Larissa Jimenez: Miss Texas Junior High School America

My favorite quote by Mother Theresa is, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Today, I live by this motto.  Everyone, including myself, has experienced some form of bullying and its harmful effects.  Bullying can come from unexpected places, like in my case, where I was bullied for being Hispanic but not speaking Spanish fluently.  I was made to feel inadequate.  Because of this experience, I have made it my mission to spread the message of kindness, respect, and acceptance of each other and our differences. 

This mission is why I started “Larissa’s Virtual Reading Corner” for preschool and young school-aged children, where the themes in the books we read are “be kind”, ”be brave”, and “be you”. I believe it is empowering for children to learn this and live this.  This message is what the B.R.A.V.E. platform is about, lifting each other up, appreciating each other’s differences, and learning from one another. I am so honored to represent Miss Texas High School America and be associated with the Miss High School America Organization whose national platform is B.R.A.V.E. Building Respect and Values for Everyone. ​