Actually I do.

You see, this is not just your typical prep boarding school for girls. As far as my dictionary is concerned, it is not only "the" school for any South African girl living in adverse circumstances, but a contagious cause that should have our world reaching beyond the confines of themselves to make a much richer global empowerment someday. I say this with complete certainty because as I watched the Oprah Winfrey Primetime SpecialBuilding a Dream  that aired three days ago on ABC and saw the faces of ten beautiful, vivacious and intelligent, fluent English speaking girls open up about their lives on camera, I could not help but feel a sense of gratitude to each of them for living their powerful, courageous and poignant journeys with utmost integrity.

To backtrack a bit in case you have been rather "snailish" in hearing or reading the exciting news...

On January 2 Oprah cut the red ribbon and generously opened her doors to 152 accepted female applicants (girls ages 12 or 13) for her $40 million Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls located south of Johannesburg in a small town called Henley-on-Klip, with get this- 100% free tuition!!

"These girls deserve to be surrounded by beauty, and beauty does inspire," Winfrey said. "I wanted this to be a place of honor for them because these girls have never been treated with kindness. They've never been told they are pretty or have wonderful dimples. I wanted to hear those things as a child."

The academy includes 28 buildings over a stretch of 20 hectares (52 acres) of land, with all the sophisticated startings to a brighter future- new computers, hi-tech classrooms, spacious and comfortable study areas, a gorgeous dining hall, luxurious dormitory rooms, etc. If you haven't had a real good look at the beautiful school yet click here. It's to die for!

Girls from diversified impoverished backgrounds (or with family incomes that could not surpass $800/month) joined together like sisters from some of South Africa's most dangerous communities. Although only 152 of them could be selected, over 3,000 applications poured in, which- to their surprise- guaranteed them an interview with Oprah as part of the evaluation process. Eventually the school is expected to accommodate 450 girls (Grades 7-12) four years from now.

Breathing life into Oprah's dream that took her 5 years to execute, these young ladies deserve the chance to have their talent, strength and leadership qualities recognized. That's why I cannot escape the urge to write about them as they have literally changed my perspective on life in many respects.

Here's a little sneak peak into the lives of 5 remarkable adolescents Oprah honorably refers to as her "dream girls".

Thando

13-year-old Thando is a very bright and very hardworking scholar who has big aspirations to become an star actress and a powerful conviction that South Africa is in need of a female president. Unfortunately, life was never as glamorous for her as the title of her future career choice implies. With her mom being currently unemployed, Thando's grandmother covers all her school expenses by working as a housekeeper of a white family, leaving them both in deep financial debt. Her relationship with both her parents is estranged.

"My grandmother is my inspiration," Thando says as she tries hard to fight back her tears, "She does everything- she borrows money from her friends, she struggles to pay my school fees, and she gets into financial trouble. Sometimes I think it's all because of me."

Lesego

Lesego, also 13 years-old, is an avid learner who is very fond of mathematics and already a strong leader for her peers. After class she teaches poetry, telling others powerfully evoking messages such as, "You are an individual. Act like an individual. Don't try to blend in. Blend out."

Living with her father in a humble home that has a caved-in roof due to the excess of rain and no indoor plumbing, Lesego doesn't look at her life as unfortunate.

Lesego has been through greater hurdles, including the betrayal she has had to endure since her mom abandoned her at age 4 not to mention her dad's constant struggle to take care of her ever since. Still yet, she is bursting with energy, one day hoping she will change the world as well as her own life.

Sade and Megan

Sade and Megan are sisters who share an inseparable bond that cannot compare to any other. Every night leading up to the opening of the academy they have prayed for one another, desperately hoping that they would both get in.

Although they define themselves as complete opposites of one another, the two of them have shared a special relationship that has only grown into something stronger than crazy glue since they both have witnessed their father shoot their mother and then immediately after, himself (when Megan was 6 and Sade only 5).

The girls don't have any resentments against their parents' abusive relationship as they proudly display their parents picture on their fridge door.

As Sade explains, "I'm not angry at my father 'cause I know God has a reason. Just remember the good times, not the bad."

Zodwa

At 12-years-old, Zodwa has already experienced one of the most devastating struggles the average American typically experiences in their late adulthood- the death of a parent. Last year, her mother was stricken with one of the most commonly widespread diseases of their country- HIV- and later died after it developed into AIDS. Although she lives with her loving grandparents, there is not a day that goes by when Zodwa doesn't miss her mom deeply.

