Confidence. A word I have come to know quite well over the
past few years. Confidence in life, confidence in others, but most importantly,
confidence in YOU, are all things we strive for, and as I sit here on my
computer trying to surf the web for an appropriate quote that will give some
relevance for all of you out there reading, I realized that by just simply
introducing myself, opening up my world, and sharing my story, I can originate
my own form of inspiration.
So with that, I am going to start off with a HUGE hello! For
those of you who don’t know me, my name is Marissa Accordino, and I am ready to
take on the world and share it with you as I see it! A little bit of background
information—Currently, I am a rising junior at Ithaca College, working to obtain
my Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a
double minor in Theater and Legal Studies. I absolutely adore public speaking,
singing, acting, dancing, going to the gym, eating chocolate (I know, what a
contradiction)…. Heck, the list really never ends. But out of all of these
things, one thing I pride myself in is advocating for what I believe in, and
trying to be the best leader I can be.
Before I ventured into the collegiate world, I was a high
school student like most of us. It seems like ages ago, but I woke up at seven
every morning, attended my classes, did my homework, participated in my fair
share of extracurricular activities and earned myself decent grades. Lather,
rinse, and repeat. And while I wouldn’t change some of my high school
experience for the world, I also felt that some of it was at most, typical. I
was very simple and shy, I had my close group of a few friends, I was
overweight, and around those that I did not know, I was reserved and for lack
of better words, self-conscious. Sure, I knew that I had great qualities to
offer, but the fact of the matter is, until I realized my own potential, I
didn’t really believe that they could
be recognized.
That is where the National Organization for Women’s Safety
Awareness comes into play. As a dedicated Girl Scout of Nassau County, it was
only protocol that I obtained the highest-level award known—The Girl Scout Gold
Award. I have always been a paranoid person, so when trying to decide what I
wanted to be the primary focus of my project, the answer was a no-brainer.
Although I had never actually been the recipient of forceful harm or assault, I
always had some type of sixth sense where I could perceive danger when it was
in close proximity to me. And believe me—I hated the feeling. So there I was,
once again surfing the web like I had done countless times before, and I came
across the page for the NOWSA. Nervous and introverted, I contacted Lidia
Szczepanowski-Goldmsith Esq., founder, and Fran Petito, President, not really
anticipating what type of impact it would have on me. I was fully aware that
this type of collaboration would have an extremely positive outcome, but it
wasn’t until I actually met them and officially gained the title of First
Annual Teen Ambassador, that I understood how important being a part of this
organization was.
By attending safety seminars and board meetings, by being
featured on radio shows and in fashion shows, by learning various safety
techniques and most importantly, by becoming acquainted with people who were
brave enough to educate me with their message of hope, I was not only able to
find my own voice against violence and assault, but I was also able to find
myself. And with that newfound confidence that has carried with me to this day,
I was able to, and still hope to, spread my knowledge and empower others.
Because whether you realize it or not—being able to stand tall and know that you
have the opportunity to influence and inspire an infinite number of people, is
one of the greatest rewards.
So in short (because I know this is quite the ramble), I
want to be the first person to welcome you to my new blog as the new college
ambassador for the National Organization for Women’s Safety Awareness. It is my hope to adhere to a brand new
audience, expand the circle of those involved, be an honest source of
information and invite you into my world as an Ithaca College student. What I
see, what I hear and what I experience will all be disclosed as it relates to
safety for our generation and beyond, and I can only hope that my stories will
inspire others to take a stand and Be A Voice.
Lastly, I want to thank Lidia Szczepanowski-Goldsmith, Esq.
and Fran Petito for granting me the opportunity to work with such an esteemed
organization. It has meant more to me than you will ever know!
Stay Tuned!!!
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