Tuesday, May 12, 2015
HBC: The Reload
As you can see, the Healthy, Beautiful, Confident website has gotten a much needed makeover. It has been a while since I've been able to update the website due to school and work demands, but that comes to an end now! HBC: The Reload is a brand new HBC. It's a new design, a new and refined approach, a more concentrated message, and so much more. During the long hiatus, I took some time to do research and think long and hard about what HBC represents and what I would like HBC to become. Now, it's time to make the changes I've long been planning, to bring about a fresh HBC. There's so much in store and I cannot wait for this brand new start with a project that I care so much about. HBC: The Reload; more coming soon!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
My Miss Teen USA Experience
Hello!! I know it has been a while since I have posted, mainly because I had been extremely busy and focused on my 2014 Miss Teen USA Pageant preparations. That being said, before I start this post, I would like to thank everyone who has showed me support. I had a wonderful time at the pageant!
With my extensive absence from the blogging world, there is a lot I would love to share with you all! There are a culmination of topics I would like to cover within the next few posts, from the Miss Teen USA Pageant, to social media, and more. I suppose I will start with the pageant!
I had so much fun at the Miss Teen USA pageant! Being in the Bahamas alone was a great experience, and getting to share that with 50 other state representatives was great. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to represent Maryland on a National stage. Being one of 51 girls who is given this experience was incredibly humbling. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, which is the most valuable of prizes. The young women I was able to share my experience with are all giving, humble, confident, intelligent, and accomplished girls who portray what being Miss Teen USA is all about. Of course, there could only be one winner, and we all knew that. K. Lee Graham, our new Miss Teen USA is one of the funniest, most gracious girls I have ever met. I am so happy for her journey!
Now, on to the competition itself! For those that watched, you know that I did not place among the top 15 semi-finalists. Naturally, the most asked questions I received after the pageant were how I felt about that, and what I think I could have done better. Of course I was hoping to advance in the competition, so I was a bit sad afterwards. I tried to review my performances both on stage and in the interview room, trying to pin-point any mistakes I may have made. In other words, I was trying to find an excuse that would justify my absence from the list of semi-finalists. I couldn't find one. What I had to find instead was my confidence. I did my best in all three phases of the competition. I had practiced and prepared to the best of my abilities, and when it came time to showcase all of my hard work, I did just the same. The results may not have turned out the way that I had hoped, but I wasn't going to let that make me second-guess myself, my hard work, or my confidence. Being Miss Maryland Teen USA has been a very big accomplishment and I am so proud to have this title and to have competed on the Miss Teen USA stage!
Thank you all, once again, for your love and support! It has truly meant so much to me.
With my extensive absence from the blogging world, there is a lot I would love to share with you all! There are a culmination of topics I would like to cover within the next few posts, from the Miss Teen USA Pageant, to social media, and more. I suppose I will start with the pageant!
I had so much fun at the Miss Teen USA pageant! Being in the Bahamas alone was a great experience, and getting to share that with 50 other state representatives was great. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to represent Maryland on a National stage. Being one of 51 girls who is given this experience was incredibly humbling. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, which is the most valuable of prizes. The young women I was able to share my experience with are all giving, humble, confident, intelligent, and accomplished girls who portray what being Miss Teen USA is all about. Of course, there could only be one winner, and we all knew that. K. Lee Graham, our new Miss Teen USA is one of the funniest, most gracious girls I have ever met. I am so happy for her journey!
Now, on to the competition itself! For those that watched, you know that I did not place among the top 15 semi-finalists. Naturally, the most asked questions I received after the pageant were how I felt about that, and what I think I could have done better. Of course I was hoping to advance in the competition, so I was a bit sad afterwards. I tried to review my performances both on stage and in the interview room, trying to pin-point any mistakes I may have made. In other words, I was trying to find an excuse that would justify my absence from the list of semi-finalists. I couldn't find one. What I had to find instead was my confidence. I did my best in all three phases of the competition. I had practiced and prepared to the best of my abilities, and when it came time to showcase all of my hard work, I did just the same. The results may not have turned out the way that I had hoped, but I wasn't going to let that make me second-guess myself, my hard work, or my confidence. Being Miss Maryland Teen USA has been a very big accomplishment and I am so proud to have this title and to have competed on the Miss Teen USA stage!
