My Journey in 2011

January 16th

I created my first shine necklace to give to a widow,

and The Shine Project began. (here)

On January 26th I put my necklaces up for sale, and sent out my first shipment!

February

I started doing weekly Shine challenges to inspire people to make a change,

and reached a life goal of completing a half marathon.

You all gave me so much encouragement! (here)

March

I realized that maybe my idea was spreading a little faster than I anticipated. 

I also injured my knee badly from running (I still cant run)

and had to stop working at Cesar Chavez High school because I couldn't

walk for over a month.

During this time, God showed me that it was time to make the leap

to be self-employed.

April

Was interviewed by NBC local news for a segment about TSP. (Here)

They ended up loosing it, and we had to re shoot one that aired in July.

It ended up being the biggest blessing ever because it helped spread word about a new project.

May

Had the first Shine Project Service Event in Arizona.(Here)

We also graduated from ASU. (here)

In May, I realized that if we all came together for a common goal,

a lot could get accomplished.

I raised the price of my necklaces by $1, donating it to the Shine Scholarship Fund.

July

Organized a beach clean up in San Diego for the second Shine Project service event.

Rescued our little Oliver from the pound, who now is my obsession!

August

Started the CHANGE4CHANGE campaign (here)

and dove head first into planning a charity event for The Shine Scholarship Project,

which raises money for college scholarships for inner city high school students.

September

Started selling vintage clothes for fun.

And boy has it been fun!

But more importantly, had life changing moments like this

that fueled my mission.
CBS local news also caught wind of my project and did a live interview
on their Morning Show with me.

October

Successfully threw the first charity Shine Event 

that I had many sleepless nights over.

This was one of the highlights of my year. (here)

November

Felt inspired to create The Shine Scholarship Project.

A non-profit organization that raises money for inner city high school students,

while getting them involved in service in their community. (here)

This is still in the process.

December

With your help, I was able to win Christmas for one of my student's families.

It was such a sweet experience.

I chose my Board of Directors for the non-profit,

and have so many changes in the works that 2012 doesn't even know what is coming!

THANK YOU for all of your support this first year.
We've raised over $10,000 in just a few months for the scholarship fund,

and I promise you, with your continued help,

more lives are going to be impacted these next 12 months and beyond.

The new changes will be kicking off mid January!

The Help

This week I had every intention of showing you sneak preview outfits each day before the shop opens on Thursday. But not today. Today, there's something more important than fashion, cute scarf tutorials, and polka dot skirts. And if I didn't talk about it, I would feel guilty for a really, really, really long time. I usually stay pretty neutral and encouraging in my posts, but today I can't. And if you get offended, I can't apologize.

There's something called the 80/20 rule. You've probably heard of it, and it's shocking. It means that 80% of a result was done by only 20% of the people. Example: 80% of our country's wealth comes from 20% of the people. This rule can be applied to every area of our lives. Only 20% of people in a particular group work to make 80% of the outcome. Where am i going with this? You'll see...

Tonight I went and saw the movie The Help. It's about Mississippi in the 1960s, and the black "maids" that white women would hire to raise their children, do all the work, and use to treat like crap. Everyone considered it acceptable, because everyone did it. If they see a black woman getting beaten, all of them turn there backs. After all, it's just a Negro. The 1960s was marked by Civil Rights movements, trying to gain equality. Blacks fought to be considered human. Thousands died from beatings, hangings, burning... you name it. It makes me ashamed.

But finally, people started to see the cruelty in it, and stepped up to fight for what's right. Apply the 80/20 rule here.

While I was already in tears watching The Help, I got a text. I usually never check my phone during movies, but a feeling compelled me to. It was from a student at the high school we're trying to raise scholarship money for. This kid is a hero of mine, but I won't go into details as to why. I will, however, tell you what his text said. I opened my phone to read:

"Ashley, do you think you can help me with something?"

"Of course, what's up?"

"My bus pass is about to expire, and my mom doesn't have enough money to buy me a new one for the next few months. I dont know what to do. I need to get to school everyday."

I lost it. Every emotion that I've had these past several months as I've put ALL of my energy into raising money for these kids came spilling out. My heart ached, but at the same time felt comforted that my dear friend knew he could turn to me to ask for help. It kills me that I can't help every kid out there, but I have to be grateful that I'm blessed to know a few. I hear a lot of time, "Ashley, you're doing great things, keep going." But their contribution stops there. As the movie played, and my conversation with my friend continued, I was overwhelmed with a disheartening confirmation. We STILL fight the same fight today as we did back then. But few people do anything about it. And a lot of times, it is because they are unaware of the need that fills our country.

Why do white schools have better teachers, academics, and more funding? If you don't believe me, come visit the schools I work with, experience their poverty, and your eyes will be opened to a world you never knew existed. If you ask me, the kids at every school, inner city or not, are equal. And they have as much potential as the one living high on the mountain. But they are not given a chance.

