The Color of MYGIFT!

MYGIFT Program, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit mentoring program that was founded in August 2007.  Our organization teaches girls ages 8-18 years old to embrace who you are, by building their confidence and self-esteem.  We believe that every girl needs a strong foundation of confidence and self-esteem, to help her to make positive choices in her life, as she journeys into womanhood. 

A MYGIFT Girl is a young lady who is high motivated, with the ability to see the big picture. She is innovated, strong-willed with a strong sense of companionship.  While she is normally regal and exquisite; however, she can let her guard down and have a good time.  She is confident young lady with the ability to stay focused, while putting matters in the proper perspective.

The following colors were selected to represent our vision, mission and purpose: 

WHITE: Highly motivated, bright, ability to see 'the big picture', a chameleon, money is not always the object of their lives, great wisdom. Is a combination of everything but is not tarnished or affected or changed by anything. White is most often associated with purity, simplicity, youth, goodness, reverence and honesty.

MAGENTA: Nonconformists, innovated, strong-willed, inventive, imaginative, artistic, resourceful, productive, creative, and has an agile mind.  Magenta's are bright and determined about things they regard as important. They are great manipulators as well as actors. Magenta's tap dance to their own tune!

PINK: Shows a purity of intention, strong sense of companionship, cleanness, love of art and beauty, and shows vitality.  Pink is the color of children, most notably girls. In a logical sense, pink would symbolize a young female royal. Not quite purple, pink is flirtatious, fun and silly if you will. It is the color of your inner child. It sends the message that while you normally are regal or exquisite, you can also enjoy letting your guard down and having good, clean fun.

BLACK: A protective cloak shielding themselves from outside energies and keeping themselves centered or focused while putting matters in the proper perspective. Black can be viewed as a representation of all that we have experienced and be used as a demonstration of the fullness of our life. It symbolizes the culmination of everything that exists. It represents a complete person, someone who is confident, a person who lacks nothing.

Embrace Who You Are!

Know that what you have accomplished, your courageous acts, and your commitment to embrace who you are…is aligned with your purpose and a gift to us all.  Never be afraid to make positive choices over the popular ones—even if you have to stand alone with your decisions ... but, look around, you are never alone.

- MYGIFT  Program, Inc. -

Makeya is our April MYGIFT Girl

Makeya is our April MYGIFT Girl. She's 15 yrs. old and here's what she had to say about the April Workshop:


One thing you learned today that you didn't expect to learn by participating in this workshop?

"I learned that it's okay to step outside the box."


Her favorite things:

Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite subject in school: Government
Favorite female singer: N/A
Favorite male singer: Neyo
Favorite rapper: Wiz Khalifa
Favorite book: "Who Am I Without Him"
Favorite outfit: N/A
Rita's or Coldstone: Rita's
Pet Peeve: Stinky Breathe

Today I Will Love Me!

Today I Will Love Me!

Today I will love me!

I will honor and respect me today!

I will hold my head up high and walk with confidence today!

Today I will love me!

Today, I will begin making positive choices in my life.

Today, I will begin focusing on my personal dreams.

Today, I am one step closer on my path to womanhood.

Today, I will begin focusing on my educational and professional goals.

Today I will love me!

Today, I intend to do everything in my power to make sure that I have the best day I ever had.

Today, I will give back to tomorrow’s generation of young girls, ensuring that they have the same opportunities to make good decisions about their future.

Today, I will embrace me, from the top of my head, to the bottom of my feet.

I will love me today, tomorrow and forever!

~ Michelle Dunn ~

The Power of Change Is In Your Hands

Life is a set of circumstances that
you can change, improve,
and make better day by day.
It's your decision; it's in your hands.
Just like the potter at the wheel, you are
the force that turns and moves
the clay into a thing of beauty.
Like the painter's brush depicting
something fresh and new and picturesque,
you can create the scenery that's best for you.

Each person has rhe power to take
control of every circumstances in life -
to change, improve,
and make it better day by day.
Not one of us can say;
"I must accept whatever comes my way"
because the way we choose to go
through life is our decision.
The power of change is always
in your hands.

- Barbara J. Hall -

To Get What You Want Out Of Life...

It takes bvelieving in your dreams
and in what you know to be true.
Surviving disappointments
and the times when
you're truly alone.
Awakening to see that you
have made it through
the difficult times
with only yourself to depend on.
It takes facing the truth
that only you can shape your destiny.
Realizing that the footsteps
you take today
are the ones that will
lead you into tomorrow,
and they must be guided by
an unswerving faith in yourself.
Understanding that the failures,
setbacks, and hurst
life often gives us all
only services as steppingstones
to true happiness -
and if you follow the trail
instead of turning back,
only then will you recognize
your strengths
and be able to view life.
from the summit.