Thank you all, once again, for your love and support! It has truly meant so much to me.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
#TalkingToTeens
If you follow me on social media, (@RealMissMDTeen on Twitter/Instagram, Facebook: Miss Maryland Teen USA), you may have spotted the above hashtag coupled with some of my posts! I thought it would be fun to share some photos of myself speaking about HBC in various situations!
Friday, June 27, 2014
One Step Further
Earlier this week, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Key Note Speaker for the first day of the Youth Leadership Conference. Can you guess what I spoke about? Well, after sharing Healthy, Beautiful, Confident, specifically the confidence aspect, we had a Q&A session which prompted me to write this post! I was asked a few questions relevant to HBC that are not directly addressed within the program, so I thought to share those questions, along with my answers to them, in order to further support the HBC initiative, as well as to provide answers to blog viewers who may have similar questions. Here are a few of the questions:
1. You mentioned that focusing on positive qualities and accomplishments is a key way to boost confidence. What advice do you have for those who really have a tough time looking past their downfalls or faults?
My Answer: My advice is to understand that it takes time. You won't just wake up one day and be able to look past any mistakes or shortcomings, but in the meantime you can "train" yourself to think confidently. One of the best ways to focus on positives is to write them down! Being good at art or soccer, or being able to make someone laugh, wiggling your ears, anything! Write it down and read it and it'll make you feel good about yourself. Eventually, you'll learn to make the positives outweigh any negatives!
2. When you speak about being confident are you talking about only being confident in the way you look?
My Answer: Of course not! Confidence, as I stated in the speech, is something that is of essence in anything that you do in life, whether it be taking a test, working on a project or sport, or having the confidence to refrain from comparing yourself to others. I truly believe that it's hard to do anything in life without having some confidence.
3. What advice can you give to those of us who have subordinates who don't have high self-esteem? What can we do to build their confidence up?
My Answer: Sinilarly to training yourself to be confident and think positively, you want to highlight someone's accomplishments. Praise them when they do something right and make them feel like they're not just doing something because they have to do it. Compliment someone's strengths rather than magnifying their weaknesses. On the occasional slip up, of course they need to understand that something wasn't done correctly, but also give them encouragemt and say that there's always next time!
4. What advice do you have for people who don't take constructive criticism well? How should we, as leaders, give constructive criticism without harming someone else's confidence?
My Answer: I was once on of those people. I didn't like to hear others speak negatively of me, constructively or otherwise. The way I learned to deal with, and even appreciate, constructive criticism was to take time to really think about what I was being told. In the moment, it's kind of a natural reaction to become defensive and have objections, but when you really review and take the criticisms to heart you'll realize that maybe the person is right and their advice will help you perform better, in whatever it is that you're doing. So with your subordinates, try to be gentle and also make sure they know that you mean well. Let them know that what you're saying is for their benefit because you want to see them do well. Let them know that it's because you care about them!
5. How do you respond to negative criticism? How do you handle negative attitudes that are directed towards you?
My Answer: Well, since it was brought up, I'm just going to tell you a story that has to do with the question. Before I competed in this pageant, I didn't tell very many people except family and close friends. The few people who did know, increasing in number as the pageant grew nearer, seamed excited for me and genuinely happy. After I won, however, some attitudes changed, and it was hard to deal with because these were people I had gone to school with for years. I had classes with them and talked to them on a daily basis. I had to realize, though, that there was nothing wrong with me winning... At all!! Rather, the change of attitudes spoke more about the people who became negative towards me and revealed that maybe they have confidence issues of their own. Also, if they could become so negative rather than be mature enough to realize and commend someone else's accomplishments, they weren't the kind of people I wanted to be friends with after all.
I was also asked a few questions that were not pertinent to HBC, but to being Miss Maryland Teen USA. Here are a few of those questions:
6. You said that this [being a titleholder] keeps you really busy. Do you focus more on school or on this?
My answer: School definitely comes first! That's one of the things many people don't know about being a titleholder. This year of reign is completely revolving around, and dependent upon, my schedule. I am a full time student and I also have a job, but I'm very organized and I've been able to keep what I like to call a "busy balance" between everything. If I'm available to do an appearance or activity with the title I will absolutely do it, but if I have a lot of homework or if I need to study for a final, that's the priority.
