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Photo Monique Nieves
Monique Nieves - Age 16
Title My Dreams - This relationship is going too far... I feel like he's rushing into things and i just want to follow my dreams and reach my goals!
Priorities and goals  
The subject I chose to talk about was priorities and goals. I chose these
because I think about them everyday to be able to follow my dreams. Many young women in our generation seem to be getting their priorities and goals all mixed up. A priority to me is something you take serious and put before anything else. Like education, many young women are not thinking of the future. They are so mixed up in there own life whether that be boyfriend, family, friends, or just not feeling like they belong, that we we tend to put those issues first. I’m not saying that these issues are not important; it’s just that you yourself should Grapjic - Priorities & Goals Chart
always come before anything. When you get out into the real world that's how it will be, no ones there to hold your hand or take care of you. Young women have to want to be somebody and make it some where for anyone to notice them. It's hard enough we have to struggle with respect because people don't believe that we are capable of being superior to men.

Goals to me are something different, when someone asks me what are my goals I think of the far future and what I want to be when I grow up. But that's not all they are. I feel young women need to know this as well, we can make goals to fulfill next week or even tomorrow. Also if you get backed up in something that happened and your goal is not reached in time, that's ok. A time limit is put on a goal to help you remember it and fulfill it as soon as you need it done they should still be reached even if it's late. Starting of with that state of mind will help you come up with your long term goals and dreams.


Graphic - Strategic Plan Chart


If young women learn from an early age to respect them self and understand what there goals should be, theit action will surround that. I’m sure girls do not think of thing like when I grow up “I want to have a baby and not finish school,” but these kinds of instance occur. Young women should know that once this happens there are still many things that can be done, it’s just going to be way hard to accomplish something in your life while you’re taking care of another’s.

I believe there are steps girls can take to make sure they are staying on track. So what I’m about to say I even had a problem with when my mom told me, but it true “watch who your friends are.” Now
you’re thinking well my friends are fine and know one really knows them like you do, but if at anytime your friends are making you feel uncomfortable, or you know you’re not making a good choice then think to yourself is your friends thinking about my best interest and respecting me. When you can answer that question without a doubt then you have made a great friend. Also you will
make your parents understand that you are very responsible and know how to watch out for your self. Negotiating with parents help keep many situations relaxed so no one gets mad and there are no arguments with them. Another step I have taken to help me become successful is before I go to sleep or every morning I plan out my day. This is important because it makes you aware of what needs to be done. During that day it is not going to go exactly as planned, but at least your getting used to Graphic - Negotiation Skills

following a schedule. I know there are many more steps, but don’t try and
overwhelm your self. Start off one by one; this will make it a lot easier for you.

I would like to share one of my goals and step I took to reach getting into this program at Smith. I first had to figure out what were my priorities, and meant more to me. Coming to Smith College for the summer program was a huge goal I wanted to reach. So when my principal told me about this program and how it would be a great opportunity for me to join I was thrilled. I did everything in my power to make sure I made it here. I have to admit I was very worried, thinking of things like what if I try hard and still don’t make it. Then one of my most influential people in my life “my dad” told me it would be their loss. I tried my best anyways. I wrote an essay on why I thought I should be here. I felt like if I didn’t get in it was ok because I wrote a great essay that came from my heart. Plus my wonderful counselors helped me. A couple weeks went by and I began to lose hope, thinking maybe there were a lot better candidates then me. Then the day came and my principal called me into his office. Oh yes I didn’t mention it was going to cost $4,100 if I was accepted. As I walked into his office his face wasn’t showing any emotion. I wondered if he was trying to tell me I didn’t get in. Then he says to me “congratulations Monique, you have been accepted to the program.” I was so excited I could have cried, but that wasn’t the best part. He goes on to say you have received a full scholarship to go, that’s when I cried. I called my mom she was very proud of me. I am glad that I have such a supportive family, because some young women don’t have anyone to back them up.

Graphic - Needs Assessment Overview

I want girls to know that all they need is ambition and a dream they want to follow. Young women should not think they need a partner to confide in them. My goal for this essay is that at least one girl is influenced by what I’m trying to say, and they take this information to make them better. Without putting them self down. I wish every young woman in this world could make a great difference in this world, and follow their DREAMS.
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