Inspiring Folk

I come from a talented town full of dreamers.
Independence is full of the heartbreakingly ambitious kind of folk. It is a brilliant place, and I am proud to come from here. This is the kind of hometown people dream of coming from. These people deserve to have their dreams fulfilled.

I am a proud alumna of a high school that has produced wonderful, imaginative people that shape this world. People of all walks have entered, many have followed and achieved wonderful things. A president, a few fabulous dancers, brave vocalists, and many others have graced the halls where I once belonged. They are the kind of people that inspire me. The ones who came from the middle and ended up living grand and adventurous lives. Regardless of their fame, fortune, or lack of it, I am blessed to call them acquaintances, fellow alumni, and some even dear friends.

Let me tell you about a few.

I was watching So You Think You Can Dance because I heard that a girl I knew was on it. Wow, was I impressed. I knew a girl that made it through to Vegas. Jesika. This girl can dance. Man, if anyone can move your soul with a well choreographed routine this is that one. She has performed with the best and worst of them. I remember watching her dance a solo in the middle of an assembly. She has thrived. We lost touch, and were never really close, but it is an honor to even say I knew this girl when. She has definitely followed her dreams, and pursued them wholeheartedly. I am impressed, and she makes me proud. Check her Dallas audition out here.

Kristin. This girl is just plain brave. Four years out of high school and she is a co-owner of her own photography company. She is talented and impressive. Her laughter and ability can change a shoots mood in an instant. She is quite good at making anyone comfortable and fun-loving on the coldest days. I know because she's shot me, and dang that girl does impressive work. Her eye for composition is second to none in my book. She is a dear friend and I brag on her to everyone. She will continue to do great big things until her dying day. Her company is AOhK! They have twitter, facebook, and the web. Check them out.

Another dancer friend, Noah. This kid is living his dreams: New York, Cruise line, Utah. This kid gets around a dance floor and impressively too. He was an interesting character in school, and I am so impressed with his ability to follow his dreams. Anyone that follows their dreams to this extreme is inspiring in my book. Check out his moves, here.

One of my dearest friends, Kendra has the most genuine soul. In high school she was a the solid rock type. She was steady, truthful, and wise. She found her dream and is taking it in full stride. She desire to be a middle school teacher, and anyone would be lucky to have their child in her class. Her demeanor is gentle, sweet, and blessed. She is truly one of the best. Soon she will be a fabulous mentor to many young minds. I know she will change people. At least, I know her friendship has changed me.  

Abigail. This girl is an authentic spirit. She chooses to sing a capella by choice. She knows many talented musicians, and she doesn't even need them to carry away your soul. She is graceful, kind, and has the voice of an angel. She is different, simple, and her voice is just wonderfully unique. She just made it through the first round of the X Factor at the KC Auditions. I cannot wait to see what she will become. She is a true diamond in the rough. Here's a link to her FB page. Give it a listen, and when the time comes VOTE.


These five great people are a small sampling of the greatness I have seen. These people will change lives with their gifted skills. I consider myself blessed to know ambitious dreamers like them. I can only hope that I follow the desires of my heart like they have. They inspire me. I am blessed to know them.