Especially when she walks the streets of Alexandra , one of the poorest and dangerous communities in South Africa, just to attend school regularly. Education is so important to her that she will force herself to overcome her everyday fears of walking past men carrying guns, knives, drugs, even grabbing her and asking for sex just to see her dreams of an improved lifestyle come to life.

"I just wish I could get out of this environment," says this unbelievably brave girl.

"I want to be a leader. I want to be an example. I want to get into Med school you know. It's all I've wanted with my life."

If you didn't have the chance to watch the full episode on February 26th, not to worry! These gripping stories will be retold on Saturday, March 3rd at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT on ABC so don't miss it. Turn it into a family affair and after watching be sure to place a comment below by stating what part of Oprah's primetime special impacted you the most.

 

•  The reason you're so into him: At first glance he seems awfully intimidating by his rigid posture, stern facial expressions and determination to scare anything that moves. But the moment he opens his mouth and a very friendly, outgoing, talkative, caring, and helpful nature quickly exudes, this guy puts the word scary to shame. People can't help but gravitate towards him because of his kind and gentle approach.
• His weakness: Not having the means to think for himself
• His wish: A brain to get a clue. Like DUH! 

 

• The reason you're so into him: He's as strong as steel; solid in every possible way. Nobody can sway this dude once he makes up his mind. That's not to say he's stubborn, but he certainly knows what he values in life. If you need a soft place to fall, this loyal guy is more than likely to be the first one you'll turn to when you're high strung. Being somewhat protective of you is not as easy for him as he may make it look, but regardless he's always prepared to catch you, even if it means he has to go as far as having you fall in his arms from a skyscraper building once reality sets in.
• His weakness: Being emotionally detached from the world. Whenever he feels like cranking up the water works, he is rather rusty.
• His wish: A heart to replace his sad case of insensitivity. 

C)

 

• The reason you're so into him: He may be a cry baby when his personal insecurities are brought to the surface and he may even come across as a big bully at times, but deep down inside you know he is really soft-sided as well. A man full of ambition and very true to his word, his honesty and sincerity are qualities that add some pleasant variety to your relationship.
• His weakness: The inability to face his deepest fears.
• His wish: To replace his timid state with great courage and a sense of pride. 

   To everyone!!! 

 

In today's over-commercialized economy, it's not very hard to see how our society has been conditioned to make money the forefront of everyday living, especially during the holidays. Majority of infamous Christmas trends have substituted the kind act of giving from the heart into the form of giving that only comes from the depency and convenience of cash. Christmas is no longer about going the extra mile to spend quality time with the ones we love or forcing ourselves to think outside the box when it comes to expressing what people TRULY mean to us. With all the advertising Christmas has received in terms of buying the "perfect" gift for people we consider to be important, we have automatically been taught from a very young age that gift giving is a generous deed that doesn't go unnoticed nor unappreciated. In certain circumstances we realize this is true. Money is a key component in donating to specific charities like the Salvation Army and Food Bank, putting a roof over the less fortunates heads and feeding the homeless. But too much, too fast, in a world where it is naturally assumed that bigger is better, and we find ourselves ignoring the REAL meaning behind Christmas. 

So as much as the media's illusory portrayal has good intentions behind advertising the gift giving spirit of Christmas, it has hidden the beautiful significance of Christmas in many ways. For instance, if you ever watched the Oprah Winfrey or Dr. Phil Christmas specials (not to pick on these globally adored TV giants in any way of course because they have done a lot of good for many people) and noticed how the audience's reaction varies on the size and expense of the gift being advertised, you'll see that it is not always consistently enthused. A camera? YAY!! A plasma TV?? Even better!!   A car???   I think I'm in heaven!! A Christmas soundtrack? Uhhhh....I guess I could applaude. So although the idea of being given free gifts sound nice, don't you also think it's a little hypocritical for these international celebrities to emphasize the importance of being grateful for what we're given in life throughout the whole year and yet they contradict those powerful messages by giving materialized goods that are not a necessity top recognition during the Christmas season? As much as we hate to face it it's shows like these that contribute to not just American's spoildness but the spoildness of many people around the world.

So if that were to change, if we were to imagine ourselves in the shoes of somebody who has almost no money or anything material wise and we weren't able to afford any Christmas presents, even if it were for just a second, what would be the first thing you'd do in terms of giving from the heart? How would you clearly show Christmas wasn't all about the money and that it was more about thinking of creative ways of making others feel special (even if it isn't someone you know personally)?  Your thoughts please.  

And if I don't have the opportunity to write another blog on here during the month of December

People Magazine chose to rate these s as the top ten "World's Most Beautiful People 2006" (included below are their reasons why). So now let's see you be the judge. Who would you rate as the world's most beautiful person and why? (even if you'd like to acknowledge a celebrity that didn't make the top ten or someone you know personally, certainly feel free to do so).

