Did you know the NFL’s Ryan Grant also participated in basketball and track and field during his time at Don Bosco Prep School in New Jersey? Did you know the NBA’s Adonal Foyle still holds the record in New York for most points in a high school tournament game? Did you know former Suffern High School girls’ lacrosse star Crysti Foo…read more
This weekend, I was standing on top of a hill with a fortress and a lighthouse that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea in a small beach town in Spain called Tossa De Mer. It was absolutely breathtaking. And I never even heard of this place before we arrived. All I could think was, “How in the world did I get here?”
I love this story. This inspires me to hold onto faith and to let things happen on its own. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story. I’m happy you were able to balance work and travel.
Lauren!!! I love this line “I don’t know exactly where my life is headed, but I do know how I got where I am right now. And that is by personally and professionally following my heart.” It’s exactly the space I’m in where life can be so mysterious. While that can be unsettling there is hope in knowing that by following our dreams and what we l…read more
This is why I am making the world my workplace for the summer
As a kid, I was adventurous, riding rollercoasters at age five, going on a plane by myself at seven, and willing to travel just about anywhere up through my college years. I am not sure if it was the pandemic or the tragedies we see daily in the news, or maybe just me getting older, but somehow, along my journey, my fearless spirit began to…read more
To be able to travel all over the world is super cool and It’s a great thing that you’ve got you traveling mojo back and that you’re traveling with the one you love. Thank you for sharing
Lauren I am so grateful to have seen your letter. As a young woman that desperately wants to travel but didn’t even go away for school it comforts me in so many ways to see you pushing past your fears and learning how to live in a way that’s such a genuine experience. I pray that soon I’ll be able to tell my own version of this story and I hope to…read more
Hear me out. What does your inner child have to do with leaving your adult 9-5? Well for me, I don’t resonate with my job and never have resonated with working for someone else who clearly doesn’t value you as a person. Working in healthcare has made me realize that many of these companies capitalize on our empathy. I have learned my soul lig…read more
I so agree with you Elena. As adults we tend to be so cautious, and scared to take changes. But as children we tend to dream big, and just go for it. I so think you should channel your inner child and follow your heart. Create or build whatever brings you joy, and then tell other people all about it so you can inspire them to do the same. You got…read more
I totally agree with you. I have been going through a spiritual journey myself and plan on starting a spiritual healing business of my own. Recently my inner child reminded me when I was younger adults use to always say you can do anything you want or set your mind to, I truly believe that now; as an adult. Keep pursuing your dreams, you got this !
Yes! I tell my daughter all the time and I wish I would have had a little more encouragement to be my own boss and not stay in survival mode! Yessss keep pushing for that spiritual business, I know it’s possible once you recognize you’re worthy of that success.
You should always pursue the things that make you happy even if it means leaving your 9-5. You should be your own boss and follow your own rules. Thank you for sharing
Like you, I am both a creative and an entrepreneur. Your legacy inspires me beyond measure.
See, this weekend, I visited Walt Disney World, a collection of theme parks named in your honor and developed based on many of your ideas and creations. It’s the second time I have been there just this year and the sixth time in my l…read more
Mr. Disney started with a small idea but a big dream and like you and many others has inspired a long line of dreamers. This letter to him is exactly what his dream was. To inspire.
I love this so much, and I totally agree with you. I’ve only gone once. My daughter took me for my 40th Bday, which she was also celebrating passing the bar for the first time, so it was a great celebration for both of us, and I loved it so much. It was an amazing time, to me, like a dream. I had never experienced such joy during that trip. It was…read more
Awww thank you. I hope you get a chance to go back! You mentioned your daughter before, she sounds like a really sweet person and smart as well. <3 Lauren
I love your perspective of Disney World. I believe we can create any reality we want with proper planning, and patience just like you and Walt Disney. The best part about it bringing joy, and helping others discover themselves in numerous ways!
It’s clear that Mr. Disney is a very inspirational figure in your life. He started with a dream just like you and he brought that dream to life and inspired millions to chase their own dreams.
I had fallen into a career I truly loved, selling floor care, cleaning products, and equipment. It came on the heels of me losing a job with United States Steel, Duquesne Works, in Pittsburgh. The mill closed, and I thought that was it for me, but my mother taught me to have a good work ethic, so out hunting work, I went. I found two jobs being a…read more
I love your story Larry. It’s a story of taking a chance on yourself, believing in yourself and going for it – no matter what anyone thinks. So amazing and so inspiring. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being a part of our family. <3 Lauren
Hi Larry,
I absolutely love everything about this story. I feel like it tells so much about who you are and what imprint you want to leave on this world.
A lot of people never take a chance on themselves because they’re afraid to fail. Just the fear of failure alone leaves the majority in a stagnant position- but you didn’t let fear lead to ina…read more
Your story is inspiring. I know how scary it can be to take a leap of faith but most of the time it’s worth it. It’s exciting that you created a legacy that your children have decided to carry on. Thank you for sharing.
