Page 10 - Iris Tennessee Teen Judges Book 2022

What can you do during your Tenure of Service as a Titleholder to impact your community?
In my community, I think visibility is so important. Not only does it promote the organization, and help girls become interested in competing in the future, but it also shows that teens can be active and change their community. I believe that if I am visible and involved within my county and with local organizations, I can start a fire of volunteerism and inspire others to become involved. Also, when I am a familiar face, people will feel comfortable talking to me and getting to know me and I will make even more new friends.
During my time as a titleholder, I will promote friendship
What has been your involvement with your platform? I have connected with my local chapter of Best Buddies and hope to become even more involved with them in the future. The Best Buddies organizations offers friendship to girls who have disabilities, or as I like to see them - extra special abilities!
I have reached out to young girls in the field of gymnastics and have helped them to become more comfortable in the sport and have helped them learn about the different events. It’s easy to get down on yourself when you have a bad day performing, so I strive to make the younger girls know that it is okay and they’ll be even stronger next time.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform?
When I was younger, I attended a small private school. There were many cliques in my grade and sometimes it was hard to feel like you had a true friend. I began to wonder if other girls felt this way. I then decided to create my platform, Friends Forever, and reach out to other girls my age in many different ways.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally?
I would create challenges for girls in communities around the nation to get involved and step out of their comfort zone. They never know who they will meet and become friends with. Our nation is fortunate to have so many wonderful organizations that meet the need in their community, such as Best Buddies, Boys and Girls Club, and many more. Involvement with these organizations opens doors at every turn and by inspiring teens to take a chance and join one, friends would be born all over America!
How would you utilize social media in order to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner?
I would use social media to show girls my age that what they see on social media isn’t always the truth. I would show my real self and talk about my highs and my lows – like all teen girls experience. I would show them examples of being a friend and help instill that importance in all my followers.