Inspired February 2015 Inspired February 2015 | Page 17

FEATURE One morning, I woke up and announced that I was going to school without her wig. Since my classmates had seen me with my hair, over the past 5 months, my mom was concerned that the other kids would be shocked if I arrived at school totally bald. But I was determined that was what I wanted to do. I felt that she was “hiding who I was.” I liked the comfort and ease of just being bald. So at 8 years of age, I bravely marched into my 3rd grade classroom without hair. Ironically, nothing bad happened. The teacher explained my situation to the other students and they were just fine with my decision. My hair loss could have devastated my life, but instead it has given me a powerful platform to share my message. I have shared my story of living with alopecia with literally thousands of kids/ teens through out Central Indiana and beyond. To find out more about Olivia’s Cause, please go to her website and check out more information. That day changed my life forever. What began as my desire to be “myself”, quickly evolved into a message that “It’s Okay to be Different,” anti-bullying and teen suicide prevention. Since launching my lecture program in 2009, I have shared my story and message with thousands of kids/teens at schools, churches, events and with organizations throughout central Indiana and beyond. I won The Power of Children Award from The Indianapolis Children’s Museum. I received The Highlights Gallant Kid Award from Highlights Magazine for Kids. I was selected by Seventeen Magazine as one of their “Pretty Amazing Girls Of The Week.” I was feature on the website in Ann Shoket’s blog and I have the exclusive use of the “Pretty Amazing Girl” button. In 2012, I added author to my list of accomplishments,when I wrote and published, “Just Your Average Teenager, Who Happens To Be Bald.” This year, we are beginning the production of a movie called, “Wig’d Out.” POWER OF PHILANTHROPY CONTEST FEBRUARY WINNER What is Philanthropy? Philanthropy is simply voluntary action for the public good, or all the ways that people give of their time, talent and treasure. We are looking for submissions from high school students surrounding your experiences with community service, social justice, fundraising, giving, and/or any other way you have made a difference in the lives of others. We will accept poems, narratives, photographs, art work, videos, etc. around the theme of philanthropy. Submissions from October through April can be sent to [email protected] The IU Lilly Family School or Philanthropy is offering a scholarship to the winner of the contest in the amount of $1500 annually for four years. February’s monthly winner of this contest is Olivia Rusk, a senior at Fishers High School. www.readinspiredmag.org Express Yourself 17