7. Will you compete for Miss Maryland USA one day?
My Answer: I would like to! I've thoroughly enjoyed my reign this far and I just love being able to make such an impact on others through my platform, volunteering, and being involved in the community. If I were to become Miss Maryland USA I think it would be great to continue to do all of those things on an even bigger platform!
8. What do you say to people who don't understand pageants or have negative opinions about pageants?
My Answer: I actually face this on a regular basis now. The other day, in fact, a young woman expressed to me that she believes that pageants are demeaning and that women should focus their efforts on professional skills, careers, and other life skills. While I respect her opinion, I know that pageants only enhance each of the skills that she had mentioned, and more! I went on to explain that pageants are excellent ways to build confidence, network, further professional and social skills, and showcase talents and abilities, among providing many other benefits. I tell people that they should try something out for themselves before making calls. I'm very big on seeing all aspects of a situation and putting situations into perspective before passing judgement!
To top the night off, I was approached by one of the attendees who made the night so much sweeter. This young woman thanked me for speaking and shared with me that she once suffered from an eating disorder. She went on to say that she really appreciated my words and that I am a huge inspiration to her. Right then, my eyes glossed. She thanked me for inspiring her, but I would like to extend my thanks to her. She is part of the inspiration behind what I am doing, along with the many other people that the HBC program reaches. Moments like the one I shared with this young woman are what truly matters. These are the moments that drive me to continue sharing the HBC message. Thank you for making my night:)
1. You mentioned that focusing on positive qualities and accomplishments is a key way to boost confidence. What advice do you have for those who really have a tough time looking past their downfalls or faults?
My Answer: My advice is to understand that it takes time. You won't just wake up one day and be able to look past any mistakes or shortcomings, but in the meantime you can "train" yourself to think confidently. One of the best ways to focus on positives is to write them down! Being good at art or soccer, or being able to make someone laugh, wiggling your ears, anything! Write it down and read it and it'll make you feel good about yourself. Eventually, you'll learn to make the positives outweigh any negatives!
2. When you speak about being confident are you talking about only being confident in the way you look?
My Answer: Of course not! Confidence, as I stated in the speech, is something that is of essence in anything that you do in life, whether it be taking a test, working on a project or sport, or having the confidence to refrain from comparing yourself to others. I truly believe that it's hard to do anything in life without having some confidence.
3. What advice can you give to those of us who have subordinates who don't have high self-esteem? What can we do to build their confidence up?
My Answer: Sinilarly to training yourself to be confident and think positively, you want to highlight someone's accomplishments. Praise them when they do something right and make them feel like they're not just doing something because they have to do it. Compliment someone's strengths rather than magnifying their weaknesses. On the occasional slip up, of course they need to understand that something wasn't done correctly, but also give them encouragemt and say that there's always next time!
4. What advice do you have for people who don't take constructive criticism well? How should we, as leaders, give constructive criticism without harming someone else's confidence?
My Answer: I was once on of those people. I didn't like to hear others speak negatively of me, constructively or otherwise. The way I learned to deal with, and even appreciate, constructive criticism was to take time to really think about what I was being told. In the moment, it's kind of a natural reaction to become defensive and have objections, but when you really review and take the criticisms to heart you'll realize that maybe the person is right and their advice will help you perform better, in whatever it is that you're doing. So with your subordinates, try to be gentle and also make sure they know that you mean well. Let them know that what you're saying is for their benefit because you want to see them do well. Let them know that it's because you care about them!
5. How do you respond to negative criticism? How do you handle negative attitudes that are directed towards you?
My Answer: Well, since it was brought up, I'm just going to tell you a story that has to do with the question. Before I competed in this pageant, I didn't tell very many people except family and close friends. The few people who did know, increasing in number as the pageant grew nearer, seamed excited for me and genuinely happy. After I won, however, some attitudes changed, and it was hard to deal with because these were people I had gone to school with for years. I had classes with them and talked to them on a daily basis. I had to realize, though, that there was nothing wrong with me winning... At all!! Rather, the change of attitudes spoke more about the people who became negative towards me and revealed that maybe they have confidence issues of their own. Also, if they could become so negative rather than be mature enough to realize and commend someone else's accomplishments, they weren't the kind of people I wanted to be friends with after all.
