This past weekend we went on our annual Alpha camping trip to Lake Cachuma. We left last Friday and we had lots of fun! When we got there we set up camp. We set up our tents, but it was really windy and for some of us it was a challenge to set up our tents. Then Amy Buesker called out who is tenting with who; then we got our stuff and put them in our tents and set up our sleeping stuff. Then we had dinner. We also had a campfire and roasted...

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching! What do you like about this special day? What has your mom taught you? Jessica: Mother’s Day is special because I get to celebrate the love that I have for my mother. I honor her and respect how great of a mother she is to me.  She has taught me many lessons in my life – how to live life with no regrets and how to be happy and healthy.  I can tell you that my mother raised me to be that strong...

What were some of your experiences with inclusion growing up? Jessica: Growing up with the school systems I felt included with my peers. Sometimes I was chosen to help with talking on the intercom in the office with reading the meal menus and help with the attendance. Other times I was treated like other people. And the one thing my parents did was they mainstreamed me into regular classroom settings so that I was with my peers on the same age...

by: Jessica Simon, Alpha’s Outreach Assistant and author of the Ask Jessica Blog 3-6-13 is the day of ending the R-word.  This means that we speak out and tell the community to stop using that word.  We want it out of their minds and for them to start using the word “RESPECT”.  We all need to respect all people around us. I challenge everyone to please sign the pledge to end the R-word and spread that to everyone. My...

Nancy: Hey Beautiful! I  love your photos! How did you learn to not be shy and get up and give speeches in front of large groups of people?? Jessica:  Giving speeches comes natural to me because when I am in front of a big group I used to either write out a speech or type it out on the computer.  Now I speak from the heart and I look out to the group and I give my speech.  Then sometimes I get nervous when I first stand at the microphone but...

Regina: How do you stay so happy and what makes you smile?  Also, how did you discover that you can put your legs over your head? Is it as cool and fun as it looks? Jessica: It makes me happy when my life is successful and there is no drama and problems with people. And I like it when everyone is happy and it helps me to stay positive throughout my day.  Other things that make me happy – hanging out with friends, my boyfriend, dancing...