Dear Jess,

It feels kind of like I have nothing to do and I want to make a difference somehow, but nobody in my family wants to help me. How can I make people understand that making a difference and accomplishing my goals is important to me?

~Alissa

Hi Alissa,

One of my favorite quotes is from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” And that’s what I would encourage you to do. If you want to help people and make a difference, don’t wait to get approval from your family, and don’t just tell someone about it, go out and do it! Volunteer, help the people or causes that you want to help. You have to show people what you want with your actions and not just your words. In the end, your dreams and goals are incredibly important. Of course you want your family to support and understand them, but they’re YOUR dreams and goals, and it’s up to you to take the first course of action. I believe you can make a difference!

Blessings,

Team Jess

I recently told a boy that I liked him, and now I’m scared to talk to him. What should I do?

Jessica 15, Canada

So, Jess, here’s what I want to know: Are you scared to talk to him because you really like him, or are you scared to talk to him because you’re afraid that maybe he doesn’t like you back? I think you’ve got to walk right into your fear of rejection. And if you like him, talk to him and focus on him as a friend, instead of a crush. I know that might sound like it’s hard to do, but try to focus on who he is on the inside. I gotta tell ya, boys need that and want that just as much as girls do. They don’t always want to be the object of someone’s affection. Sometimes, they want to be a friend and be acknowledged for who they are. So, if you find that your crush on him is prohibiting you from your being able to talk to him, try then to talk to him about things of substance, things you might have in common. If you’re afraid to talk to him because he might reject you, just know this: If a boy told you that he liked you, and then he didn’t talk to you afterward, you’d probably feel pretty crummy yourself. So just make sure you try to act as “normal” as you can around him. I know you feel really vulnerable by putting your heart out there. I hope it works out for you. But, in the end, just remember to treat people the way you want to be treated.
Team Jess

Hello Jessica!

I’m from Germany, and I want to be an author just like you, but I don’t know how to start! Could you tell me how you started?

Judy

Hi, Judy. Thanks for the compliment. You know, I didn’t know that I wanted to be a writer until a couple of years ago. A lot of people kept asking me to write my story down and share it with the world and I didn’t think I could do it! I was too scared to take the risk, but when I did, I was so happy! If you know that you want to become a writer, there are a couple things you can do while you’re at school. Join the journalism club if your school has one and begin to write for the school newspaper or write captions for the yearbook. Try to get involved with as many organizations that deal with writing as possible. Also, to be a good author you need to read a lot. Read other authors and find the books that make your heart sing and then develop your own style. Remember, Judy, the world wants to read your voice, so take time to develop it. The other thing that’s really important in becoming an author is living your life. Have lots of experiences, travel when you can, meet new people and do not be afraid to experience life to its fullest. Lastly, the key to becoming an author is to just start writing. The jobs will follow and the career will take form. You’ve got a great dream, Judy, and I support you in it!

I had the blessing and pleasure to be in Canada last month for the G(irls) 20 Summit and was beyond bowled over by the power and vision of the young women in attendance.

I was there to kick off the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem and what better backdrop than a gathering of smart, vibrant young women who are all committed to creating a world where girls can reach their full potential!  I wanted you to meet our delegate from the US – Ms. July Lee. She is working diligently to spread the message of the G(irls) 20 Summit so please get involved and lend your Actionist® voices to the cause!

Here’s what July had to say about being the US Delegate at the Summit:

To be chosen to represent the US from hundreds of applicants and to have the opportunity to be the voice for girls and women around the world was honoring, inspiring and empowering. Modeled after the G20 summit, the first ever G(irls)20 summit in Toronto, Canada brought together one girl from each of the G20 member countries plus an extra seat allotted to the African Union. The G(irls)20 summit focused on the United Nation Millennium Development goals and on issues that disproportionately affect girls and women around the world: education, child and maternal health, and economic opportunity. As delegates, we came up with a set of recommendations in the form of a communiqué that was presented to the G20 leaders to urge them to take specific actions. Our ultimate goal was to bring to the attention of world leaders the economic prowess of girls and women and to ensure that our voices were heard in the global conversation. Before each delegate returned to their home countries, we collectively agreed to work under the umbrella of education and further projects related to education in our communities.

As the ambassador for the U.S., it is my mission to continue the movement and I am currently seeking ways to spread the word through media outlets, grassroots events, talks, and organizations. If there is any such opportunity, please contact me at julyleec@gmail.com. To keep track of my progress and my ambassadorial work in the US, please visit my blog at http://july.girlsandwomen.com. Visit www.girlsandwomen.com for more information and sign up to get your personal number to represent one of the 3.3 billion girls and women around the world.  Take a stand on these issues and be a voice for change!

Dear Jess,

My friend likes this boy and she got me to ask him out for her but he said no.  Now my friend is really depressed that the boy doesn’t like her back – what can I do to cheer her up?

Katie

Okay Katie, it’s Girl Power time. This is definitely where good friends come into play. Cheer her up by doing anything that you guys like to do together, whether it’s slumber parties, going to movies, ordering her favorite pizza, etc. Spend a lot of time with her, and help her get her mind off of it. Remember that boys will come and go but it’s our friendships that really matter. Remind her that she’s strong because she took a risk and expressed herself. I know rejection stinks and I can’t say that it will ever get any better, but creating great bonds of friendship is most important. Tell her from me, the right guy will notice her one day and it won’t be this hard or this painful.

Team Jess

Dear Jess

I’m 16 and I still haven’t had my first kiss! I think about it all the time and I’m worried I’ll get to be 19 and still will not have had my first kiss! Please help.

Jane, 16

Jane,  First kisses don’t have ages attached to them. They can come at any time in your life, so stop worrying so much that you’re missing out on something. Instead, focus on your friends, your school and on being the best person you can be and hopefully you’ll attract the perfect person to help you experience the most beautiful first kiss. Don’t feel pressured by age, it’s just a number. Focus more on having the best experience at the right time.

Blessings Team Jess