McCall Scott

My own personal inspiration is someone not known on a world-wide platform, but someone that I place on the highest personal pedestal possible. McCall Scott, the-one-and-only, has been my mentor and coach for the past 6 years and I hold the upmost respect for. Not only can I reply on this woman to motivate me to push myself when it comes to dancing, but she will be the first person to call me out on my crap, and keep myself on a proud course of life. We live by different morals and standards, but she has been one of the few people whom have managed to keep me on track with my expectations and goals, without being judgmental. Growing up in a town like Cedar City, this quality is hard to find. Growing up she has truly been one of my biggest inspirations and mentors... and as often as we aggravate each other, it's all for the best purpose possible and has taught me so much in life.

J.K. Rowling

I owe my entire childhood bliss to this woman.... As well as my college obsessions. I dream of attending Hogwarts more than any other fantasy in my life. Pretty certain everyone can agree with me when I say that J.K. Rowling, the lady who brought Harry Potter to this world, is not only the richest woman in this world, but also a top inspiration. I bow down to her. Pure Genius.

Kobe Bryant

To all my fellow Laker/Kobe haters.... Remember, this is MY blog of inspirational people... not yours... And I was born and raised by parents whom grew up in Southern California.... you could say that purple and yellow are in my blood. With that said, don't you dare go hating. I don't think there's any need to point out Mr. #24's entire history of killing it on the court, lets just mention his most recently, and possibly his final career game. The King pulls his achilles tendon, knocks down 2 free throws like nobody's business, and then walks off the court all own his own like the champ that he is. Little boys.... Don't hate, take notes.

KyLee and Chaisson Low

This particular story is near and dear to my heart, mostly because I grew up with KyLee and Chaisson. KyLee and I danced together ever since middle school and I always held a high sense of respect and admiration towards her. The two were high school sweethearts who turned into the ideal married couple. The became pregnant with their first child in October 2011. 9 months later, and the most unfortunate of circumstances, KyLee went into labor, but when she awoke the doctor had told her that their son, Clutch D. Lowe, was with his Heavenly Father. The remorse of this was felt all through out Cedar City. Nobody deserves to experience losing a child, but I think many will agree with me when I say 'especially' these two. The grace and attitude displayed by KyLee amazes me everyday. They are currently in the process of adoption, and I can't think of anyone else who would make more suitable parents. Someday, there is going to be some happy and lucky kids in that family. You can read more of there story through their blogs http://www.clutchdlow.blogspot.com and http://www.candkadopt.blogspot.com

Allyson Reneau

Finding a way to survive my four years of college has been one of the greatest internal struggles I have ever faced. The combination of my procrastination tendencies and my inability to posses enough self discipline to force myself to go sit in class, has been a real hurtle for me these past 4 years. The fact that I am THIS close to graduation is a pure miracle. What's even more unbelievable, is the story of 50 year old Allyson Reneau; mother of 11and Harvard student. Allyson is a sunny, accomplished, bubbly, fit, super woman. She dropped out of University of Oklahoma in 1981 to begin her family with husband Dale. Welp, they began their family, and never quite seemed to stop. 11 kids and 23 years later, their family was complete. Eleven! .... When I think of owning 11 children, different acts of suicide come to my mind....

Miraculously maintaining a 4.0 grade point average on top of running a household, as well as owning her non profit gymnastic center in Oklahoma, makes me want to bow down to this woman. I encourage everyone to go watch her entire story that I have linked below that was featured on The Today Show. This go-getter is definitely an inspiration to every mother and student.

http://www.today.com/id/44716838/site/todayshow/ns/today-today_news/t/mom-harvard-i-seize-day/#.UTQClKX7DWE

Kate Middleton

I have no shame in admitting that I am envious of the royal lifestyle, and I secretly wish to be the princess that I believe that I am ;) Okay, just kidding, I'm not thaaaaaat vein. But honestly, doesn't every girl wish to be treated like royalty? Kate Middleton is a name known around the world. Her royal wedding was watched by more than 300 million viewers world wide. The Duchess of Cambridge was not born into the royal family, and charmed over Prince William and his family with her class, personality, style, poise, intelligence and character. She is a fashion icon and serves as an example of pure modern day class. She is a snazzy little lady.

Yes, I was one of those people who stayed up ALL night watching the Royal Wedding. What can I say, I'm infatuated with the lovely lady Kate. She is a perfect example of a fresh, beautiful, accomplished and balanced woman. She is adored around the world, and has earned the respect of many, and not because she was born into the life. She is simply, FAB!

Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic is a motivational speaker that travels around the world telling listeners his story. Nick was born with tetra-amelia syndrome. In human words, he does not have any of his four limbs. That's right, no arms and no legs. The emotional and physical struggles that he has been forced to overcome are unbelievable in my eyes. To me, the 5 leading qualities that stand out in Vujicic to make him at the top of my list of inspirational and motivational people are as follows:

1- Adaptability: Nick just recently married his wife this past August and they are expecting their first child later this year. What?! I won't venture to wonder how that is even possible, but seriously, good for him! Every person should be allowed the gift of creating their own family.

