Central Florida At-Large Program!

So...it just so happened that my fall break from Wheaton College was over the same weekend as the Central Florida At-Large Program!  It was such a blessing to get away from the cold weather in Illinois (we had a low in the 20s this weekend!) to enjoy some Florida sunshine — and to meet the 2014 contestants!

The central Florida program is especially close to my heart, since that is where I first began my journey with Distinguished Young Women.  I was so excited to return to where I got my start!

The girls began the day by arriving in Winter Garden to learn the fitness and self expression movement routines.  After practicing all morning, they then participated in the interview category with our panel of judges.  By the time of the performance that afternoon, they had already finished 45% of the competition, Scholastics and Interview.  Now it was time for the fun part!
We had 14 girls competing at the at-large program.  At-large is different from other locals in that we do not select one representative to proceed to state.  Instead, the girls are graded on a point spread and will later be notified if they scored high enough to compete at state.  In other words, several girls at any given at-large program could qualify to the state competition.

It was surreal to be behind the podium announcing names when just last year I was one of the contestants.  But the girls were fabulous and I just loved getting to see their talent performances and answers to the self-expression questions. 

Self-Expression movement routine

With contestant Lauren Boone

With my amazing DYW of Florida committee!

I cannot wait for the state program and the selection of the Distinguished Young Woman of Florida 2014.

Stay tuned!

Blessings,

~Ciera

The Onstage Question: How to Prepare for Self Expression

The lights dim.

The music starts.

The emcee calls your name and you step up to the microphone for your question.  Your heart is racing as you stare about at the audience and smile.

What do you do?

Self-Expression is one of the most important categories because it shows the contestant's ability to think and articulate herself under pressure.  It isn't easy, but it also isn't as hard as it may seem. 

So...just how do you deliver a stellar self expression answer?

Rule #1.  Don't panic.

I'm not kidding when I say that this is the single most important aspect of delivering a self expression answer.  Stay calm and relax.  You can take ample time to read your question, breathe and compose yourself.

Rule #2.  Don't ramble.

Keep your answer short and sweet!  My answer at the at-large program was probably about 20 seconds long and at state it was about 30 seconds, though the ideal would be 30-60 seconds.  I presented my point, backed it up with an explanation and then closed.  Keep it succinct and it will be easier for you to process what you're trying to say. 

Rule #3.  SMILE!!!   

Even if you don't like your question, don't let us as the audience know that.  Smile the entire time during the movement routine and when it's not your turn to speak.  When you walk up for your question, stand with poise and good posture and have a pleasant expression on your face.  Even if you get nervous, smiling will make you (and the audience) feel more relaxed.

Rule #4.  Review your online bio.

You should know what you put on your bio sheet and why.  For example, if you said that "The Waste Land" is your favorite poem, you should know who wrote it and why it's your favorite.  Your answer shouldn't be something like, "Oh, I just picked it because we read it in English class and I kind of liked it."  Your question will probably be from your biographical information.

Rule #5.  Speak slowly.

My problem was always that I spoke too fast.  As a debater, I would quickly outline my point in my head and I tried to speak as fast as my mind could process the information...but sometimes this meant that I finished my point too quickly.  Speaking slowly will make you seem more calm on stage.

Rule #6.  Be personal and personable.

Self expression really is what its name says...it is a chance for you to express yourself.  Share about who you are and what your passions are!  Let the judges see you as an individual.  If applicable, it's a good idea to share a quick story or something that influenced you.

Rule #7.  Move with grace.

Your score is not simply based upon the quality of your answer.  You are also judged on poise and grace.  Practice "the walk."  Make sure that you are comfortable walking in the shoes you will wear.  Always keep your shoulders back and your head up.  Keep your hands by your side and be conscious of your hands when you walk.

This is a video of my self expression solo spotlight in the movement routine from Nationals. This was during the Top 10 competition.  Notice the walk and the stance I take at the end.

It may be a good idea to record yourself to see how you walk.  Those details can make your routine seem more polished and "distinguished."


Remember to have fun with your question and don't stress out over it.  

