Miss California International 2010...Gretheel Olvera

Volunteering Le Conte Elementary School

2010-06-02T21:23:00.001-07:00

I found a local elementary school near my school where I could travel to and volunteer with. The great thing about having a platform like Special Olympics is that it gives me an array of areas in which I can help and make a true difference. I became involved with Le Conte Elementary because the Full Inclusion program, which provides special assistance to students with disabilities, needed help from volunteers to help continue in making this program successful. I spoke with the head of the department and she and I have thought of many great ways in which we can make this program evolve into something bigger and greater for the students. For starters one of the main projects I began to embark on and will continue to help with when I go back to school, is making the classroom a better working environment for the kids. Many boards are outdated, undecorated and messy. I plan to clean it all up, organize the shelves, books and school supplies. A clean, organized environment is necessary for a student to learn in, especially one with disabilities for many accidents can happen with things out of their place. Another plan we have talked about is creating a binder with information about volunteerism and the tasks/jobs that are helpful when assisting with special needs students. This I can take back with me to my own school and help recruit volunteers for Le Conte. We have many more ideas that will help enrich this program because special needs students deserve the same opportunities as all the other students. Here in my blog are pictures of how I spend most of my time while volunteering, helping a child learn how to read or build a puzzle or even write their own name always reminds me of my own blessings and opportunities I have been given and it is only right for me to give a little of that back through my volunteerism in this program. I look forward to going back and continuing my work with Le Conte Elementary.

Volunteering Le Conte Elementary School

2010-06-02T21:22:00.001-07:00

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My Day With Bryce

2010-04-29T13:27:00.002-07:00

Le Conte Elementary school is a local school who is in need of volunteers in all areas of their programs. I particularly became involved with their Full Inclusion Program which helps children with disabilities interact and be in the same classrooms as other children in their grade, along with the supervision of a chaperone. This allows children with special needs to be in the same setting and environment with their fellow classmates instead of being alone and isolated. I feel that this program helps them develop not only their educational skills but also their social skills. This slideshow shows a small part of my day with one of the students and his name is Bryce. He is full of life and energy, sometimes hard to keep him focus and still on his tasks. Here we are in music class and I am helping him hear the tune of the rest of the class and he adds to the music with his bongo playing. At times it is very difficult to keep him reared in on what he is supposed to be doing and I constantly have to remind him of it. This is very challenging and frustrating at times and I see that in this he is also teaching me. Teaching me ways to be patient and help me dip into my creative side in finding ways to help keep him focused. After a day of playing and teaching with Bryce I am exhausted and find myself smiling as I walk out of that classroom because I know I made a difference in his life in the days worth of work and he also has impacted mine to the same or even further extent. I am so happy to have chosen a platform in which I can give and found it a blessing to also be on the receiving end of things.

My Day With Bryce

2010-04-29T13:27:00.001-07:00

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Dare to be Bare Fundraiser

2010-04-29T12:31:00.002-07:00

The local chapter of Lambda Sigma Kappa held their fundraising event on a beautiful warm Sunday on April 25th. The mission of Sigma Kappa Foundation is to lead, educate and inspire society through educational programming and philanthropic events. Whether it is walking in an Alzheimer's Association memory walk or holding a fundraiser such as this one, they do it to provide assistance to elderly in need. It was a $5.00 admission charge and with that those who came out to support us got a complimentary make up and nail make over. There were various raffles and auctions along with yummy appetizers and refreshments provided. It was a good way to bond and have a good time all the while raising money for a good cause. I support Sigma Kappa and its philanthropic events and am proud to have been a part of that wonderful day as Miss California and a sister.

Dare to be Bare Fundraiser

2010-04-29T12:31:00.001-07:00

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Girl Time! Motivational Speaking

2010-04-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Part of my job is to explain what it is I do as Miss California, why I do it and what it is I volunteer in. I love being able to possibly make a difference in the lives of our future generations. Every time I give a speech I touch the possibility of impacting and making a difference in the lives of one of the students listening. This time around I was invited to speak to an all girls classroom period. Girl time was so much fun. As I got to talk about my duties and responsibilities I also got to share make up tips and show them my previous crowns, sashes and plaques. My main focus was to get across how much beauty lies within. I explained what truly made me beautiful, my devotion towards volunteerism with the Special Olympics. With that I described that Special Olympics would not necessarily be the area of interest for them but that through trying different things they would find what it is makes their hearts become filled with joy. A classroom period full of girl talk was a blast!

Girl Time! Motivational Speaking

2010-04-07T16:17:00.001-07:00

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Winter Break

2010-02-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

I hope by viewing this slideshow the true essence of why I competed and wanted to become Miss California International can come through. It is not all about glitz and glamour. Wearing jeans a t-shirt and some converse while being able to play, talk, help, inspire and become friends with the Special Olympic participants is what it is truly about. During winter break I was able to fully engage in many activities with them. Although I am supposed to be teaching them how to do things, many times they end up teaching me and explaining the rules to me. Through interaction and with activities such as beading class, video games, foosball, ping pong and outings I am able to share my time with them. After every single shift of spending time with them I cannot help but walk away and feel a great sense of appreciation for life and for all that I have. They show me more than how to play games, they show me how precious life is and that we should be happy with what we were given. They are always smiling and joking around despite whatever disability they face each and every day. My heart is fulfilled with a deep joy when I am surrounded by my kids. I am the one that is supposed to be teaching them and I feel like I do, but not nearly as much as they teach me in my life. I am grateful to hold the title of Miss California and be able to speak these words in hope that someone who reads this will be moved to volunteer some of their time with Special Olympics as well and experience the beauty I do when I am with them.