What an inspiring story, I only wish I had that much power. I’ve always wanted to do something like this all my life, but never truly pushed it, plus I really didn’t know how to go forward with it. I had a lot of illnesses getting in the way during my life, and that held me up for years and after that I just didn’t go with the idea of start…read more
You such a dedicated person, and you are so driven. Even when a difficult challenge comes your way you still kept it pushing and never gave up. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Unsealed Community,
When I was in my first semester of college at C. W. Post I was very unhappy. I had never been away from home for any length of time or away from my parents. I was also a very sheltered 18 year old so I was a bit unprepared for the typical college bad behavior that goes on. Adding to this, I did not get along…read more
Shelly I love when you said “ Sometimes going back is ok because it pro, I love when you said “Sometimes we aren’t ready for new levels in life yet. We tend to still want to fix past things in order to walk into the future. It takes a lot of steps to be able to have the mindset to take a step back especially when you are so focused on what you hav…read more
Sometimes in life we just know when things aren’t right. Like you being in a 4 year college. My motto is if you’re not happy where you are change what you’re doing. And from the sound of it that worked out for you. Thank you for sharing.
Amen, Love it, as the saying goes, “there’s no place like home”, none; unless you had or s having a bad experience at home. I definitely understand you wanting to get out of that situation at the larger college. Why should you have to be uncomfortable in your own space/own room. The worst thing about it, you had to tiptoe around, because there’s a…read more
I believe you made the right decision. Feeling home sick is the worst feeling and that happened to me recently when I took a trip to Jamaica and I haven’t been there in years and I grew up there but the heat was terrible and I just missed my friends and just Florida in general but over time I got used to it. There truly is no place like home
Almost six years ago, I graduated from Youngstown State University with honors and a Bachelor’s Degree of Journalism. I majored in Journalism, but I always tell people that I had a double-minor at YSU. I technically minored in Communication, but I had another minor: Determination.
Being on the autism spectrum, I attended job counseling. Every…read more
Drew, I absolutely love this. You are INCREDIBLE. I think you should connect with fellow member @jsapril He has CP and he is going through the process of trying to get a job. <3 Lauren
Is he currently going through job counseling? What was his major in college? What is he passionate about? What would he like to pursue for his livelihood? I wish him nothing but success.
Drew, your story about your “hat in the ring” is truly inspiration! Thank you for always being in my corner! I was inspired by your risk and I am taking my own!
As they say, “Now I have to execute the game plan!!
.
Hi Drew!
Already we have a lot in common because I myself am majoring in Journalism and Communications. Who you know can definitely play a huge factor in this field, at times over what you know it appears. From experience, finding jobs in this field can most definitely be a challenge, but having a support group and people in your circle that want…read more
Drew your letters are so amazing I’m glad that you were able to feel close to The Unsealed family by sharing your everyday life and process with autism. It takes a lot of bravery to do that. You are a great writer and just like the opportunities you have now for writing I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us.
The power of not giving up is unmatched. You took that leap and I’m glad you did. You seem very pleased with your success. Congratulations on 6 years of writing about MMA. Proud of you.
You’re so right, Go for it, what’s stopping you and you went for it, Congrats! I’m so glad you got the job of writing that you truly wanted with a true statement of being a fan of MMA, along with your Journalism degree, that is amazing, and a great accomplishment. As you’ve stated, take a risk, go for it, and everyone (as well as myself) had this…read more
Dude you are amazing, You never gave up and you kept trying no matter what and your hard work truly paid off. I wish you nothing but success and thank you for sharing.
Mentor: what do the last three syllables of that sound like? TOUR, a guide, and in the word MENtor, it’s MEN who are guided along for the tour of life: not literal men, people.
I remember it like it was yesterday, the place, middle school, the time, 2009, I was only 11 but, oh, I hear that rhythmic bell blasting right now;
What a sweet story. It’s incredible the power that our teachers hold. Mrs. Candel sounds like such an inspiration. I’m sure she’d be happy to know she made such a positive impact on you. Thank you for sharing.
This is beautiful. It’s clear that Mrs. Candel had and still has a huge effect on you. It’s so wonderful that you had such a wonderful mentor. Thank you for sharing
Growing up, there have been many times when I would see the gulf between me and my classmates ahead of me with their education. I was taught the same curriculum but had to have different accommodations in order for me to catch up to them. At times, I felt like I was chasing a clock since I badly wanted to prove I’m smart to…read more
OMG @dannicatwhiskers This is beautiful. I was never diagnosed with a learning disability, but the truth is never thought I was smart enough. I was bubbly, outgoing and sometimes silly. Plus, I loved wearing dresses. People often assumed I wasn’t smart. I always felt like I had something to prove. While I did well in school, I never felt like it…read more
I want to say thank you so much! Your words were so kind, also you can relate to this, and I feel like we have our own battles when people doubt us. Wow, your teacher said you’re smarter than you look That’s truly degrading, also sometimes we have this pressure to change the way we look, just so people can take us seriously can be…read more
Aww Danni, anyone who is mean and makes fun of someone else is someone who truly isn’t comfortable or secure with themselves. Happy people don’t hurt people. Hurt people hurt people. Whatever someone says about you (or anyone else for that matter) is a reflection of them, not you.