Here are some sample questions using things I put on my bio sheet:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is your favorite novel.  Which character do you identify with the most and why?

You want to be a novelist.  Where do you get the inspiration for most of your writing?

You stated that you are most proud of how your generation strives to make a difference in the world. How do you think people in your generation make a difference and how do you personally make a difference?

You were a coordinator for the Do Hard Things conference. What is this conference and how has it made an impression on your life?

Most questions will be about topics from your bio but will have you synthesize and explain how the topic relates to you or how it relates to others.  Also, as I was preparing for Nationals, I went through my bio and wrote down sample questions pertaining to my answers.  Then I practiced with my list of questions.  This really helped!

I wish you the best!

Blessings,

~Ciera

Story from Nationals: Make a Difference

Painted shells, bowls of paint and bottles of glitter were scattered across the table.  I watched as the art teacher at St. Mary's home set out the supplies for the day's craft.  Soon the room would be full of students, each painting and decorating little wooden crosses.

I sat in my chair along with a few other girls from the Nationals program as we waited for the kids.  The headmaster's words rang in my ears from his instructions to all the Distinguished Young Women girls who were volunteering as part of our Be Your Best Self outreach day: "These kids are here for a reason.  They were in the custody of the state.  We try to instill good life values into our students since they come from very bad home lives."

Looking up, I saw several boys come into the art room, ranging in age from middle to high school.  One boy around the age of thirteen sat down at my table and looked at me quizzically, clearly wondering who I was and why I was there at St. Mary's.  I introduced myself as the DYW representative from Florida .  As I explained my involvement with the program, he became very quiet and stared down at his hands.  After a few attempts to engage him in conversation, I let him work silently on his craft.  The other students were excited to see us and eager to ask a million questions about our states and talent performances.  The first boy remained quiet as he diligently painted on his little cross.  

But while most of the kids added handfuls of glitter and bright gold paint, this boy painted his a simple shade of charcoal gray.  I watched as he then began to paint out little letters with a tentative hand.

"What are you writing?" I asked him.

Without looking up, he murmured in reply: "Rest in peace, Darren."

In that moment, I was struck by a sense of sorrow I could scarcely comprehend.  This sweet young boy had lost most someone dear to him, had gone through more than I could imagine.  I had no idea who this Darren was, but I could tell by his expression that it must have been someone close to him.

The boy said nothing else to me for the rest of the art session.  But he will never know the impact those four little words had on me.  I suddenly realized how blessed I am to have a loving, encouraging family and a home to call my own. So often we take for granted the beautiful blessings in our lives.  The students we got to meet at St. Mary's made me realize that those who have the opportunity to make a difference have a responsibility.  We were able to bring light and hope to those in need by simply offering a few hours to volunteer in the community.

So make a difference in someone's life today.

Be distinguished.

-Ciera

Preparing for the Fitness Routine

Okay, I'll admit.  Fitness was not my favorite category.  When I first became the Distinguished Young Woman of Florida, I could barely do 10 good push-ups.  Now, however, I am much stronger and the lessons I learned as I was in training have helped me immensely!

How well you do is often dependent on the difficulty of the routine.  At state, I knew that my muscles were toned but that my endurance was lower than it should be.  Also, I was not nearly as flexible as most of the dancers.

So how do you prepare??

1) Build up your endurance!!  

This takes some time.  You be able to jog a mile without getting too out of breath.  Jogging and running get your heart rate up and condition your body to push the limits and endure strenuous activity.  If you can do at least a mile, you're on the right track!

2) Practice the basics.

Most routines will include some form of what I call the fitness basics: pushups, crunches and lunges.  So it's a good idea to start practicing these.  If you, like me, maybe aren't the best at pushups, that's okay!  Just start doing as many as you can everyday until you have built up the strength to do more.  Every routine is different, but there's a good chance yours will include the basics.

3) Eat healthy!

I know it's tempting to reach for the snacks that are loaded in sodium or saturated fats.  But if you give your body good food, you will feel better and perform better.  Especially in the days leading up to competition, it's a good idea to avoid heavy food items and to resort to lean protein, vegetables, fruits and healthy grains.  Also, drink plenty of water!

