Big Dreamers!

Kid’s definitely say the darnest things! I was so excited to be the guest speaker at Lake Ridge Elementary in Cedar Hill, TX, last Tuesday, April 12. Speaking to three 4^th grade classes made for an extraordinary afternoon. Expressing the importance of staying in school, setting goals, and making responsible decisions to children much younger than I am was truly inspiring. As I was giving my presentation and speaking to the children about dreaming big, a little boy raised his hand and told me he didn’t want to go to college because he was concerned that it was too expensive. To hear a 10 year old student worrying about finance at such a young age worried me. I immediately replied that money should not come in the way of what he wants to do; I encouraged him to keep his chin up and never let anyone tell him what he can and cannot do and if he keeps up his good grades, colleges will pay him to go to school. With a very fun coloring activity, kids transformed a blank cut-out into an adult version of themselves and what they want to be when they grow up. We filled the page with goals and most importantly the phrase “Character Counts”! Throughout the entire presentation, the most important subject was character. No matter where you are or who you encounter, it is important to always have a very positive and elite character!

DSPTC Dinner and Toms Walk!

Monday April 4, 2011 – Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

I was very pleased and honored to be called back to attend the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner! Volunteering as Miss Teen Dallas County at their annual Buddy Walk truly touched my heart and it was so remarkable to be recognized and called back as Miss Teen Texas International. The Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County benefits the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families by providing information, social and educational activities and support designed to help achieve the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, pride in one’s achievements and acceptance and inclusion in the community. With delicious pizza, extraordinary people, and a great organization, it was definitely a memorable night.


Tuesday April 5, 2011 – TOMS One Day Without Shoes Walk
Walking from my high school to downtown Cedar Hill with no shoes truly enabled me to walk in the footsteps of millions of impoverished children across the world. Spreading Poverty Awareness, I proudly support the TOMS One Day Without Shoes. For every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, one pair is donated to a child in need. With just the few miles from the high school to my destination scraped and cut my feet; I cannot imagine how millions of children walk daily without shoes. Feet enable mobility and shoes are an important necessity that we often times take for granted.

One Day Without Shoes

Join me on April 5,2011 to spread the awareness of poverty!

First generation born and raised a Bangali-American I have travelled many times to Bangladesh, an extremely third world and impoverished country. With these experiences I have witnessed poverty first-hand and have seen the triumphs young children go through simply because they have no shoes.

One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 5th, we ask people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and inspire others at the same time.

Facts:
* In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
* Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
* Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
* In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
* Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

This is to show our support for what TOMS does for children with no shoes!

http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

Bangladeshi Independence Day and 5K

I had an eventful first weekend back home as Miss Teen Texas International!

Friday March 25, 2011, I was very excited to be a speaker at the Bangladeshi Independence Day Festival held in Plano, TX. Being a Bangali-American, I have had the continuous support from my Bangali community from the day I was born! From their support, both financially and emotionally, I have had many successes with my organization, Learning Creates Futures. I was pleased to thank my community for always believing in me and their excitement and pride gleamed as I spoke about my new title and my International family. I also spoke about my recent trip to Bangladesh and all my fun and exciting experiences there! I am proud to say that I have a remarkable Dallas Bangali Community with many great leaders, supportive parents, and a youth just waiting to take on the world!

Saturday March 26, 2011 I participated in a 5K to fight lung cancer and promote good health. Held at my very own Cedar Hill High School Stadium, I was not only a volunteer but a runner also. Running up and down my hilly town, I am proud that I supported such a great cause. After the run, I attended a dedication ceremony for a Cedar Hill High School basketball coach who recently passed away with lung cancer, Coach David Milson. I had the great honor of knowing Coach Milson and he was truly a great man. He brought a smile to my face with his funny jokes and magic tricks! I was honored to be a part of such a dedication and Coach Milson’s legacy will forever remain in the halls of Cedar Hill High School.

A Journey to Bangladesh

I began my year as Miss Teen Texas with a BANG! Boarding a plane straight from San Antonio to go to Bangladesh truly made for an eventful Spring Break. Landing in Bangladesh, I was greeted by numerous people who were overjoyed with my new title, as well as my arrival. I spent a majority of my Spring Break working in an all girls orphanage, established November 2010. Although a small number, girls ranging from the ages of 4-8 were now given a home and the opportunity to attend school.  I was delighted to spend my time with these girls, teaching them to be poised, elegant, and the importance of knowledge. They taught me how to dance, sing, and value life even in their circumstances. My 4 days quickly passed and as my trip came to an end the young girls begged me not to leave. But, I promised to visit again, leaving a donation from my scholarship foundation, Learning Creates Futures, to establish a library in the orphanage. The young girls expressed to me how much they love to read and how privileged they are to be attending school. I hope my library will reinforce the value of education and truly create hope for their futures. I look forward to visiting Bangladesh again to see the growth of these beautiful girls and their library! I am proud to say that I truly had a life-changing experience this Spring Break!

The New Miss Teen Texas International 2011!

Hello! I am ecstatic to post my first blog entry as the new Miss Teen Texas International 2011. Being crowned at the beautiful Lila Cockrell Theater in San Antonio, TX March 13, 2011 was such an honor. My weekend was full of exciting and unforgettable experiences. Friday I was introduced to 30 other beautiful and talented young teens from all across Texas, all of whom were vying to be the new Miss Teen Texas International. From the first day at orientation I had already made friendships I know will last a lifetime. As I spent my weekend with these girls, we laughed, joked, and competed in the stunning city of San Antonio. From eating lunch on the River Walk to making an appearance at Morgan’s Wonderland, the adventure never stopped. Sunday evening started with a bang as a morning full of rehearsals soon led to a night of hugging and exchanging numbers with my new sister queens.

 

I am looking forward to a great year as Miss Teen Texas International! I have devoted my reign to spreading my platform, Learning Creates Futures: The Power of Knowledge, worldwide! Education truly is the key to success and I believe every child’s dream can come true with self-confidence and education! Awarding scholarships in third-world countries to impoverished girls, I hope to one day break the vicious cycle of poverty with the power of knowledge! Being a first generation born and raised an American, I have had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to Bangladesh and witnessing poverty first-hand. With these experiences, I have learned to value my education each day and truly work to better myself in some way everyday. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to impact these children’s lives and make a difference in this world, one smile at a time!