Angelina Jolie:

"She looks the most beautiful when she's in the field – natural, no makeup, nothing," says Wyclef Jean of the actress-activist, 30. Indeed, her beauty needs are decidedly practical: a dusting of powder, a few strokes of mascara, a dab of Vaseline on her world-famous lips and – voilà! – she's ready to meet the president of Pakistan. "She wants to make a difference," says U.N. representative Guebre-Christos. "She does it with a lot of simplicity."

Jessica Alba:

Her new movie is called Awake. Here's how Alba, 25, keeps that fresh vibe. Always wears: "Moisturizer." Barely wears: "Powder. I have kind of a round nose, and too much powder makes it look rounder." Washes hair: "Most days, unfortunately. I don't think it's good for your hair." Smells like: "Gardenia and candy."

Isaiah Washington:

Playing a doctor on Grey's Anatomy doesn't require taking the Hippocratic Oath. Still, Washington, 42, follows a "first do no harm" policy with personal grooming. No scruffy beards: "What woman in her right mind wants to be stuck by a dude with a bunch of bristly hairs?" No gnarly nails: "I get manicures and pedicures." No designer haircuts: "A trim once a week. As natural as possible – not too tapered or Jheri-curl juicy."

Eva Longoria:

Longoria, 31, packs heat as a secret service agent in The Sentinel – and she shoots from the hip. She isn't vain: "Makeup artists always want to fill in the scar on my left eyebrow, but I never let them." She's a trendsetter: "She's really changed the way women on the red carpet look at color," says stylist Robert Verdi. She's practical: "I go to work in my pj's. I just have to get undressed again."

James Blunt:

Before his earnest falsetto topped the charts with "You're Beautiful," Blunt, 32, was a captain in the British army, even escorting the Queen. Up next: Summer tour for his album Back to Bedlam. What he brings on the road: "A bar of soap." Why so basic? "In the army you carry as little as possible. Most touring bands do the same." Beauty icon: "My father's in the army. He doesn't facial himself either."

Beyonce:

To play the lead in the film adaptation of the Broadway smash Dreamgirls, Knowles, 24, subjected herself to bushy eyebrows and frumpy suits. The result: Total transformation ("Very not cute," she told reporters) – and a taste of what life might have been like if she hadn't been born beautiful. "To be honest," she said, "I feel people would have acknowledged my talent a lot more."

Heather LockLear:

"Maybe 40 is the new 30," says TV's consummate California girl, 44. After splitting from husband Richie Sambora in February, the mom of daughter Ava, 8, just keeps getting hotter. So – the secret? Run, sun (strictly the fake variety) and fun. "I don't say, 'No more bread or pasta.' I just don't have five platefuls. I've always been a red-meat eater. I try to eat a little less and be aware."

Terrance Howard:

The Oscar nominee, 37, describes himself as "extra-medium maintenance."
Sweat equity: He's up at 4:30 doing 500 push-ups, 1,000 sit-ups and a three-mile run before taking his three kids to school.
Sacrificed for art: Shoulder-length hair.
Man pampering: Regular manicures plus spa weekends "with a number of massages. That's when I allow myself to be high-maintenance."

Danica Patrick:

In 2005 the 5'2" IndyCar Rookie of the Year, 24, led the Indianapolis 500 for 19 laps – a first for a female driver. And there's buzz about an even better showing at Indy this month. Still, racing can get bumpy. "You sweat so much," Patrick says. "We have a helmet and this head sock; the sun's on you. The skin takes a beating. I do MicroDermabrasion every month. And facials – they hurt so good."

Ziyi Zhang:

Although her latest role in Memoirs of a Geisha required hours of heavy makeup, Zhang, 27, prefers a more minimal approach: "I like a natural and clean look. Having makeup on, I cannot recognize myself. It changes my feelings in my heart."

Who do I say is the most BeAuTiFuL person in the history of the ENTIRE UNIVERSE???

Hmmmmm...good question. If we're talking about this list, I'd have to say Beyonce Knowles. Not only do I think she's one of the most stunning female celebrities on the exterior, but her inner strength is just as captivating. When her group, Destiny's Child was just becoming popularized with their song "Say My Name" making one of the biggest hits in 2000, Roberson and Luckett abruptly left the group that year in March by filing a lawsuit against Beyonce's father, Matthew Knowles. Despite all the betrayal, hurt, bad media attention and scandals Destiny's Child received as a result, Beyonce was able to hold her head up high and keep the group together for another five years. Talk about 110% girl power right there! Fully aware that she has many amazing qualities going for herself, she is also incredibly modest.

