I have a bedtime routine: I put a barrier of pillows around me so I feel comfy and protected, and I can only fall asleep if I watch TV before I go to bed. Right now, I’m binge- watching Grey’s Anatomy.
I have an amazing memory. Seriously, I don’t forget anything—I remember things from when I was a toddler. I never kept a journal when I was little, because I didn’t feel the need to write stuff down. But I can tell you every detail of what happened when I was younger and how I felt at that time—it’s like hitting rewind, and it really comes in handy when you’re writing a book!
And those are just a few things off the top of my head. My mom has also kept every picture of me over the years (even the embarrassing ones) in boxes, and a ton of those are in here, too. But I have a whole other reason for writing this book—one that doesn’t involve me at all. It’s about you. I want to encourage you to believe in yourself and follow your passion. Everyone has a talent and a gift; everyone can make an impact. I know I’m just a teenager, but if you haven’t noticed, teens are changing the world. More than ever, we have a voice through social media and a way to connect, educate, and make a difference. We are the future, and girls especially are awesome. There is nothing that we can’t do if we put our minds to it. See the possibilities and don’t let stuff or people hold you back.
I always thought I would be ‘just a competitive dancer.’ But now, I realize that was only the beginning. I’m just fi guring out what makes me happy and excited and pushing myself to try new things and stretch my wings. I guess my philosophy is ‘Why not?’ Why not do something that you’ve never done before? Why not dream big? Why not stand up for things you believe in? Sometimes you have to take a big, scary leap, and that’s okay. Even if you fall on your butt, you’ve still soared.