- Debra McCleary -

You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be!

There is inside you

all of the potential

to be whaever youw ant to be,

all of the energy

to do whatever you want to do.

Imagine yourself as you would like to be,

doing what you want to do,

and each day, take one sstep

towards your dream.

And thought at times it may seem too

difficult to continue,

hold on to your deam.

One morning you will awake to find

that you are the person you dreamed of,

doing what you wanted to do,

simply because you had the courage

to believe in your potential

and to hold on to your dream.

- Donna Levine -

"Words of Inspiration" for National Women's Month

"You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give."


Unknown

Within You Is The Strength To Meet Life's Challenges!

By Lisa Wroble

You are stronger than you think,

remember to stand tall.

Every challenge in your life

helps you to grow.

Every problem you encourter

strengthens your mind and your soul.

Every trouble you overcome

increases your understanding of life.

When all your troubles weigh

heavily on your shoulders,

remember that beneath the burden

you can stand tall,

because you are never given

more than you can handle...

and you are stronger than you think.

Yasminth is our March MYGIFT Girl!

Yasminth is our MYGIFT Girl of the month. She's 16 yrs. old.

Here's what she had to say about the March "Career Day" Workshop:

"I hope to learn new things and strategies to maintain a good lifestyle and be healthy emotionally."

What did you learn at this month's workshop?

"I learned what social workers and nurses do."


One thing you liked about this month's workshop?

"What the world would be like without all the inventions from black people."



Her favorite things:

Favorite Color:  White

Favorite subject in school:  Math

Favorite female singer:  Mary J. Blige

Favorite male singer:  Trey Songz

Favorite rapper:  Eminem

Favorite book:  Perfect Chemistry

Favorite outfit:  T-Shirt & Jeans

Rita's or Coldstone:  Rita's

Pet Peeve:  Mistreating others

"In Her Words"

Hello!


I am happy to announce the launch of our new advice column "In Her Words".  This is a platform that will allow young ladies to get answers to the questions that keep them up at night.  It is my hope that this column will provide a much needed resource for young ladies that may not have someone in their life that they can talk to about the every day issues that they're facing.


I do not profess to be an expert in raising teenagers, but I believe that the same passion that lead me to start my own nonprofit mentoring program for girls in 2007, will help me to provide the best possible answers to each question, as if it was coming from my very own daughter. Please know that your name will never be revealed; however, I will post your question, as well as, my response to you on the newsletter, in an effort to help other young ladies that may be experiencing the same thing; but may not have the courage to submit a question.  Please email me your questions at unwrapped@mygiftprogram.org. 

Thank you in advance!

In Her Words - An Advice Column For Women, About Women

Dear Michelle

I need your advice, I am in my senior year of high school and I am dating this really cute boy, but I just found out that he's seeing a girl at another high school.  I know it's true, because I am a virgin and the rumor is rhat the other girl gives it up to all the guys.  I;m scared rhat he's going to leave me for her, because I'm a virgin and I plan to stay that way until I'm married.

                                                                                   Virgin in Bowie

Dear Virgin in Bowie

Niya is the MYGIFT for March!

Niya is our MYGIFT Girl of the month. She's 12 yrs. old. and she just won 2nd Place for the Science Fair at her school.  Niya will represent Prince George's County Public Schools in the Multi-County Science Fair, competing against Calvert, St. Mary's and various other counties. 

Here's what she had to say about the February "Black History Month" Workshop:



What did you learn at this month's workshop?

"I learned about commitments and black history."



One thing you liked about this month's workshop?

"What the world would be like without all the inventions from black people."



Her favorite things:

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite subject in school: Math

Favorite female singer: Rhianna

Favorite male singer: Trey Songz

Favorite rapper: Nikki Manaj

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite outfit: Skinny Jeans, Jordans and a Hoodie

Rita's or Coldstone: Rita's

Pet Peeve: My cell phone loosing it's signal

"Words of Inspiration" by Oprah Winfrey

"It's up to each of us to get very still and say, "This is who I am.' No one else defines your life.  Only you do."

"Phenomenal Woman"

By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size

But when I start to tell lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally,

Phenomenal women,

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can’t see.

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman.

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed,

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

‘Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

My Mentor, My Friend

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn from you!
When I was seeking so much knowledge,
when I was asking many questions,
you patiently listened and answered accordingly,
never showing signs of frustration.

Thank you for taking the time to show me the necessary

skills today, that will lead me with confidence into tomorrow!
For believing in me and having enough faith
to share your work, your dreams, and your vision.

Thank you for accepting me as I am, with all my eagerness

and my sheer joy over the little things!... you never tried

to squelch that spirit in me Instead, you have encouraged

that spirit and for that, I do thank you.

