I just finished speaking in front of the senate. I am so excited.Speaking is liberating and empowering.
After years of feeling helpless and hopeless, I’ve finally found an outlet that can help me feel in control, and hopefully, inspire needed changes.
If I can’t control my disease, I would like to assist in the process of making the battle against disease easier for those who face similar barriers in the future.
In Sept. 2001, prior to the world trade attacks, my friends and I decided to go into Manhattan to see MTV’s Video Music Awards.
We didn’t have tickets. There was no way we were getting inside, but we wanted to attend for the atmosphere. We wanted our opportunity to do some “celeb spotting.”
The high security didn’t allow us to get even close to the actual award ceremony. We ended up rallying outside the hotel where the celebrities were staying with a group of 150-200 others fans.
We caught glimpses of Mark Wahlburg, Justin Timberlake along with N’Sync, and Britney Spears.
I was a little bored and not as excited as I thought I would be having my first Manhattan moment.
Today, sitting in the Senate meeting, the first speaker was the founder of Bonnie Clac, a foundation residing in the Upper Valley that gives loans to uunmarried, low income mothers towards purchase of a vehicle.
Bonnie Clac is unique in the manner that they personally guarantee loans. Due to their high stake and personal interest in each loan given to an individual, they have devised methods of ensuring their money will be repaid.
Some of these methods include financial counseling prior to giving loans and review processes to help the individual become independent for the long term.
I love Bonnie Clac. I love the theory. I love the idea. I love the rationale. I love that theories have been put into practice and are assisting in improving the lives of others one step at a time.
In Sept. 2001, prior to the world trade attacks, my friends and I decided to go into Manhattan to see MTV’s Video Music Awards.
We didn’t have tickets. There was no way we were getting inside, but we wanted to attend for the atmosphere. We wanted our opportunity to do some “celeb spotting.”
The high security didn’t allow us to get even close to the actual award ceremony. We ended up rallying outside the hotel where the celebrities were staying with a group of 150-200 others fans.
We caught glimpses of Mark Wahlburg, Justin Timberlake along with N’Sync, and Britney Spears.
I was a little bored and not as excited as I thought I would be having my first Manhattan moment.
Today, sitting in the Senate meeting, the first speaker was the founder of Bonnie Clac, a foundation residing in the Upper Valley that gives loans to uunmarried, low income mothers towards purchase of a vehicle.
Bonnie Clac is unique in the manner that they personally guarantee loans. Due to their high stake and personal interest in each loan given to an individual, they have devised methods of ensuring their money will be repaid.
Some of these methods include financial counseling prior to giving loans and review processes to help the individual become independent for the long term.
I love Bonnie Clac. I love the theory. I love the idea. I love the rationale. I love that theories have been put into practice and are assisting in improving the lives of others one step at a time.
I like to see helping others help themselves in action.
Seeing the founder was so much more exciting than seeing Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. I was much more star struck by his presence.
Seeing the founder was so much more exciting than seeing Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. I was much more star struck by his presence.
He's a rockstar.
I’ve looked to many of the individuals in the room as role models. They are actively trying to change system processes for the betterment of our society.
I’ve looked to many of the individuals in the room as role models. They are actively trying to change system processes for the betterment of our society.
I have been wondering if the honesty I write about my experiences and feelings is worth while. Comments that have been said hurt. I try to keep my eye on the prize, but every movement has obstacles.
If there were no obstacles, if there were no contention and disagreement, there would be no problem. There would also be no change.
I'm happy by sharing my life and story, the little I have left to give, that I can assist in what is becoming a trend and national movement towards transparency within the health care system.
I really hope I have opportunities to contribute again. It gives me something to look forward to. It gives my disease and all my pain and struggles purpose.
I'll post my speech and introductions to other advocates and groups (through the pictures, of course) when I have time.
3 comments:
Hillary,
You are a remarkable young woman, and I applaud your stepping into the public arena to fight for change. Such change always begins in our backyard, and I am so proud of you for taking the fight to the people who might be able to facilitate those changes.
As far as people saying hurtful things to you, NEVER, EVER give them the satisfaction of thinking they have zinged you. They aren't worth your time in the first place. I usually find that people who criticize me aren't capable of doing the job any better. It just makes them feel better about their inadequacy if they can rag on someone else. They are trying to hand you their sack of rocks. Refuse to accept that bundle!
Keep going; you are one hell of a force!
And by the way, you look smashing in that red coat!!! Red is definitely your color!
Carol
Hillary,
the world is a better place because you are in it. Thank you for fighting for yourself, and for those of us who aren't. Lissa
You go Girl! Your speech was moving & truly does/did make a difference! I hope it was the trampoline of your public speaking. Bounce on to bigger places!
Sara
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