Self-Discipline

I would describe self-discipline as the ability to manage your time and prioritize your responsibilities. This can be very hard due to social events, distractions, friends, unexpected events, family, and many other daily life "pop-ups." But, the ability to work with those "pop-ups" and still do what needs to be done is a skill everyone has to learn.

Areas I lack self-discipline:

1.) School Work: "I can get that done tomorrow after class..that paper can wait till the night before..well I don't know how to do this anyways, so it can wait..I'll just miss class tomorrow since I can't get the work done..going out with friends sounds like more fun;" these are just some of the excuses I have come up with regarding my class work since coming to the University of Oklahoma. With so many distractions and fun things to do, it's hard to manage my time wisely. U-Sing has been a major factor that has forced me to plan my days, almost to the T. When there is absolutely no extra time, you manage the time you do have much more wisely. This is why I have chosen to keep myself busy with multiple execs and other non-social responsibilities to keep me on top of my school work. 

2.) Getting Ready in the Mornings: I know to some this may sound silly, but starting my morning off with a hot shower and fresh hair makes me days seem to go smoother. The cleaner I am, the happier I am is a good way to put it, I guess. Looking back on my high school years when I used to wake up every morning at 6:30 AM, shower, blow dry my hair, put on make up, straighten my hair, and pick out a cute outfit just seems absurd to me now. These days just coming by nights with 8 hours of sleep is a miracle. But, I think if I managed my time more wisely and squeezed in a 30 minute shower before class, I would feel a lot better about myself every day.

3.) Working Out: To some, working out is their only escape, it's their morning ritual and they can't image going one day without hitting the gym. But for people like me, the gym just seems to be like an annoying aquaintance. Getting myself to go to the gym is such a hassle and has been placed on the back burner. I do need to get into a healthier life style and start working out at least 30 minutes a day, just for my well being. 

4.) Eating Healthy: This is something I have always struggled with. I always go for the Dr. Pepper over water, the chicken tenders over the grilled chicken salad, and chips and dip as a midnight snack over carrots. It's not that I don't like healthy food, I just like unhealthy food much more. Eating unhealthy will lead to many problems as I get older and will set a bad example for when I have kids one day. This is one area of my life that I have been working on a lot lately since arriving at the University. In high school I could eat whatever I wanted because I was averaging 6 hours of cheer practice a day; in college, I consider walking to class and my sorority a daily work out - meaning I can't eat like I used to. Making healthy decisions has become easier, though, with the dreaded threat of the "Freshmen 15" hanging over my head!

5.) Biting My Nails: I know this sounds like such a silly thing compared to the rest of the items on my list, but it is a habit I have been struggling with all my life and has always haunted me. Ya, ya it sounds SUPER silly to say that..but everytime I look at my hands all I can think about is "how will other people judge me" or "I don't want my hands to look like this in wedding pictures" or "what will people think of me when I attend a job interview?" Biting my nails is my scapegoat for stress; I don't remember when exactly I started doing this, but I wish someone would have stopped me! All the stress of classes, sorority requirements, executive commities, and when I'm going to get everything done in college hasn't helped me trying to quit this horrible habit. 

Someone in my life that has a great deal of self-discipline...
is one of my best friends, Carly Costello. She always pushed herself to take the hardest classes and do her very best in them and succeeded in high school by graduating a valedictorian. She has helped with ways to study, how to take officiant notes, how to become a better test taker, and how to suceed in the classes she has already passed. I envy her ability to always get her schoolwork done and still be able to do all the things she wants to do!

I consider myself accountable for my school work, my grades, my positions on important execs, me taking care of myself, and me making the best decisions in my life. I am accountable to my family, leaders of committees, my sisters, and my teachers.       

My Mission

"Life is a journey. And your mission statement is your map."

MY Mission Statement:

I am at my best when I am under high levels of stress and am constantly kept busy. This lifestyle allows me to plan my days and take advantage of every second I am given..
I will try to prevent times when I am doing something I am not passionate about..
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can plan events, inspire others, lead groups or teams, help those less fortunate than myself, and be in charge of things. .
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through making signs, free writing fonts and calligraphy, volunteering, inspiring others to volunteer, dancing, creating, cheering others on, attending social events, and working with children..
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as art, planning, decision making, making and being a friend, speaking with others, and leading others..
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will .....raise over one hundred million dollars to grant ill children's wishes. And I will make their dreams come true!.
My life's journey is inspiring others to help those less fortunate than them. By ways of fundraising and holding events, I will draw in people to volunteer their time or to donate money to go towards an awesome cause. I will work with children on a daily basis, hear their stories, and work to better their lives. I am so passionate about helping others and seeing them happy. .
I will be a person who My closest friends and chi omega sisters, my sister, my brothers, and my family; all I want to know, is that I made a difference and that I will leave a legacy..
My most important future contribution to others will be to pass on my passion for helping others to all people I come in contact with; if we could all change one person's life, we could change the world..
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