Winter Break

2010-02-06T22:37:00.000-08:00

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Palm Springs Christmas Parade!

2009-12-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, December 5th, I was reunited with my sister titleholders. I had not seen them since we were all crowned together and it was a blessing that we were all able to make it and spend time together. I knew when I was crowned back in September that I would be sharing a great year with these ladies. Little did I know how wonderful and extraordinary each and everyone of them was. As we got to spend more and more time together this past weekend I was thankful to have been crowned with such aspiring and wonderful women. It felt warm and comforting to share my time and exchange presents with them. The parade itself was wonderful. It is so beautiful how much time the community puts forth. We were so lucky to have been invited, although it was freezing cold I bundled up with my fellow sisters and waved to the community of Palm Springs. Later that evening we all had a pretty healthy dinner (getting ready for Nationals) and exchanged presents. We talked, drank hot chocolate and enjoyed each others presence. I cannot emphasize enough each and every time I have an event how grateful I am to have been chosen to represent the state of California. Each and every time I am reminded what a blessed person I have been. I love my job as Miss California.

Palm Springs Christmas Parade!

2009-12-09T22:57:00.001-08:00

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Desert Willow Treatment Center Event

2009-11-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I was blessed enough to be able to take a break from school and spend time with my family. While I was there visiting I thought I would make my time useful and take advantage of the holiday and give back a little of my time to the community. I have had one great year so far and cannot begin to name all of the things I am thankful for. Myself and my siblings volunteered some of our Thanksgiving morning to the Desert Willow Treatment Center, where children with behavioral problems live. My presence was a complete surprise to the kids and it was so heartwarming to see the smile on their faces as we walked in. I spoke with them and their families and told them a little bit about myself and although I will be competing against their own Miss Nevada International in the summer they appreciated a little bit of California love in their wonderful state. This Thanksgiving was great in many ways. I am thankful for all that I have.

Desert Willow Treatment Center Event

2009-11-27T22:01:00.000-08:00

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Spirit of the Season Gala

2009-11-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 13th I went to San Francisco and volunteered my evening at the Spirit of the Season Gala. This is a huge fundraising event for the Special Olympic organization. I was happy to help at the registration table and worked really hard to sell as many raffles tickets as possible to help enhance the funds towards my cause. I spent time with some participants in the Special Olympics program and even got the chance to play a game of wee with them. They were so lovely all dressed up and had a great time at their event. Everyone there was in such good spirit and gave so much to this organization. It made me happy to see people in society coming together to help continue this organization run for those who need it. I made the right choice in choosing Special Olympics as my platform, I love the participants.

Spirit of the Season Gala

2009-11-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

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Desert Aids Event

2009-10-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

On October 8th I was invited to attend the Desert Aids Charity event. I was touched by the passion and drive the community had towards making the community as healthy as possible. They help save lives through counseling and testing for those who have or potentialyl have aids. Even though funding has been cut they do all that is possible to continue their help and services. At this event I met so many great people and even got to have my hair done at the Bungalow Salon where the event was held! I was so lucky :) I want to go back soon to say hi to all of my new friends there in Rancho Mirage.

Desert Aids Event

2009-10-16T12:24:00.001-07:00

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My Trip to Bubbling Wells Elementary School

2009-10-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I went to Bubbling Wells Elementary School in Palm Springs and had a fun filled morning with the kids. I met so many happy faces and handed out autographs, took many pictures and most importantly spoke with the children. I spoke with them about myself and about some things I like to do outside of pageantry and focused on why it is important to stay in school and become or enhance their bilingualism. I advocated on behalf of my Special Olympic platform and told the kids why it was important to volunteer some of their time with the Special Olympic program. It is never to early to begin giving back to the community. My visit to the school was incredible and will carry the memory of the children being in awe as I walked into the auditorium with me forever. This is why I love doing what I do.

Hugs,
Gretheel Olvera

My Trip to Bubbling Wells Elementary School

2009-10-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

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Miss California Intl Pageant 2010

2009-09-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

WOW! On Saturday, September 12 I was crowned Miss California International 2010. Since, it has taken me a minute to fully digest what happened that night. I remember holding my breath after they called the first runner up and then heard my name called for the next award which was the title. I don't remember everything that happened that second, it is kind of a blur to me I was so nervous/excited/happy. All I remember doing is calling out, "MOOOOOM!" and shaking uncontrollably. It was a moment my life which I will carry with me forever and am such a blessed woman to have this opportunity. Now I my goal is to bring awareness to my platform Special Olympics and Adaptive Recreation programs and help fundraise some money for these special children and adults. Believe it when they say, "That which is for you shall not go by you..." if you are meant to do something in this life it will happen and I believe with all my heart that I was destined to be crowned to help make a difference.

Miss California Intl Pageant 2010

2009-09-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

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