Jessica's Story

I used to be a girl who was afraid of every opportunity before. I asked myself am I smart enough, pretty enough or talented enough? Questions that still run through my mind sometimes, but there are several things that changed my perception on life:

1. Embracing my creativity

2. Serving others

3. Investing in relationships

I was the weird girl in band who found peace and comfort in playing the clarinet. I enjoyed how music could make me feel, even without lyrics. In addition to music, I loved baton twirling. It’s a unique skill that I took pride in. As a I got better, I found myself on The University of Alabama Crimsonette Line. I had so much clarity and creativity. I knew the arts were a calling from God. I knew that I had to be BRAVE and follow His command.

I wanted to give back to my community who invested so much in me after I graduated high school. I started volunteering with different art groups across my county and found that they weren’t making the most of their art programs. There was so much heart and leadership, but not many financial resources to build art programs. Over time I created Center Stage: Advocating for Arts Education. We implement or enhance art programs across Alabama. I learned to be BOLD and unashamed of my artistic ability. If I were afraid to make the world a better place through that avenue, others would be too.

Now, over 15,000 people are advocating for the arts through their schools and social media. I’m in awe every time I type that number. That’s more than 15,000 lives touched and relationships built. By partnering with our community and encouraging each other we can all be BRILLIANT. Good ideas don’t come on their own. They’re a gift from God, they’re an accumulation of thoughts from those involved in your niche. I’m thankful for each and every life that has joined me in spreading how the arts make Alabama better.

Being bold, brave and brilliant doesn’t come over night. As I mentioned before, there are days I doubt myself, but when I rely on God nothing is impossible. He is bold, brave and brilliant. He is what I strive to be. Being made in His image is the best gift I’ve ever been given.