Showing posts with label girls life magazine. Show all posts

Friday, June 24, 2011

Newest Goal Getter Interview!! Check it out!!==>

Scientist-in-training Sydney Clark shows the boys how it's done

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Think science is only for nerdy boys? Think again! Meet Sydney Clark, the 12-year-old runner up in the National Middle School Science Competition, sponsored by 3M and Discovery Education.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, this home-schooled chick has always had an interest in science. After watching her favorite program, hit T.V. show Myth Busters, Sydney couldn’t wait to tackle the Young Scientist Challenge. The challenge was to create a video about everyday safety. She decided to focus on the public’s love for anti-bacterial products. “It’s important tostress that hospitals use anti-bacterial products,” she says, “but they make way for bigger germs.” The quirky and fun film took her about a month and a half to create with the help of her mother. With stop-and-go animated film clips and Barbie props, she made her point…and impressed the judges. Soon, she was making tracks through the competition.

The judges chose a semi finalist from each state, and then the 10 semi-finalists were brought to New York City, where they are asked to conduct live experiments, compete in challenges and complete scientific analysis. 3M provided the finalists with the products that they must use. In one challenge called the Safety and Security Innovation, Sydney took on the task of ATM Security by creating a box made with the world’s most efficient translucent man-mad mirror. The thin reflective sheet not only provides the ATM customer with the ability to see through to the push pad to enter their pin, but it also reflects the image of anyone behind them, keeping their bank information completely safe.

While Sydney did not snag the coveted first place prize, she says the laid-back atmosphere made the event an amazingly fun experience—“the best time I ever had in my life!” She re-calls the judges and coaching staff being “really helpful, really amazing being around and helping on other innovations.”

Being a runner-up isn’t without its perks, however. “It’s almost as good as winning,” she says of her prize: Flying to San Francisco to be on the set of a live taping of Myth Busters at the end of June. While she’s not sure if she’ll actually get to be on the show, she’s got her fingers crossed!

Sydney isn’t a 24/7 scientist-in-training—she’s part of the rock group Unsocialized and has dreams of a film or T.V.career. But she does admit that she’d love to incorporate science in the mix and create a show likeMyth Busters or Bill Nye the Science Guy. Why? She’s ready with an answer: “It’s important to get more girls into science,” she says. “I want to let girls know they can do more in the science world and it can be fun changing the world. We can learn more, do more and reach a lot more people.”

Love this post? You'll heart these, too!

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BY AFIYA AUGUSTINE ON 6/24/2011 8:00:00 AM

POSTED IN school, Goal Getter

Friday, June 10, 2011

Another Interview - Shannon McIntosh Racecar Driver

I wanna be...a racecar driver!

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June / July 2011

Shannon McIntosh, 21, never thought she would be making her living driving a racecar when her dad took her to her first race when she was four. A competitive kid, she began to practice and compete, and by the time she was 10, Shannon was racing against adult men. She’s been racing ever since. Today, she competes in INDYCAR’s Mazda Road to Indy USF2000 National Championship Series.

We chatted up this ah-mazing automobileracer and got the dish on her dream job.

What do you enjoy most about racing?

The competitive nature of it. It drives me to work hard, train hard on and off the track and to be the best.

What is the most challenging part about racecar driving?

Believe it or not, people don’t realize that the toughest part about racing happens off the track. Racing is really expensive and you have to get themoney to do it, so during the week I’m always working towards getting sponsorships, partnerships and scholarships to keep competing.

What’s the best moment you’ve had so far in racing?

In February, I was signed on to my team, CAPE Motor Sport. It was so hard trying to get everything together and when I got everything on board, it was a great moment because we got people to support us. That was really a great moment for me.

You’re following in Danica Patrick’s footsteps—er, skidmarks—as the only female driver to advance through the USF2000 National Championship Series. How does that make you feel?

When I started racing I was completely oblivious to the fact that there weren’t many women in the sport. Just because you’re a girl, it doesn’t mean you can’t compete, especially in a male-dominated sport. Being the only female drive in the USF National Champ Series motivates me more to be much better and to keep competing.

You went to college at the University of North Carolina, but you left before graduating. Why?

I graduated high school with honors and was working on racing at the same time. I wanted to continue my education, so I went away to college. I went to North Carolina because there’s a lot of racing there, and I did really well my first year at UNC, but my family didn’t really have the money so I had to work [my way through]. And at the same time, I was still trying to do racing. I finally decided that I wanted to put 110-percent towards my dreams, so I left school to pursue racing and I’m so happy about the outcome because I’m doing what I love!

Did you learn anything in college that you’ve embraced or incorporated into your driving?

Because of college, I learned how to work with the business side of the industry, but what I took with me the most was learning about myself. I learned how to be an independent woman, which was really important for me because there are so many women out there who don’t know how to be independent and strong.

You dream of being the first female driver to win the Indy 500. What does that mean to you?

It’s what I live for. I want to break a barrier for women and show that dedication and hard work is what it’s all about. At the end of the day, I’m a racecar driver, it’s what I do. The Indy is what motivates me to get up in the morning, to show how great I am.

What is a piece of advice you would give to young girls who are pursuing their dream career?

Confidence is the number one piece of advice I can give. It’s the number-one thing that can make you successful. My mom said to me, “If you’re notconfident but can fake it, people will believe and soon you will believe it and you’ll become it.” Don’t let being in a “male industry” keep you down. Be the best and give all you can.

