“I am so grateful for my troubles. As I reflect back on my life, I have come to realize that my greatest triumphs have been born of my greatest troubles.”

“There are times in my life when I have been medicine for some while poison for others. I used to think I was a victim of my story until I realized the truth; that I am the creator of my story. I choose what type of person I will be and what type of impact I will leave on others. I will never choose the destructive path of self and outward victimization again.”

“I am who I am because the tears of my past have watered the magnificence of my present.”

“Empowerment is being aware that there is no one to blame for my choices and actions; that I have a personal choice and responsibility for my life.”

“Some of the most powerful speeches I have given have been delivered in the dedicated silence of my actions.”

“I knew you were the one when I realized your smile was my heaven, your laugh my favorite song, and your arms my home.”

“Don't be so quick to count out the teenagers. Some of the world's greatest changes, brilliant poetry, and innovations have come from the teenage mind.”