2- Work Ethic: When Nick was only 17 years old, he began his non profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Not only had he accepted his disability at such a young age, but he was using it motivate and inspire others. At age 21 he double majored in accounting and financial planning. I'll be happy getting my single Communication degree by the same age.

3- Determination: Nick has managed to master many daily tasks, such as: writing, typing, throw a tennis ball, comb his hair, brush his teeth, shave and answer the phone. Wow! I can't even imagine doing any of those with hands of arms.

4- Positivity: Nick keeps a pair of shoes inside his closet due to his belief in miracles.

5- Attitude: Nick has had a prosperous and impressive career. A career that he has created for himself because of his positive and determined attitude to not let his disability hinder him.

Nick Vujicic is a true inspiration to any person in this world. If I were given the same circumstances, I have no idea how I would cope with the disability. Wow. That's all I have to say.

The Manning's

In the spirit of the most exciting time of the year for football, I thought it'd only be suitable for me to spotlight some of the NFL's most notorious players. Particularly, the Manning family. Personally, I admire anybody who dedicates so much time and passion towards their hobby, sport or craft. To make a living playing the sport you love would be a dream for me. The NFL is filled with talented athletes and coaches. So, what separates the Manning's from the rest through my eyes? It's their long standing respectable careers and image on and off the field.

Archie Manning, father of Peyton and Eli Manning, began his NFL quarterback career in 1971 with the New Orleans Saints. During the ten years that Archie served on the Saints, the team only managed one season of equaling the game loses to game wins, all the others were losing seasons. Regardless of this horrible record, Archie still managed gaining much respect fro his NFL peers through his work ethic, talent, integrity towards the sport, and his kindness.

Eli Manning, current QB for the Giants, has a plethora of honors, titles and accomplishments during his career with the NFL. He has led his team to SuperBowl victories (plural), as well as being awarded Most Valuable Player.  His list of college and pro awards and records goes on for days. Peyton Manning, Eli's older brother, is one of the most marketable athletes of our time, and for good reason. He has earned his respect as one of the top quarterbacks in history with a long and prosperous career. Even if you're not a fan, you can't deny that the man has got some God gifted talent.

All of the stats and records are all very admirable, however, the quality that makes the Manning men a true inspiration in my eyes, is their character and traits that they display off the field. Their integrity and respect in life is something that every person should strive for. They are a true class act. Family men? Uhhhh yeah! The love for their family is amazing, and the superior examples of husbands and fathers that they are make them honorable to anybody. For as many accomplishments they've made, and how much money they are worth, they still seem so down to Earth and know what the important things in life are.

I envy the people who become a pro at their craft and make a living out of it, however, I admire the people who achieve such success and still manage to remember the important things in life. Dignity, heart, passion, integrity, respect.... these men display it all, and their humble attitudes and work ethic are a huge inspiration to me.

And in case you are wondering, this post is in NO way biased.... I'm a Cowboys fan, and we all know that they're out ;)

Erik and JoLene Gray

When trying to determine who would be worthy of my first post of inspirational people, I wanted to find someone local. Growing up in Cedar City has given me a huge appreciation for the families and friends that make up our community. One incredible family in particular is the Gray's. The Gray family used to be my childhood neighbors. I remember riding the bus with their kids to elementary school every morning. They are a beautiful family, particularly their second to youngest son, Erik. Erik was diagnosed with malignant cancer in his salivary glands in 2008 called mucoepidermoid carinoma. Erik attended radiation treatment 5 days a week, and after a strong and uplifting fight, he became cancer free! Unfortunately, several years later, in 2012, the cancer returned. He is currently fighting his hardest and with an attitude that is truly inspirational.

The main reason I chose this story as the most inspiration to me is not only because of Erik's unfortunate battle, but because of the infectious attitudes of him and his family members, especially his mother JoLene. When I approached JoLene about the idea of me writing a blog post about her son, she was incredible. The feeling of pride and love towards her family was so strong. It amazes me of her and Erik's ability to be so upbeat and positive when it would be so easy to become depressed and bitter. I can always tell the days when my own mother has had an encounter with JoLene because her own attitude and gratitude towards life is lifted up. It amazes me that life can present someone with such horrible circumstances, and yet they can manage to uplift not only themselves, but an entire community. I firmly believe that ones attitude determines ones altitude, and the entire Gray family attitude is a huge inspiration to me.



You can read their entire story by visiting their own family blog

http://www.thedennisgrayfamily.blogspot.com

 Picture of Erik and JoLene at his high school graduation, right before his second diagnoses.