I was also asked a few questions that were not pertinent to HBC, but to being Miss Maryland Teen USA. Here are a few of those questions:
6. You said that this [being a titleholder] keeps you really busy. Do you focus more on school or on this?
My answer: School definitely comes first! That's one of the things many people don't know about being a titleholder. This year of reign is completely revolving around, and dependent upon, my schedule. I am a full time student and I also have a job, but I'm very organized and I've been able to keep what I like to call a "busy balance" between everything. If I'm available to do an appearance or activity with the title I will absolutely do it, but if I have a lot of homework or if I need to study for a final, that's the priority.
7. Will you compete for Miss Maryland USA one day?
My Answer: I would like to! I've thoroughly enjoyed my reign this far and I just love being able to make such an impact on others through my platform, volunteering, and being involved in the community. If I were to become Miss Maryland USA I think it would be great to continue to do all of those things on an even bigger platform!
8. What do you say to people who don't understand pageants or have negative opinions about pageants?
My Answer: I actually face this on a regular basis now. The other day, in fact, a young woman expressed to me that she believes that pageants are demeaning and that women should focus their efforts on professional skills, careers, and other life skills. While I respect her opinion, I know that pageants only enhance each of the skills that she had mentioned, and more! I went on to explain that pageants are excellent ways to build confidence, network, further professional and social skills, and showcase talents and abilities, among providing many other benefits. I tell people that they should try something out for themselves before making calls. I'm very big on seeing all aspects of a situation and putting situations into perspective before passing judgement!
To top the night off, I was approached by one of the attendees who made the night so much sweeter. This young woman thanked me for speaking and shared with me that she once suffered from an eating disorder. She went on to say that she really appreciated my words and that I am a huge inspiration to her. Right then, my eyes glossed. She thanked me for inspiring her, but I would like to extend my thanks to her. She is part of the inspiration behind what I am doing, along with the many other people that the HBC program reaches. Moments like the one I shared with this young woman are what truly matters. These are the moments that drive me to continue sharing the HBC message. Thank you for making my night:)
Thursday, May 29, 2014
The Other Day...
A few days ago, I had quite an unpleasant experience. I was at work (at a store) when a woman walked over to the lane I was standing near. She looked over at me, said something to a coworker of mine, and began laughing. My coworker said, "I don't think so". I didn't hear what the woman said, so I asked. My coworker told me, "She said you look like you skip every meal". I was in disbelief. I just couldn't believe that someone could say such a thing to a perfect stranger, and then laugh about it. It felt awful to be brought back to my middle school years and remember the teasing I had gone through about my health issues. I hadn't had a negative comment about my health or appearance directed at me in a very long time, and naturally I was in a bit of shock. I suppose the woman was able to interpret that I was uncomfortable and hurt by her comment, because she then said that she didn't mean anything by it and that she was only joking. I appreciated her effort, however, the situation wasn't made any better. I think many people don't realize that comments such as these, even if they were "joking", can be just as hurtful as calling someone a name, or worse. That is exactly what I felt like when I heard what she said, like she was calling me a name. Upon further conversation, the woman told me that she has struggled with her body image her entire life. She told me that her younger sister was always the "thin one", and that she has never had "good years" when it came to her health, in that sense. Suddenly, I realized where her comment about me came from; insecurity. This woman, in her 30's or 40's, is still dealing with the issues I faced a few years ago, at just thirteen years old. It seemed that because she was insecure of herself and was not confident, that she felt the need to point out what she believes are the flaws of someone else; perhaps to make herself feel a little bit better. (This, by the way, is one of the most prevalent reasons that bullies harm and pick on others). I reassured her that she looked great, and that comparing herself to others would not make her believe that she looks great, because it has to come from within her. She left with a smile and told me that she enjoyed conversing with me. I left content that I was able to help yet another person who is struggling with their body image. I also reminded myself that my days with low self-confidence and poor health are long behind me, and no person's comments will lead me to those negative times again! Low self-esteem, as demonstrated by this woman, can have lasting effects on someone's life. The battle between someone and their insecurities cannot be won unless we give them the tools that they need to avoid and overcome these issues. That is why I am so determined to spread the HBC message to young girls (and boys); it is important to confront the issue before it manifests!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Miss Teen USA 2014!