People still oppress each other, turn their backs when someone needs help, and criticize what they don't understand. Over half of children in our country are starving, yet only 20% of the population does something about it. I see it EVERY SINGLE DAY as I work with the students at Cesar Chavez. If the country knew just one kid, and the struggles they went through, we'd have millions raised in a day. But it's easy for people to turn their heads. It's easy to look away from reality and go get hair and nails done instead. I truly believe that those of us who have opportunities are responsible to help others have the same. We're not born with an equal chance... so someone has to do something to help instead of turning away. I fight every day to be that person.

And you know what? It's the hardest thing I've ever done. I can't tell you the heartache it brings me. Businesses that I talk to are shocked that I spend hours a day trying to bring in money for these kids. Well I'll tell you what, I'm shocked that they don't.

If 100% of us, instead of 20%, shared the work load, gave selflessly, and worked together, there would be far less negativity and suffering happening to our neighbors. We may not know those in need personally, but they are a person. A person who needs love, help, and assurance just like we do.

I haven't stopped crying for the past 4 hours. My heart aches. But I'll tell ya, I'm as motivated as heck to bring in over $20,000 for these kids. I'll fight for it. And I can't express enough love and gratitude to you who have been fighting with me.

The Reason Behind The Shine Project

"College is a great way to get a solid eduaction and explore the real world."-Zach

"I'll be the first one leaving the indian reservation to go to college, and the first one in my family." -Augie

"I want to help make a difference in the world, and college is a step that I need to do that. It's a step up in life. I want to be a therapist so I can help others." -Alexis

"I like making people feel better about themselves, which is why I want to go to cosmotology school." -Cece

"I'll be the first one in my family to go to college." -Keven

"Education is important, you need it in life. Without a scholarship it's too expensive, and this scholarship will give us an opportunity." -Todd

"As an African American it's harder for us to go to college. This is a great opportunity." -JayJay

"This scholarship would give me the chance to do something." -Chris

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I wanted to introduce you to some of the seniors at Cesar Chavez High School. They are my heroes. They motivate me to do what I do, and to work as hard as possible so they can be given more opportunities to succeed in their lives. Their stories are incredible. I have never met a group of people that have the ability to rise above adversity like they do. Spending time with them reminds me that this is all worth it. I would give them the world if I could. Since I can't, I will dedicate my life to creating a world for them that's full of possibilities. I am grateful for these kids.

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If you want to pledge to have a Change4Change jar or donate items to the silent auction in October, send an email to ashley.theshineproject@gmail.com

NBC and Project Shine

For all my friends that don't live in AZ! Here's what aired about The Shine Project on NBC last night. To start a CHANGE for CHANGE jar, email me at ashley.theshineproject@gmail.com

Don't forget to link up your family dinner recipes tomorrow!

PS: See how it says 97 degrees up on that video? Ya, thats at 10:30 at night folks. Sickening.

My New Journey.

When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would confidently smile, and tell them "a writer". My dream has always been to be published at 25, and to motivate and inspire the world through my writing. The responses that I would get after revealing my goal were nothing short of, "oh, good luck with that." After a while, I started to believe that maybe getting published was too hard. That maybe, I needed to do something else. I changed my major several times throughout college, and at the beginning of this year I started to study for the LSAT to go to law school. After I realized this course was not making me happy, I thought that I'd get my Master's in education, and become a teacher. Still, I felt unfullfilled.

Four months ago, I was hit hard with the realization that I turn 25 at the end of this year, and I need to publish a novel. I FINALLY put all of the doubts that I had aside, and realized that I CAN and WILL do it. I started this blog to keep me motivated, and to have a creative outlet. That simple step has opened many doors for me, and starting today, I AM SELF-EMPLOYED.

I am excited, nervous, and thrilled beyond any explanation I could possibly try to give. I have been waiting for this moment for years, and it feels surreal to have it be happening. Next week, I GRADUATE. And I'm graduating in a major that I chose because it is what I'm passionate about: English. This summer will be spent building up The Shine Project, and finishing two novels I have been working on. I think I am in dream land.

I have learned, that when people know THEY can't accomplish something because it's too hard for them, they tell you that it's going to be too hard for you too. I'm excited to share my stories of trial, success, frustration, and learning with you. Am I still scared to death of being rejected? Am I still scared to death of never being published? Of course. But this time, my desire to succeed far outweighs any negative thoughts or comments that people give me.

BOOMCHACALACA!

(it's what we say in my family when we get excited. embrace it.)

My Little Word Project.

I decided to chose a word for 2011,

to stand as a theme of what I want to accomplish.

After thinking about it, and the pivitol point in life that I'm at,

the word fit perfectly.

SHINE.

That's my word for this year,

and I'm working on my goals for how I will acheive it

in different areas.

I want to shine in school, my church callings, writing, teaching...

but most importantly,

I want it to rub off on others

who could use a little more

light in their lives.

I'm excited for the little word project to begin!

What will you do with one little word?