• I need to learn to focus on the important things in life and not wish my days away.
• I need to see the world from other's perspectives, not only my own.
• I need to be able to let go of things that have happened in the past; what's done is done.

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

• Enthusiasm
• Truth
• Faith

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

• Take better care of my body: get more rest, watch the things I eat and drink, work out, and take vitamins.
• Attend church, even though it's earlier, and set aside time to spend with God each and every day.
• Never tell myself "I can't."
• Find a good balance between friends and family, and spending plenty of time with each.

Board of Advisors

Choosing my board of advisors was very difficult since there have been many influential people in my life. But, I finally got it numbered down...and the lucky people are...........


My wonderful mom, Marla Grant
My mom is one of the strongest people I know. After getting divorced from my dad, life was tough for me, my mom and my little brother. My mom now took on the full financial responsibilities, participation responsibilities, child raising responsibilities, and everything else that comes with taking care of 2 children by herself. Luckily, my mom held the same position in the same company for over 20 years and she was in no place of losing her job. Since then, she is now Vice President of a new and up-coming company and is successful in her new line of work. My mom is one of the most persistent and hard-working people I know. She always knows what the right choice is and has guided me on a self-motivated path my entire life. I would consider my mother to be the chair of my advisors because of her undying faith in me. She has never once not believed in me and has supported me every step of the way, through the great and horrible moments.

My grandmother, Shirley Hicks
After giving birth to my mom at the age of 17, life wasn't easy for my "nanny." She was now raising a daughter, along with trying to grow up herself. But the reason I look up to my nanny the most is her solid-as-a-rock faith. She has never, for one single day doubted the plans God has for her. She is a very prominent woman in her church in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and is very actively involved with mission work, children's bible study, and community service within the church. She encourages me whenever I need it most and has always been there for me when my mom wasn't able to be. She was also such a huge help after my parents divorce when my mom needed help caring for me and my brother.

Erikka Tipton-Ault
Some people would find it silly to refer to their high school coach as one of the most influential people in their lives'. But not me. Erikka, but as we called her "Tipton," was the one role model that was constantly with me throughout the wonderful growing years of high school. Tipton wasn't just a cheer coach, she was a sister, a second mom, a best friend. Her positive attitude and fun-loving spirit and dedication to everything she was involved in could brighten any room. She always did and continues to push me to do my best and be as actively involved in my passions as possible. She will always hold a special place in my heart and will always be there for me...no matter the situation.

Virgil Walker, my partner in crime
Since the first day we laid eyes on each other in Mrs. Keely's kindergarten class, it was love. Well okay, not love, but the start to a lifelong friendship. Ever since the beginning of my memory, Virgil has been there. He has always been my go-to-guy and has never let me down. He never ceases to amaze me in his competitiveness, his faith, his school spirit, his devotion to his passions, and to his love of this country. Virgil is now a student at Baylor University on a full ride ROTC scholarship and plans to enlist in the United States army after college. We have always joked about getting married and spending our lives together, and although that may never happen, I know that Virgil will always be there for me, always give me "the guy's perspective," and will never let me down when all I need is a good laugh.

My dad, Mike Grant
Most people consider my dad and I to be twins (I can't really see it, with his thinning hair and unstylish wardrobe, but I think it's the nose that gives it away.) My dad and I are almost identical, and not only by physical looks but by our actions as well. He is an argumentative lawyer, and arguing my point of view is not in short supply. He loves college football and he has passed that love down to me. My dad loves a good laugh and is constantly the center of a crowd. But my dad is also my biggest fan; he is there to cheer me on, no matter what. He has been at almost every one of my sporting events (which, I have to admit, I think he would much rather see his daughter in something sport-ier than cheerleading.) He is always there to give me an "'atta-girl" and never points out my flaws.

Without these people in my life, I don't think I would be the person I am today. They have shaped and molded me into the self-confident, goal-pursuing, motivated person I am. And I am so thankful for each and every one of them.