Hello, everyone! This post is to announce the official Miss Teen USA 2014 competition details! I am so excited to inform you that Miss Teen USA 2014 will be at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas!
The presentation show will be Friday, August 1st.
The final show will be Saturday, August 2nd.
Both of the shows will be streamed live from MissTeenUSA.com!
I am so excited to represent Maryland at Miss Teen USA this year and to have been blessed with such a wonderful, life changing opportunity. Using my experience as a tool to teach, empower, and instill confidence in others is the most incredible opportunity and I hope to take my message to a wider audience. I am in full preparation mode and I hope to make my state, family, friends, and those who look to me as inspiration, proud this coming August and beyond.
This goes beyond myself, for I will not just be representing my state, but I will be representing all of you. Everyone who has struggled to find confidence in themselves, those who have been bullied or teased because of their appearance, anyone who has been struggling to see the beauty that they posses, and those who are on the journey of self discovery; for a healthy and fit lifestyle, for their self-esteem, to demonstrate the true meaning of beauty through action, and to reach others along the way. You are my motivation:)
XOXO,
Mariela <3
The presentation show will be Friday, August 1st.
The final show will be Saturday, August 2nd.
Both of the shows will be streamed live from MissTeenUSA.com!
I am so excited to represent Maryland at Miss Teen USA this year and to have been blessed with such a wonderful, life changing opportunity. Using my experience as a tool to teach, empower, and instill confidence in others is the most incredible opportunity and I hope to take my message to a wider audience. I am in full preparation mode and I hope to make my state, family, friends, and those who look to me as inspiration, proud this coming August and beyond.
This goes beyond myself, for I will not just be representing my state, but I will be representing all of you. Everyone who has struggled to find confidence in themselves, those who have been bullied or teased because of their appearance, anyone who has been struggling to see the beauty that they posses, and those who are on the journey of self discovery; for a healthy and fit lifestyle, for their self-esteem, to demonstrate the true meaning of beauty through action, and to reach others along the way. You are my motivation:)
XOXO,
Mariela <3
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Fun-Fact... Wednesdays?! 7
That's right! For this week, I am switching the Fun Fact and Work-Out days! Why? This week is an important week in relation to the topics covered in the HBC program. So, before the week is over, I thought I would share some interesting facts about just what this week represents!
1. This week is national Eating Disorder Awareness week!
2. In America, 20 million women suffer from eating disorders at some time in their lives.
3. In America, 10 million men suffer from eating disorders at some time in their lives.
4. Purple is recognized as the eating disorder awareness color.
5. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates among all mental disorders.
If you can, wear some form of purple this week to show your support for this cause! The slogan often used in the awareness campaign is, "Everyone knows someone", and by the statistics, this may very well be true in your life. Though, many who suffer from eating disorders do so in silence. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek proper help if you suspect that someone has an eating disorder. These problems arise from inappropriate habits that are used to attain a certain look. I always stress that wanting to feel healthy and confident is perfectly fine, but it has to be done the right way, meaning healthily and safely. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, know that you are not alone, just look at the statistics! However, if this is the case, it is imperative to speak out and seek help! There are so many resources available to help and comfort you, but it all starts with speaking up, don't suffer silently!
From: NEDAwareness.org
1. This week is national Eating Disorder Awareness week!
2. In America, 20 million women suffer from eating disorders at some time in their lives.
3. In America, 10 million men suffer from eating disorders at some time in their lives.
4. Purple is recognized as the eating disorder awareness color.
5. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates among all mental disorders.
If you can, wear some form of purple this week to show your support for this cause! The slogan often used in the awareness campaign is, "Everyone knows someone", and by the statistics, this may very well be true in your life. Though, many who suffer from eating disorders do so in silence. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek proper help if you suspect that someone has an eating disorder. These problems arise from inappropriate habits that are used to attain a certain look. I always stress that wanting to feel healthy and confident is perfectly fine, but it has to be done the right way, meaning healthily and safely. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, know that you are not alone, just look at the statistics! However, if this is the case, it is imperative to speak out and seek help! There are so many resources available to help and comfort you, but it all starts with speaking up, don't suffer silently!
From: NEDAwareness.org
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