X Factor contestant Reed Deming talks about future plans

Some of you may remember Reed as the talented 13 year old contestant on X Factor. Reed made it all the way to the judges house, and it is my privilege to interview him about his experience on the show.

 

I asked Reed which of his performances was the most nerve-wracking. I think we can all agree that singing in front of Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and LA Reid takes some gut, yet Reed was able to get through his audition with 4 yes's, along with having to change his song onstage. Reed agrees, saying "The initial audition was the scariest. There were lots of "no's" that day in Austin and it was depressing watching so many hopefuls get turned down."

 

Unfortunately Reed wasn't able to perform in the live shows, but that didn't stop him from watching. Reed was rooting for all of the teens, and announced he would have been stoked if any of them won.

 

We've heard Reed sing several songs throughout the competition, and when asked which song is his favorite, Reed answers "it changes everyday." Currently, his favorite is "If I lose Myself" by One Republic.

 

I also questioned Reed on the best advice given to him on the show. Reed says he was told not to be afraid of the judges, and learned that "they are very nice in person, especially Simon." He may have some good insults, but the Grinch does have a heart.

 

Reed picked the three people he would most like to meet, dead or alive, and they are in the following order:

 

1. Mahatma Ghandi

2. Justin Bieber

3. Albert Einstein

 

Reed is aware that getting involved in the music industry is not easy, but assures us he is willing to work his butt off to get to the top. The X Factor journey has sadly come to an end, but Reed says "I will be working hard, booking gigs on television, live, etc." This certainly won't be the end for Reed Deming! In fact, just a few days ago Reed performed live at a concert called Big D NYE in Dallas, which aired on ABC news. It doesn't end there! He was also nominated for the Shorty Awards just a few days ago, and needs your votes, so be sure to tweet @ReedDeming for Shorty Awards "Singer" & "Music." Best of luck Reed, we'll be sure to continue supporting you as you evolve into a hit artist!

~Oceane

Bestselling author Cathy Glass recites her experiences with the hundreds of children she fostered

“While no one wants to see a family split, sometimes it is essential, for not only does intervention give a child a fresh start but it can and does save lives.” Cathy Glass wraps up her book Another Forgotten Child with these heartfelt words.

 

I was lucky enough to interview Cathy, who is a foster carer and has been for the past 25 years. Her experiences with the foster care system are so astounding, it is no wonder she decided to write about them. As a means to raise public awareness about the many children who suffer and are let down by the system, Cathy has written 10 books highlighting her life with the children she fostered and is in the process of publishing an eleventh one.

 

“I find writing cathartic – as do many – so it was the medium I turned to when I was trying to come to terms with the dreadful experiences of some of the children I’d fostered,” Cathy explains her first impulse to compose her stories.

 

Being a part of the foster care system for so long, Cathy verbalized her opinions on what should be changed about the system. Her ideas include pressurizing powers that be for more funding, as well as making the system more transparent with less meetings behind closed doors.

 

“If concerns are raised about a child, and the parents aren’t in when the social worker visits or the child isn’t there, make a return visit ASAP. Talk to the child alone. I have been appalled by the number of emails and letters I’ve received since from adults who were abused as children and couldn’t understand why help never arrived, or why they weren’t listened to. A child in care always spends time alone with their social worker when they visit – the foster carer leaves the room. It is absolutely essential when concerns are raised and the child is still at home that the social worker speaks to the child alone,” remarks Cathy.
Along with these arguments, Cathy wishes foster carers were more informed about the child, and have their opinions and concerns taken seriously.

 

Despite these flaws in the system, Cathy encourages others to open their arms to children in need.

 

“If you love children and have space in your home and heart for one more then I suggest you think about fostering. Fostering is very demanding but the rewards are never ending,” states Cathy. Admitting that foster caring is time consuming, Cathy makes it clear it may be difficult to foster a child along with having a separate job, but adds that part-time jobs are usually acceptable.

 

The connections built between the foster carer and child are often great, and although it is tough to say goodbye, many children keep in touch. In fact, Cathy has updates for several of the children she wrote about on her website, www.cathyglass.co.uk

 

Speaking of those children, I questioned Cathy on how she picked which ones to write about. She explains each child has their own sad story, yet many of them have similar experiences and conform to ‘a norm’. Cathy chooses a child whose story is representative of a group and who is of interest to readers. She adds she also looks for a “story that has something to say about our society and the way we protect (or fail to protect) our children.”

 

I closed the interview asking Cathy which 3 people, dead or alive, she would most want to meet. Jesus of Nazareth, Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte were her picks.

 

I am so grateful for Cathy’s generosity, and wish her the best. For any additional information on Cathy Glass and her books, visit her website: www.cathyglass.co.uk

 

“Fostering is about giving a child or children love, care and opportunities they might not otherwise have had. It is about making a difference.” –Cathy Glass

 

-Oceane

NCAA Champion & former world-record holder Mike Stahr reflects on running career

There are a lot of fast people in this world. There are just different levels of speed. For some people, a sub 8 minute mile may be considered fast. For others that may be slow, and it may take a sub 6 or sub 5 minute miler to impress them. Everyone has different opinions on what a fast time is, but we can all agree that a 3:54 mile is incredible. I have the honor of introducing Mike Stahr, an NCAA champion and a former world-record holder for the distance medley relay.