4) Practice.

For the state and national programs, contestants received online videos of the fitness routine so we could be familiar with it before we arrived on the first day.  If this happens, take the time to really learn it.  This is to your best interest!!  Find out what's difficult for you and practice making it smoother.  Then you can learn those trouble spots.  In my state competition, I always messed up the V-sit, as pictured above.  I could never find just the right balance...but I practiced incessantly and managed to not topple over on stage!

5) Record yourself.

It's always helpful to watch yourself so you can see where you need more work.  Take videos as you rehearse so that you can see if maybe you need to practice core strength or balance.

6) Get feedback.

Ask your friends or family to watch you either practice your basics or perform the routine, if you have access to it.  They want to help you and they usually have good advice.

Tips for performing fitness on stage:

1) Pull your hair back!!

This was my main problem at the at-large program.  My hair kept falling into my face whenever I moved and I found it very distracting—I'm sure the judges did, too.  

2) SMILE!!

It might not be that fun to do pushups or crunches, but pretend you're having the time of your life.  It makes it look like the routine is easy for you and the judges want to know that you're having fun.  And when you start to smile, you start to relax and enjoy yourself more.

                     

 One last piece of advice.
You don't have to be perfect at fitness.  If I had to pick any category that was the most challenging for me, it would be fitness, and not because I didn't train intensely but because I just simply wasn't as flexible or experienced as the dancers or gymnasts.  This competition is not about being flawless in every category...it's about being the best you can be.  It's about striving for excellence in various skill sets, becoming well-rounded and distinguished.  The fitness component represents one of the pillars in the Distinguished Young Women program, Be Healthy, from our national outreach "Be Your Best Self."

Trust me, you don't have to be in "perfect shape" to compete, nor do you have to be incredibly strong or fit.  But it is ideal to start practicing now.    The goal of this aspect of competition is to challenge you to grow in strength and endurance.  You will definitely learn a great deal along the way about living out a healthy lifestyle.  

Just remember to have fun.  I took to viewing fitness more as a production dance, which helped me to enjoy myself on stage.  Focus on doing your personal best and you'll have a rewarding experience!

Have a "distinguished" day!!

Blessings,

~Ciera

Finding the Perfect Interview Outfit

I love fashion.  I think it's a fun way to express yourself, to show your personality and your sense of style.  What you wear says something to the world, giving off a first impression based on what others see.  Clothing can you make you look professional and confident, bold and spunky or it can give off negative vibes about self-esteem.

This is true in every area of the Distinguished Young Women competition.  Before the judges even hear you speak in the interview, they have seen you walk in and their first impression comes from what you decide to wear.  So make it great!!

First of all, the outfit should be appropriate and modest.  Your interview clothes should be suited for a job interview, with skirts or dresses at a conservative length.

Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be standing during the 10 minute interview.

Pick a color that complements your skin tone and that isn't too bright.

Good news!! You have options!!

1) The "pageant" look

This is the interview suit that I had made for the Florida state program.  I knew I really wanted this color because it was light and soft and not too common.  The material was satin, which looks more shiny in the picture than in real life.  I paired this with plain nude pumps (from Payless!!) and I curled my hair lightly.

This is not what I ended up wearing for Nationals, but it's still an idea of what you can do.  My committee and I decided that this was more of a traditional pageant interview suit than what we wanted to go for.

 

2) The traditional suit

The concept of a plain colored suit is very versatile and also very traditional.  If you go for a plain colored suit, it may be better to opt for a regular fabric as opposed to satin, but some sheen would be great, too!!  Pick a color that will look nice on your skin tone.  I prefer shades of blue and shades of red for me, especially because I have dark hair and pale skin.  If you have a tan complexion and perhaps lighter hair, you could pull off pastels such as turquoise, coral or even cream or tangerine.  Find something unique!

Also, it's perfectly fine to wear a black suit if you choose to do so.  If you do, I would recommend adding color with a blouse or maybe do a black suit dress and colored jacket or cardigan.