One of McIntosh’s sponsors, Glass Hammer Racing, has developed a program to encourage young girls to get into racing. Check it out here atwww.beatbyagirl.org.

Learn more about Shannon McIntosh at www.shannonmcintosh.com

Love this post? You'll heart these, too!
» Your biggest BFF probs, busted
» Be a super sitter this summer
» 15 ways to make major moolah before ya head back to school

WIN IT! Enter now to score a trip for two to NYC + tix to a Broadway show!
Want more ways to get GL? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
BY AFIYA AUGUSTINE ON 6/10/2011 8:00:00 AM
POSTED IN Goal Getter, Dream Job

Monday, May 23, 2011

New Article Co-Written by Moi!

How to be the life of the party

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Some girls are just natural attention seekers—making their way through life in the teen scene by being the life of the party or the belle of the ball. Making friends, talking to others and snagging BFs come so naturally that they seem never have to worry about feeling shy or embarrassed or awkward.

On the other side of the room, though, there are the quiet girls who have their own social circles, but keep quiet at group gatherings. If this is your M.O., then these helpful hints will help you transform from a wallflower into a social butterfly!

Mingle

It sounds hard but it really isn’t. Got any friends who may know a few people that you don’t? Stick to them, meet their buds and make ‘em your own. Fab it up! Volunteer to pass the tray of cupcakes at your BFFs next bash. It’ll give you a reason to go up to people, introduce yourself and offer up a sweet smile (and a treat they won’t refuse).

Get chatty

Striking up a conversation doesn’t have to be scary. If you’re nervous, listen in on a convo your friend is having and chime in with your opinion or a witty joke when you feel comfortable. Fab it up! Conversation topics are everywhere, you just have to get past your “I don’t know what to say!” brain block. Talk about the last episode of Dancing with the Stars, your latest HW assignment, a funky bracelet you found at a thrift store, the new book you’re reading—anything!

Find common interests

Still think you have nothing to say? Ask a good friend if they know anyone who plays soccer, cheerleads or rides horses. Tell her you’d love to meet this person, and when you’re introduced, a quick, “OMG, Sara told me you totally whipped the guys at tennis last weekend!” will get the convo rolling in no time flat. Fab it up! Don’t make your chat into an interrogation. Offer up info about you, too, and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. Think: “You’re trying out for All State this year? I was picked for that last year. Wanna practice together?”

Be adventurous

Do you always pick truth instead of dare or opt to ref the game of capture the flag instead of joining in? It’s time to get your game on, girl! Join in party games enthusiastically and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. People will love that you’re game, and they’ll wanna spend more time hangin’ with the cool girl that wore an I heart Barney shirt to school on Monday on a dare. Fab it up! Don’t just go along grudgingly—own your actions! When you get the “I heart Barney” dare, on the back of the tee, screen print a pic of Barney Rubble from The Flintstones and write, “Blonds are sooo my type.” Snap!

What are your social butterfly secrets, sweeties?

BY BRITTANY TAYLOR AND AFIYA AUGUSTINE ON 5/21/2011 10:00:00 AM

POSTED IN advice, party

Sunday, May 15, 2011

One of my most touching interviews is finally posted...albeit truncated =/

An awe-inspiring prom for teen patients

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This spring, 15-year-old Delaney Goodner is going to her second prom. While prom is everything to some teens, for this young woman, it’s a gift she treasures, a break from the medicines and treatment she endures thanks to her cancer diagnosis.

For the last six years, therapeutic child life specialist Tommi McHugh has been coordinating a prom in conjunction with the Teen and Young Adults (TaYA) group at the Children’s Hospital of Denver for the past six years. For the guests, guys ‘n’ girls ages 13 and up who battle cancer and blood disorders, it’s the opportunity to be normal for a night.

It’s not unusual for the hospital’s younger patients to miss out on typical teen activities because they don’t feel well enough. Half a dozen years ago, Tommi heard that one patient was going to miss his prom because of his illness. She wasn’t about to let that happen. With parents lending a helping hand, Tommi put together a small prom in only two weeks.

That year, only ten kids attended, wearing whatever made them feel comfortable, but they had a blast. The following year, Tommi was determined to make it bigger and better. When local businesses heard about what she was doing, they began sponsoring the decorations, food, transportation, venue, even the girls’ hair and nail appointments.

“You get to dress up and have a good time,” Delaney says. “It gives you a moment to take your mind off the fact that you’ve got cancer,” says Delaney.

Last year was Delaney’s first as a prom guest. She and a friend got their make-up, nails and hair done in a luxe hotel suite before donning gowns funded by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Though she didn’t dance much, she remembers the delish food and the totally fab door prizes.

This year, the kids are drafting letters to celebrities that they would love to attend. Among the list are Ellen DeGeneres and Justin Bieber. Delaney would like to boogie with Taylor Swift

. “I really like her,” she says.

The annual prom has become a bonding experience for the hospital’s patients, Tommi explains. They aren’t wallflowers any more. They mingle in the halls. One year, a young girl whose treatment left her bald triumphantly removed her wig and danced the night away. “It’s so moving,” says Tommi.

“You can’t help but want to make it better every year,” she adds. “[The Prom] inspires them to remember there is life after and during cancer (and other blood disorders) and they can get out there and do the stuff they love.”

Want to make a difference? Call up a local hospital and ask if they’re planning any events for which they need volunteers. Go for it, girls!

Pictured above: Top – Delaney at prom with her friend Rosie. Bottom – Delaney having her nails done before the dance.