Remember...I was an art major!

So, yesterday I got enough nerve to start calling businesses about possible sponsorships. I made a list of businesses that I thought might have an interest, got the phone book out, and away I went. It's amazing how the person who makes the decisions is never in. I did get someone who told me to come by in the afternoon. That was at least promising. Once there, she informed me that business is slow and they can't afford to do any advertising for themselves. So, I don't really think that one's goin' to work out. Then I thought, well I'm already dressed up...I might as well hit the streets of Provo. After four or five businesses and one man giving me a really crusty look and making me feel uncomfortable, I went home. When I got home, I kicked off the heels put on the tennis shoes, which made me feel much better, and was ready to call it quits. I was not made for marketing or advertising. I don't have a thick skin and being told "no" is a little tough. If I am able to raise this money it will be a miracle and a huge success for me. Remember... I was an art major not a business major.

Going to the Miss. Utah pageant

Last night I went with some gals that are involved with the Mrs. Utah pageant to go see the Miss. Utah Pageant. If these girls win they go on the Donald Trumps pageant on T.V. I think it made me more nervous. I not so sure if I can strut my stuff in a swim suit. I would just like to put a disclaimer on my back that reads, "Had 3 c-sections...have a heart." The ladies are nice, but can you say, "one of these things is not like the others." I was wearing my highest heels, but it doesn't count when all the other women wear theirs too. Oh well, I'm just glad they don't line us up in a row side by side like they did in this pageant. I realized I better get my tail on a serious workout regiment between now and April, because the bright lights don't do ya any favors and we are wearing white swimsuits. I'm biting my bottom lip just thinking about it. Just like my blog title reads...did I really sign up for this? From left to right: me of course, Emily Nelson (current Mrs. Utah), Alicia Warnock (former Mrs. Utah and the pageant director), Natalie Murray, Heidi Murray, and Karen Reynolds. All really nice ladies. I can easily see how you create a bond with these ladies, because only they will know what it's like to get on a stage in front of 700 people in a swimsuit. If that wont bond ya, I don't know what will!

Getting a Platform overhaul.

Last Saturday, we had our Mrs. Utah pageant orientation. It was nice to meet some of the women I've been corresponding with over the last couple of months and to see what kind of women would be doing the pageant. I was pleasantly surprised. I think I'm going to make some great friends out of this experience. Is it a little scary...most definitely. Is it intimidating...that's for sure. Will it be worth it...You betcha ya. My dear friend Amy is such a champ. She went with me. She is my adopted sister of sorts. She steps in for me when I need her because my family is on the other side of the country. On our way home, we were discussing my platform and I realized it needed some improvement. So here's my new and improved platform:

"Empowering Individuals through the Gift of English"

I am hoping to help create awareness in the Hispanic community of the opportunities available to them to learn English. After talking with many Hispanic members of our community, I found that the most difficult part of moving to the United States, is the language barrier. The children usually end up in ESL programs, but the parents tend to struggle. There is a lack of parental involvement in the school system by these adults, because they can't communicate with their children's teachers and they have trouble assisting their children in their homework. As a result these students will continue to struggle.
Members of this community also have a hard time receiving the medical care they need, because they cannot properly express their needs to their health care providers. They're job opportunities are limited and the American dream is harder to reach.
I hope to be able to give these people a voice and to help them gain confidence by helping them get the education they need in order to speak the language. How am I going to do this you might ask? Well I'm working on that part. There is a pilot program with the LDS Church that I'm involved in called the Daily Dose. It is a free English class offered 3 days a week at various chapels throughout the state of Utah. We teach basic and intermediate lessons that are applicable in their everyday lives. This week I taught a lesson on "Meeting Your Child's Teacher," and next week is on "Opening a Checking Account." You get the idea. I hope to create awareness and get as many people to these classes as possible. There is also a government funded program in Arizona that I would like to have implemented in our schools in Utah. It is called Sed de Saber, or Thirst for Knowledge. The state has provided Leapfrog Learning Systems that teach English to various schools that are then lent out to the parents of students at the school. They see a 33% increase in their speaking skills. It's at their own pace. Once they complete the course they are then offered a more formal type class to continue their learning.
Do I really know how to go about this. Not really, but isn't this whole process a journey. How empowering it will feel if I truly can make a difference for these people. I enjoy watching them learn in my own class and the friendships you make are priceless.

I know this is long, but if you made it this far, please leave me comments on any questions you might have. This would greatly help me in my preparation.