 3) The suit dress

This is more along the lines of what I wore for my Nationals interview.  I decided to go with a suit dress, which hit at the right length above my knee, and then I paired it with a jacket.  (I think everything looks more professional with a suit jacket, or at least a sweater.)  I really like this red peplum dress, which has a tasteful neckline and length and is not too fitted.  I would pair it with either a black or beige jacket, depending on the shoes.  Speaking of which, I love her T-strap heels in the picture!  So a dress is always a good option if you don't want to go for a traditional suit.  Just make sure that it is still made from quality professional material and that it is not too fitted.

4) The skirt and blouse

This is another great option!!  I love the tasteful length of the skirt in the picture, but I do think it looks a little fitted for a "distinguished young woman."  But the blouse is beautiful and adds a professional flair to the outfit.  I would recommend minimal jewelry, however, so bangles are not ideal, but the belt is a delicate touch that modernizes this classic ensemble.  You could do a skirt in virtually any color, but I would probably recommend a more neutral blouse, unless you have a jacket over it, in which case it might be nice to have a soft pattern or color.

As you can see, the options are endless!! Finding an interview outfit may seem daunting, but all it takes is a little bit of prep work to find out what will be good for your skin tone and body type.  Ideally, you'll already have what you need in your closet!  I took to shopping everywhere to look for my affordable fashion, anywhere from the mall to thrift stores.  You can truly find that magical outfit without breaking the budget.  Some good places to check for traditional pieces are Marshalls, Ross and Dress Barn.  All department stores carry these classics as well.  I got my Calvin Klein black interview dress for Nationals from Macy's and my red jacket from Forever 21!

Below are some other great interview fashion options:

I love the navy blue color in this suit!!  It's very classy while not as harsh as black.

Both of these options are fun and youthful - but the skirt could be a little longer.

This is another dress and jacket option with a flare skirt.  The color is a beautiful shade!

This is from a Distinguished Young Women competition several years ago.  This ensemble is a way to combine style and personality...though the polka dots are a little much for me, it worked for her!  Find what works for you. ;)

This is similar to what I wore for Nationals but it has a short-sleeved jacket, which makes it look very contemporary.

This is another traditional interview suit.  I love the shade of blue - but I would pair it with nude pumps.

Have fun picking out your interview fashion!  Which of these options is your favorite?

Blessings,

~Ciera

How to Have a Polished Interview

Whenever I tell a future participant about Distinguished Young Women and the competition categories, usually the first response is, "Wait, I'd have to do an interview?"

Interview skills are helpful not only for the DYW competition but also for life preparation.  Young women should learn how to speak in front of a panel, which will help them prepare for college and job interviews in the future.

So...how do you have a polished interview??


The interview was my favorite competition category with Distinguished Young Women.  I know that it can also be the most intimidating, but I found it fun because it was my only chance to get to communicate personally with the judges.

To prepare for state, I made sure that I was knowledgeable on current events and social issues that related to my hometown.  I represented Orlando at the Florida program, so I read up on Orlando news, the tourist industry and knew specifics as to my city and county.  In addition, contestants should ideally know the names of their mayor, governor, representative and state senators.  I would also recommend knowing the names of our country's speaker of the house, attorney general, secretary of state and any other key figures.  There were a couple times when the judges would "pop quiz" me on a few names and it's always good to have that in your back pocket!

For Nationals, I did a lot of prep on state and national news.  Participants should review controversial issues from their state.  For example, the Trayvon Martin case was all in the news during Nationals and that was a case that came from Florida, so I made sure that I was prepared for a question pertaining to that case.  Other hot topics in Florida include illegal immigration and it just so happened that I got a question on illegal immigration in my Nationals interview.

My biggest piece of advice is: take the time to study.  Even if it's only for a few minutes every day!  Of course it's impossible to know every single current event issue.  In fact, I began my year as the Distinguished Young Woman of Florida knowing practically nothing about current events.  I didn't read or watch the news and I knew very little of what was going on in the world.  With my preparation, I started reading the headlines and keeping notes on what was happening, which really helped me to cultivate my point of view on various issues.  This in turn truly helped in my interview at Nationals.