What started Mike's running journey? Mike recalls a day back in high school PE class; a day that changed his life. Their gym teacher was ironically the XC coach, and instructed the students to race around part of the field. "It was my first time and wasn't clear of the route.  The coach, Coach McCall, said 'don't worry about it, just follow the leaders - they are on the XC team.'  Well the problem was that I was in the lead coming around the last turn," says Mike. Keeping an eye on one of his future teammates, Mike recites the event; "When he turned and headed for the coach I knew it was the finish line so I quickly changed direction and sprinted for the finish.  The coach looked at me and said 'You're running Cross Country'- I had no idea what that was."

Although Mike favors the mile, he admits his best events were the 800 (his 4x8 relay team set the American record) and the 1000. Mike still goes running when he finds the time, but "it's hard to find motivation with so much going on from day to day."

Mike gives some advice to aspiring runners; "Keep it fun but when it's time to race it's time to be serious.  Go out to do your best and don't worry about the win as much as getting better each time and being competitive.  No matter how good you are there is always someone better then you at the time or will be in the future so winning a race is nice but getting faster or learning something in each race is more important.  Don't get me wrong, I always went out to win, even as a freshman, but losing the race didn't discourage me because while going for the win I was getting faster, stronger, and smarter - and that's what got me to the top."

If Mike could meet 3 people, dead or alive, he would pick: Roger Bannister, Jesse Owens and Dave Wottle.

I am so grateful for the privilege to interview Mike Stahr, and wish him the best. Also, be sure to check out his website www.running2win.com.

~Oceane

Ashley Rhodes Carter, New York Times bestselling author, speaks out about foster care system

 

“I was adopted and it saved my life.” Ashley begins the interview by speaking about her past struggles in foster care and her wonderful adoption that was “no short of a fairytale.”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Ashley, she spent her childhood in 14 foster care homes until she was finally adopted by a loving family. Ashley is now a college graduate, New York Times Bestselling author, and an advocate for adoptable children. Her book, Three Little Words, is a memoir and a national bestseller. Ashley has also appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, Nancy Grace, ABC Primetime, Montel Williams, and other national media outlets.

Ashley goes on to answer my first question: what would you tell a family who is considering adopting a child? She responds passionately, affirming that “The thing to also remember is that there is an age, gender, disposition, development level, or sibling group out there for ANY family. There are just too many kids out there to turn your back on the possibility of adoption.”

Although Ashley went through some tough times in abusive foster care families, she always felt the need to advocate for herself and other children who were going through similar challenges. Once adopted, her life improved dramatically. Ashley continuously emphasizes the love her parents gave her, saying: “I know my parents love me just as much as their biological sons, and frankly, I may be even closer to my parents in some ways.”  

Nowadays, Ashley and her husband have fostered 12 children. Unfortunately, none of the children have become free for adoption, but Ashley assures me they will “jump at the chance to adopt any of our kids that we feel a deep connection with.” Ashley is also currently serving as a National Child Welfare Ambassador for the American Humane Association as well as on several national and international boards including, Amici de Bambini, OrphanAid Africa, Ghana; Children Without a Voice USA; and Family Focus Adoption, USA.

Ashley has some words of encouragement for children undergoing foster care, including telling them to persevere through these dark times in their lives, and reminding them that their “life experiences actually make them much more capable of success.”

Ashley ends the interview with these words; “My story isn't unique and my experiences mirror that of thousands of other youth struggling in care. Youth must take responsibility for their own futures, make positive choices, find their passions, and surround themselves with people who are going to help progress them to the next stage in their lives. Communities must also rally around these youth to ensure that we have better outcomes.”

It was an absolute honor interviewing the incredible Ashley Rhodes-Courter, and I would like to thank her for her time and what she gives to the world.

 

-Oceane

   

Toddlers & Tiaras Star Meaghan Jones on her appearance on the Tyra Show & life after pageants

Meaghan Jones is a successful beauty queen who was featured on an episode of Toddlers & Tiaras and interviewed by Tyra Banks herself on the Tyra Show. Meaghan kindly agreed to sit down and answer a few questions about her pageant life and future.

I began the interview by asking Meaghan about her experience on the show Toddlers & Tiaras. "It was an amazing experience," says Meaghan. She admits she was a little nervous since she was only 9 years old when she was featured on the show.

When asked how often she competes in pageants, Meaghan informs us she is no longer involved in pageants because she is way too busy with sports and has no time left for them. Meaghan's weekends are filled with cheerleading practice and volleyball tournaments. Although she misses pageants, she decides to focus on what may get her a full scholarship one day.

Meaghan thinks back at the many titles she's won, determining which one is her favorite. She comes to the conclusion of her "Ultimate Grand Supreme" title from the Universal Royalty National Pageant last year, where she took home the $10,000 grand prize. The money was spent on clothes, an iPad and college savings. Meaghan also mentions the Glamour Dolls pageant, where she came back winning a car.

I also questioned Meaghan about her appearance on the Tyra Show. Perhaps it was the fact that Tyra scolded her for saying she would rather be pretty than smart, Meaghan says her overall experience with the interview was just okay. She does remark that the show was "really good publicity."

Meaghan pondered the next question; if she could meet 3 people, dead or alive, who would they be? Unable to make up her mind, Meaghan states she has no clue who she'd want to meet.

I couldn't resist questioning her on her view of crazy pageant moms. Meaghan agrees that there are some moms who shouldn't be there, and believes the child should only do pageants if it is their choice. She brings up the Go-Go juice (from the episode with Honey Boo Boo), and affirms that such beverages are "totally unnecessary," and "unhealthy."

I take this time to thank Meaghan for answering these questions and wish her luck on her athletic future. Be sure to check back later for more interviews and leave your thoughts below!