"I’ve worked hard and I deserve everything I have. I never thought I’d have so much money. I just wanted to be financially stable and it embarrasses me and I don’t feel comfortable talking or thinking about it. I don’t know exactly how much I have but I don’t buy much," she says.

Her intelligence, poise, honesty and maturity are qualities that also enhance her unique image.

Now in terms of who I see as the most BEAUTIFUL person currently involved in my life, I'd have to say my mom. Without her consistent belief in me and her positive influence becoming a part of who I am today, there is no doubt in my mind I wouldn't be as proud of who I have become today. For it is in the wise words of her morals, values and beliefs she has instilled in me while I was growing up that I am constantly reminded how lucky I am that the probability of ending up with a good parent was always on my side (something that millions of people out there probably wished they could have had but never did).

One of the biggest and most classic mistakes women probably make after a cute fling or a breakup is set themselves up on the rebound. It's like once reality gives some of us a slap in the face to tell us we're single we make a desperate attempt to attack back, proving we can get any guy we please.  Even if this means flirting with strange men at the local 7 Eleven store (which, I'll have you know, is totally revolting.  like EEEEEeeeewww, must we even go there ladies???  I mean, how desperate can we really be?). If not for that reason, we fill the void of feeling outrageously lonesome by grumbling widly about in our pjs, eating ridiculous amounts of ice cream, binge drinking or crawling under thick bed sheets and waiting there to die alone.  And as much as all of us may need this at times, I'm beginning to wonder if getting over some guys is worth all that fuss.  For instance, as certain experiences with boys pretending to be men has taught us, most can and will be REAL jerks. Perverts, stalkers, alcoholics, druggies, sex addicts, thieves, liars, gangsters, absentees, gamblers, whiners, jealous types, players, cheaters, verbal abusers, workaholics, guys who love women as punch bags  ...the list is pretty much endless from there. And what's worse is many of us choose to believe that there isn't anyone else better to be with. That perhaps because most guys are jerks there is a slim chance the next guy to catch our eye will be any less painless (which is why we may choose to work things out to the very end). But just think of how hateful we're being to ourselves in the process.  Unhealthy, longterm relationships such as these will turn the days we spend with these creeps into weeks, weeks into months, and sometimes months into years. All this time we share with people that don't truly love/care/respect who we are as women is time we'll NEVER be able to regain that true sense of happiness we should have deserved while we were with them, right from the start. And who's to say that in that stretch of time we wasted with Mr. creep heads we could have ended up with our prince charmings.  Incredible odds, but optimistically speaking, I swear it can happen.

Whatever the reason was that one of your past dating relationships had to come to an abrupt and sad end, there's no reason to cry endlessly over someone so downright cruel and insensitive. Sure, give yourself time to heal and yes,  it's definitely okay to cry your feelings out till your eyes run out of tears (you've been hurt so badly and need quality time to vent). But please, DON'T do so FOREVER!  Remember, the more time you spend dwelling over the negative feelings of the past, is time you will NEVER regain that happiness you are so worthy of having.  Not only that, but by doing so you're only giving the guy the power to control your emotions once again.  Definitely a no no for what we're striving for here.

I think that if us girls were to step back for a second and think about what qualities we don't want in guys more than what qualities we often fantasize about, we can set much higher standards for ourselves. Fantasizing over good looks, magnetic charm, cute butts, infectious smiles, sexy voices, etc. is all great fun (okay I'll be honest, "DANGEROUSLY delicious" fun...hehe) but in some ways I think these aspects can blind us towards seeing the true colours of someone's personality.  Let's face it...it's sooooo so easy to get caught up in the moment of infatuation that we often ignore the "signs" of what may not be suitable for us in a serious and long lasting relationship. Because we like or love the person soooo much, we're willing to sacrifice a lot of things for them without really using our heads. Because we only believe what we choose to believe, we sometimes cut them too much slack, make up excuses for them, sometimes even lie for them. Well no more I say!!  It's time we take matters into our own hands for a change and let guys know that if they're wanting to score a hot date with us they're going to have to earn it first. No matter how flattering their typical pick up lines may be, we have to show them that we can stand our ground with class.  Perhaps if we are to give off the impression that we strongly respect ourselves, they will respect us also.  And maybe, just maybeeee they'll come to understand that we wouldn't settle for any less (fingers crossed that all guys won't be scarecrows when it comes to this one.   Who's with me on this lil' theory I have so far? Any thoughts you'd like to add?