But do not try to memorize answers.  Be natural!!  Never script an answer, but it may be wise to know your general opinion on various topics so that you are already have a formulated idea.  The more you practice, the smoother your answers will become.

Practice questions with yourself.  Leading up to Nationals, I practiced a list of about 100 questions every day.  I used a website called Quizlet (www.quizlet.com) and I made online flashcards with various interview questions I pulled from program websites.  Then I would drill them, using the voice mode where the computer would ask me the questions.  This was invaluable, as it gave me practice answering different questions!

Get help from others.  Before state, I didn't do a practice interview, but I did discuss politics with my parents a lot.  (I was also involved in competitive speech and debate, which helped me learn how to prepare.)  After the state program, I had many practice interviews with my committee where we would drill questions and critique my answers.  As it turned out, many of the questions I was asked at Nationals I had already answered in a practice round!  I truly believe in the power of feedback.  Accept the constructive criticism and apply it.  My biggest problem was that I spoke too fast and it really helped to get advice and feedback from mentors who helped me to become more polished in my interview.  If you don't have a committee or anyone to help you, record yourself answering a few questions and watch the video.  You will notice things you didn't even know you did, like gestures and movements.

Wear something you love.  Wear something that shows who you are in a professional way.  But also recognize that your outfit isn't the deciding factor in the interview—it's only a reflection of your personality.  Don't get too worried about the clothes, because ultimately what's most important is your character and who you are as a unique individual.   So show who you are in what you wear!

Be yourself.  The judges want to see you as a person.  Show them your strengths and passions. If you don't know the answer to a question, that's okay!  I didn't know the answer to one at state, so I just simply said, "I don't know."  It doesn't count against you.  As much as you can, bring your answers back to you and your passions.  For example, at the end of your interview you will have about 60 seconds to tell the judges whatever you want to say.  It's a good idea to have a few options prepared to choose from in the moment.  Since I want to be a professional novelist, I talked about my books and a two act play I wrote when I was sixteen.

In the end, just remember to have fun and do not let the stress get to you before your interview.  I have found that interviews always go better when the speaker is relaxed and doesn't try to anticipate the questions beforehand.

If you have any questions on how to work on your interview skills, please comment below!

Blessings,

~Ciera Horton

How Distinguished Young Women Changed My Life Part 2

"Ciera Horton, Florida!"

I was filled with such joy when I stepped up to the microphone on the stage in Mobile, Alabama and announced the name of my state at the Distinguished Young Women National Finals.  The two weeks I spent in Mobile were the culmination of many months spent in preparation and training.  Looking back, Nationals was full of innumerable blessings and incredible experiences, such as getting to participate in a radio interview in Mobile or having the opportunity to volunteer at a school for underprivileged children.

The arrival ceremony where I first met my "distinguished" sisters!

Facing the ropes course at Camp Grace

But the best part of my Nationals experience was getting to meet girls from all across the country!  As we all got to know each other, we began to have some really deep conversations and I loved getting to hear about their perspectives and opinions, many of which were different than mine.

One of the first things we did together as a group was visit Camp Grace!  We all faced the ropes course challenge, which was a team building activity meant to unite all of us as sisters and not just competitors.  I have a terrible fear of heights, so I was not at all inclined to participate in an obstacle course forty feet in the air.  I stood on the platform, overlooking a steep drop and I trembled, wondering why we had to go through this.  But through the experience, we all bonded together, helping one another.  After Camp Grace, I felt like we were all truly becoming friends!! 

Autograph signing at the Bel-Air Mall

The days went by and we were able to participate in various activities and experiences.  One of my favorites was the autograph signing at the Bel-Air mall.  I was stunned to be ushered into a large mall where there was a long line of people stretched out the door, all waiting to meet us!  Little girls passed by with our posters, wearing DYW pins and saying things like, "I want to be like you when I grow up!  I want to be distinguished!"  My heart melted when I heard such things—it made me realize what a blessing and a responsibility it is to be a Distinguished Young Woman.  It's about scholarship—but it's also about making a positive impact in your community.  