Really, really, thank you for your kind words. This subject is very sensitive to me, so it really makes me smile and it’s a good thing to see so much positivity.
I like the quote, I could relate so much, and I was nodding. I was never the one who liked following a crowd, I loved doing my own thing, and going by my pace has truly…read more
Dear Danni,
It is so impressive that you have reached your educational goals. Even though you faced obstacles growing up you worked hard and made sure you did well so you could further your education. Keep up your good grades , stay focused and I know you will go far. I wish you all the best in all your future endeavors.
Truly thank you for your kind words, it really means a lot to me. Yes, keeping focus and my ambition have helped me a lot to get through these obstacles. It’s always nice to hear someone has faith in me.
I love your passion for a good education. Unfortunately growing up I never took education seriously. I got my diploma in high school and went to trade school. A year after trade I got into college and dropped out after 2 weeks. However I do believe a good education is important.
This is so strong and powerful, you are strong and powerful. You never gave up and you adapted to the scuffed situations you were put in because you didn’t wanted to prove yourself. And I believe those situations awakened your competitive spirit. Thank you for sharing
This road im on
It’s a wild ride
But I’ll keep riding until Dawn
Pushing into being an adult
I try to make wise choices so that I see the result
Reminding myself daily it’s alright to be full of love
In a sparrow world, I can continue to be a dove
Confusing as it may be;
I still desire consistency
I choose to make myself proud and other…read more
This is so beautiful. There is so much wisdom is this piece.
“Never let emotions lead the way, for going forward on the path is how it has to stay.” … I feel like I remind myself of this every day in order to stay focused on what I want in life.
Anyone who ever tells you that you are not enough is simply projecting their own insecurities.…read more
Dear Alexis,
Your poem is beautiful. You sound like a very strong determined woman. I hope you keep fighting for yourself so that you may realize your dreams. I wish you all the best!
Your poem is so amazing and motivational. That pen is your sword and you should never out it down. Keep it up and continue to use it. The road towards our future is long but it sure as heck is going to be a journey.
You are a beast with your pen. You speak your truth and it is loud. Pursue your dreams with a fiery passion. You will empower others to do the same. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my, I love this. What an inspirational piece. You will inspire so many with this piece, and if anyone reads it and can’t see the meaning of it all, they have an issue. This is a very motivational speech for anyone, especially ones who have low self-esteem, or always feeling down about their life and/or always not feeling what they do in life…read more
You are so strong, I believe that all the negatives you heard was gods way of pushing you to be the best you. You dared to be different, you dared to be you and you’re clearly an inspiration to others that struggle with just that- being themselves. Thank you for sharing
When the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 2022, I had high hopes for you – the upcoming year. I planned to build a new feature on The Unsealed – a pen pal system allowing users to post their content and write to each other. I was hopeful that this would be the “it” factor that would take my company to the next level. I thought I…read more
Great stuff Lauren. I know that you deserve only the best. And if I know you well enough , you will get only the best. It’s what you do 🙂
Look out 2023!
I truly enjoy this platform. I’ve read stories that have made me laugh and some that have brought me to the. You are truly changing lives through your work. Thank you for all that you do.
Yes, thanks for the memories. I love it. We should all look back at all that we’ve accomplished the year before, if only to see what we did, how we can do it better, and what’s next. You did what you can to build this platform and it will continue as long as you allow it. Yes you will make many decisions, some will pan out and some may not, but…read more
I admire you. You never gave up and continued with your plan no matter the hiccups. And you are so srong, even though you lost a friend (I’m sorry for your loss) you kept it moving like a boss. Thank you for sharing
Why I broke off my engagement and what it taught me
Dear Unsealed Community,
When I was 19 years old, I knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted to chase my dream as a sportscaster. In pursuit of that dream, I started working at the NBA. I commuted two hours from Columbia University to New Jersey, three days a week, because I was committed. I wanted to network with people who worked in sports. I…read more
Sometimes the hardest this is letting go of what no longer serves you. I’m glad that you left a situation that made you unhappy. You pursued your dream and look where you are now!! Thank you for sharing.
This is amazing. It sucks to let go of those you love but if it doesn’t make you happy you shouldn’t sacrifice your happiness to appease others. Things change but life goes on. Thank you for sharing
I grew up in the 1990s, and like most other girls in my generation, I thought Jonathan Taylor Thomas, aka JTT, was my future husband. He played Randy on Tim Allen’s Home Improvement. I had posters of him in my room, and I listened to love songs imagining the two of us on l…read more
You are so inspiring. You have that go getter mentality and I love it. Never lose that let of you. It’s a blessing. To be so motivated and grab what you want most. Thank you for sharing.
You’re like the real life wonder woman. Determined and fearless in your endeavors, and never gives up no matter the situation. You truly are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing