FCCLA National Leadership Conference

I just got back from FCCLA Nationals about three days ago, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life! I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to go and meet new people and be able to share my presentation and my message. A huge THANKS goes out to everyone in the community who helped me raise the money to attend this great conference! :)

The first two and a half days of my experience in California was practically just play time. I was able to do a ton of exciting and fun things! On Friday the 8th, after getting all situated in our room, my mom and I went to Disneyland. It was great fun! :) Besides going on rides, we also saw a few shows. We watched the Disney Parade, Fantasmic, and the Disney Firework show. It was a good day, but I was super tired by the end.

On Saturday, our day was pretty packed. We first went to the Aquarium of the Pacific where I was able to touch a real sting ray and shark!! It was pretty neat :) After an hour or so there, we took a shuttle to Long Beach. I love the beach! I didn't have really anyone to swim with, but it was still a lot of fun. And my legs got SUPER sunburt. I think they are still a little red, and it has been over a week! After the beach, we made our way back to our motel where we relaxed for a couple hours. Then it was time to go to Pirate's Dinner Adventure. This was sooooo cool! Definitely worth the money! :)

Pirate's Dinner Adventure


On Sunday, we went on a tour of Los Angeles which also took us into the middle of Hollywood and Beverly Hills! Some of the sites we were able to see was the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign, and we also ate at the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood. 

The rest of the week mostly was filled up with meetings, workshops and things like that. I gave my presentation on Tuesday..... the last one to present! I was really nervous! And when I was giving my presentation, the judges... well they didn't make much eye contact with me, didn't smile all that often, and at the end of the presentation where they are supposed to have five minutes to ask me questions... they only asked me one. So I went out of there feeling a little down. I thought I didn't do so well and was really a little disappointed. But boy would I be surprised on Thursday! :) But before I get to that I have to mention a couple of things. On Tuesday after my presentation, they had a special event where most of the FCCLA attendees were able to go to Knott's Berry Farm for a few hours. This was tons of fun! I also met a couple of people from the state of Washington and I was able to make friends with them while at Knott's! :)

Then it came to the big day: Thursday. After packing and taking all of our luggage down to the bus, we headed to the Convention Center where I would find out how I had did. I was in for a surprise! When I was standing down by the stage, waiting for them to announce our category, for some reason I was feeling really nervous again. All of my hard work had come to this. And then I heard them say "Valley High School, Utah... GOLD!" I couldn't believe it! I went up onto the stage, shook the National Officers' hands and received my medal. I practically leaped off of the stage in excitement! This was definitely one of my greatest accomplishments.

FCCLA Nationals was such a great experience! I was able to meet some amazing people and hear a lot of awesome speakers. I am just so grateful for the opportunity I had to go! Thanks again to everyone who supported me! You are all AMAZING!