The Mardi Gras Ball!

Another of my favorite events was the Mardi Gras ball, which was in honor of Mobile's heritage as the birthplace of Mardi Gras.  We were all escorted down an elegant staircase to a room full of "beaus" for the evening and we proceeded to have a dance party while reporters filtered around us.

There was only one thing that very quickly became difficult for me.  We were in rehearsal for hours

Before Community Night

almost every day, drilling the fitness routine, running Self Expression and all of our production numbers.  But...about a month before Nationals, I suffered from a hip injury and had to be in physical therapy, which made practicing for fitness more painful.  Several times during rehearsal, especially as we got closer to the beginning of competition, I had to be taken to the nurse for ice and medication.  It was frustrating to feel limited and in pain, but I had to trust that this was all happening for a reason I couldn't explain.  The day before the first night of competition, I was very upset and in pain and one of the other girls, Rachel Tunney from South Carolina, came and hugged me and offered encouragement. I will never forget her comfort when I was feeling at my lowest!!  The other girls really rallied around me and supported me.  

This is what makes Distinguished Young Women different.  We became sisters.  We were all striving to do our best, but at the same time we were cheering on everyone else.  That fact truly astounded me and has left a lasting impact on my life.  In all that we do, we should reach for excellence, reveling in challenge, but we should seek to build others up along the way.  That, I learned, is what makes someone truly distinguished.

As competition got under way, the pressure and stress became more intense!  Everything was going by in a blur—until, before I knew it, we were opening the top of the show for the first production night!

                         

Talent competition: "Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie

My favorite part of competition was definitely my talent.  I was able to bring out the 1940s jazz singer that's inside of me somewhere and I just loved walking out on the stage and having fun.

Preliminary fitness competition

Despite my injury, I was able to fully participate in the fitness competition with minimal pain!  And I think I learned a valuable lesson about perseverance along the way.

Top 10 Self-Expression

Self-Expression is often considered the most intimidating category, since contestants are given a question at random on stage.  However, this is also one of my favorite categories, since, as a debater, I love public speaking!  My onstage question for the preliminary round went very well—perhaps my personal best.  However, on the night of Finals, things were more stressful.  After being announced in the Top 10 as contestant #1, I had to compete first in every category, which meant that I had to be the first one to draw a question out of the dreaded fishbowl.  The walk to the question bowl when they announced my name felt agonizingly slow.  And one thought kept running through my mind: Please don't let it be a health care question.  Please don't let it be about health care!  In years past, the Top 10 questions have been from contestants' bios; however, this year we returned to having the judges write current events questions.  I had been intensely studying current events and politics in preparation for Nationals, but I knew there was one topic in particular which was not my strong point.

And...I ended up with a health care question on stage in front of hundreds of people, while camera crews covered the stage wings.  Perfect.  I read the question on the card and couldn't even process what I was really being asked.  So I took a deep breath, passed the card to the emcee and prayed that words would come.  

I made it through my response feeling as though the topic had been my Achilles' heel.  But in those moments, we learn the most.  When we feel unsure, we gain a deeper level of confidence by pushing forward and challenging ourselves.

That night, I walked away with over $20,000 in scholarships for college, winning awards in the Self-Expression and Interview categories and ultimately being named the 2nd runner up.  But what I truly gained was so much more.  This program has taught me so many things about myself and others.

I've learned that...hard work does pay off in the end.
I've learned that...practice doesn't make perfect, but if you practice hard you will feel better about yourself and learn along the way.
I've learned that...relationships are truly more important than anything else.
I've learned that...we should always strive for excellence, taking every opportunity we can to offer encouragement to someone else.

Distinguished Young Women helped me to grow in my strengths and weaknesses in a fun and uplifting environment.  I am so grateful to always be a part of the DYW 2013 family!

For any questions about the program, please comment below or visit the official website http://distinguishedyw.org.

Love,
~Ciera

Top 10 Finalists