I realized the knowledge I need for work can be learned anywhere,
taught by most anyone, but the life skills I needed that go along with it...
well, that would have to be taught by a very unique individual
with a very special gift for giving, a gift of patience and understanding
that someone is you, my Mentor and now, my friend

© Theresa Genter

Mentoring Journey

Confused, trying to unravel, understand
Life's intricate, pictureless puzzle
Through tinted, frustrated, alert eyes.
Outwardly disinterested, sharp listener.
Moody, rainbow emotions, whaddaya know?
Verbal protests mask insecure, fragile.

Awakening seeds of greatness.
Bravado? Adolescence!
Persevere. Walk in their shoes.
Occasional blistering painful experiences
Threaten to derail envisioned images,
Golden, sun-filled days; dreamy sweat-stained
Mountain peaks triumphantly conquered.

A stumble - curses, swears, mutters -
Potentially self-destructing, downward
Spiral rears a tortured head.

Respectfully reach out, take a hand;

Smiling, wise eyes, whisper softly, sincerely,
"I believe in you!"
The nurturing journey continues.

Robin Cox

Mentoring For Success

A mentor is a woman role model from the community. A ‘role model’ is someone whom girls can admire and look up to because she leads a good life. A mentor encourages girls to stay in school and have aspirations for themselves beyond school. A mentor spends time with girls individually or in a group to make sure that they do well in school, are healthy and happy, and are helpful to their families and communities.

A mentor can be almost anyone—mother, young woman, religious leader, community leader, or professional woman in any field. A mentor may have been to a university or may only have primary schooling. A mentor has a real concern for the young women in the community. She builds trust. She speaks wisely and listens closely. She plans mentoring sessions and activities. A mentor is willing to do what she can to help girls succeed.

Mentoring gives girls the chance to spend time with a trusted adult who accepts them for who they are. A mentor praises girls when they do well in their studies. A mentor inspires girls to do their best and helps them to succeed. Girls who know about mentoring may be eager to have a mentor themselves. They may have questions about issues that they would not be able to ask anyone else, such as health, sex, boyfriends, school, work, and future goals and aspirations.

By Academy for Educational Development

Destiny is our January MYGIFT Girl!

Destiny is our January MYGIFT Girl. She's 12 yrs. old and here's what she had to say about the January "National Mentoring Month" Workshop:



What did you learn at this month's workshop?

"That it is good to have a mentor."



One thing you liked about this month's workshop?

"We made posters for our mentors. I made my poster for my Mom, because she's my mentor."



Her favorite things:

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite subject in school: Math

Favorite female singer: Rhianna

Favorite male singer: Trey Songz

Favorite rapper: Nikki Manaj

Favorite book: The First Part Last

Favorite outfit: Skinny Jeans

Rita's or Coldstone: Rita's

Pet Peeve: Disrespectful People

Sierra is our December MYGIFT Girl

Sierra is our December MYGIFT Girl. She's 15 yrs. old and here's what she had to say about the December Workshop:


One thing you learned today that you didn't expect to learn by participating in this workshop?



"I learned that we can give to poor women."



Her favorite things:

Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite subject in school: Chorus
Favorite female singer: Ciara
Favorite male singer: Trey Songz
Favorite rapper: Nikki Manaj
Favorite book: Cat In The Hat
Favorite outfit: T-Shirt and Jeans
Rita's or Coldstone: Rita's
Pet Peeve: Disrespectful People

HUMAN

There are people in the world,
Like torches in the night.
They light a path of hope
And stand for what is right.

They face adversity,
While others would despair.
They challenge us to be
What others never dared.

They are movers, believers, and healers.
They are lovers, they're fighters, and dreamers,
And they are human, so very human,
And it's human we're meant to be.

There are people in our world,
With passion in their eyes,
And wisdom on their lips,
And power in their lives.

They walk the journey, too.
The torrents have been crossed.

With mountains still to climb;
Their dream is never lost.

They are movers, believers, and healers.
They are lovers, they're fighters, and dreamers,
And they are human, so very human,
And it's human we're meant to be.

It's not for glory or power or gain;

It's not for that ego, the money or fame.

It's the present; it's for the future,
And for us to fan the flame.

© Chris Skinner

Poetic Gift for December

The Light We Sought

Her Star Shines Bright
Both Day and Night
Sun and Moon Dare not Challenge
For as she Sleeps
Her Dreams so Sweet,
Her Life Held in the Balance
She seems so Strong
Her Heart Belongs
Soaring Higher on Silk Wings
She'll Make you Weep
Beauty so Sweet
She Makes the Angels Sing
But Loves Special Pain
And all its Gains
Can Blind us to our Fears
Suffer Not
The Light we Sought
Will Lead us from our Tears

~ Written By Connie ~