Karen Civil

One of my most memorable moments serving the community was after I built the Live Civil Playground in Haiti, and I visited an orphanage and gave away shoes to all the kids. I also sat with them and helped them design their shoes. The smiles on their faces were priceless.

Everything is a learning lesson, good and bad, so I am happy with the way things are, and I learned from everything negative. I am in a great space now, so I wouldn't change a thing!

I believe that God has blessed me in immeasurable ways so that I can, in return, bless and help others.

You work hard, you sacrifice for everything you do, and in one second, someone can tarnish your name — someone can bad-mouth you, and someone can say things. People let all of the good things gets washed away because someone spoke ill of them.

Society sets us up to be everything but ourselves, but I want to take a moment and say to people, love yourself. Find your purpose. You are unique, and that makes you great. I pursued my dreams. You can do it, too.

Don't let the insecurities of others dull your sparkle. Shine like the star you are born to be.

Christmas is always a great time because I get to be around family and spend time with my brother, nieces, and nephews, so that's what I plan to do. It's great to disconnect from everything.