Becoming...

Alexandra Willard may not be someone famous or well known but she has something to say. She is a student at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. Although her major is focusing on poly sci and her ultimate goal is to transfer to UCLA this semester I have the privilege of joining her in two online classes, one in screenwriting and the other in online journalism.  Recently, she received an assignment to create a blogging website that would inspire others while sharing news stories that interest us all. In class Willard explains the inspiration behind her new blog website:

The blog is called "Kids These Days" and focuses on things that teenagers and young adults are doing that are important or standout from previous generations. I think there is a divide between younger and older generations and, as a member of a younger generation, am attempting to bridge the gap with stories from experiences of my peers.

Her topic of conversation in her first post not only interested me because of my own teenage and young adult children, but also because I work with people, who span multiple generations, are diverse and come from various socio-economical backgrounds. And, since I find people fascinating, their stories riveting and worth repeating, I figured I would share her and what she has written about Jessica Corson with you.  Corson is a young woman who stands up for what she believes in, takes action on said beliefs and is willing to talk to state senators about how they can better support those who are often misunderstood, and often misrepresented. Reading about Corson led me to give you a glimpse into someone I know and admire, Ander.

Ander Moore is another person who has brought inspiration through living his own best life. As I write, only 19 hours have passed since he posted, “ It’s My first birthday as Ander. Today has been the best day ever! Life is finally what it’s suppose to be...... filled with MY happiness now INSTEAD of searching for other things to make me happy”. You see, Ander used to be Amy and Amy was someone I worked with many years ago and had lost touch with but reconnected with through social media.

Ander had always been an interesting person, if not a bit tormented inside. While he was funny and outgoing, sharp and spirited, open and honest about life and living, he also hadn’t fully discovered his true self. He taught me things about my body, in a bookish manner, not physically J, and with details that made sense, explained questions that had gone unanswered and that I had never even thought to ask. Although I was in my early 30’s there were still things I was ignorant about. His ability to break down the barrier of subjects that were considered taboo in my circle of friends allowed me to identify why certain aspects of my marriage were not going the way I would have liked and redirected me in my quest in becoming a better lover, wife and friend.

Ander/Amy’s insight opened my eyes to different ways of thinking, believing and loving and even though years had passed us by I never forgot him.  His favorite quote states, "The greatest gift that one can give to another is to reveal oneself". I love that Ander has finally discovered his best self and has taken the risk to pursue this journey to living life the way it should have been.  Today I hope that you, too, will be inspired to be your very best. Remember to take risks and follow your dreams. At the end of the day you will always be with you. You are who matters!