my life. It's pretty intimidating at times, but I really love it. I can do anything with my life, and I'm going to make it great.


Oh! And one last quote from Oscar Suarez: "You have to be able to inspire yourself first to be able to inspire others."

dinner at Carmines :) SO good.

After all of the amazing speakers, we had a two hour break before dinner. Mariana and I took the subway to Roosevelt Island where they were filming GOSSIP GIRL. We didn't get any pictures with them. And we hardly could see them but just to be in their presence was enough! That show is amazing. Chuck & Blair, Nate, Serena... Darota. I'm obsessed. SO. we went on our two hour break, and the film crew told us to come back by 10 pm because they would be done then and we would be able to catch them. Bad news, when we came back after the dinner, they ended early and had already finished filming. But we got to meet the film crew and we were both like crying because we were so excited. 

this is the hospital they were filming at! 

We at least got to talk with the film crew... 

My last day: Woke up super early, did my accounting homework for three hours and then walked around central park and got back just in time to make the 8:15am breakfast.

Central Park!


On our last day, we listened to more great speakers and then we all made skits. They were hilarious. I was laughing so hard. It's really amazing to see everyone's creativity. 

My final group :) 

The conference was amazing. Amazing people, Amazing place, and what an amazing company! And what a winter break! From as far west and south as I could go in the US, to North West, to just about as East and North in the US, back to my home in the middle. And on top of all of that travelling, I moved from Lanai to Alpine Village. It's been busy. But it's great to be back, and I love being able to have my best friends as my roommates. We're heading down to Zion for the weekend! :) Happy Martin Lurther King Jr Day!  

b