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Perfectly Imperfect: Talia Thomas Reflects on her Time as an IMD Youth Leader
I'm Determined Youth Leader Alumna
Meet Talia: Talia Thomas is a senior at Norfolk State University majoring in Early Childhood Education and is currently an alumna of the VA State Youth Leader I’m Determined Center, where she first attended the Youth and Family Summit in 2019 and developed her passion for self-advocacy, learning about others, and supporting students with disabilities. Living with a developmental delay and Auditory Processing Disorder, she is committed to continuing her passion for teaching by helping children with disabilities grow and build confidence. Talia enjoys roller coasters, music, watching Netflix movies/tv shows, and traveling with family and friends. She is also the author and illustrator of Perfectly Imperfect, which shares her personal journey, and more information can be found https://readperfectlyimperfect.mystrikingly.com
This photo was taken at the IMD Summit in June 2024 during the youth social. I was smiling and singing as a youth leader while everyone joined in the annual tradition, performing Let It Go!
Quote from her Video:
“One piece of advice I would give to other youth with disabilities is never be afraid to advocate for yourself. Your strengths matter. Your stories matter. Your experiences matter.”
Question / Answers from Talia:
- How did I’m Determined allow you to become more self-determined? How have you led a self-determined life since then?
- “I’m Determined has helped me to self-advocate for my strengths, preferences, and needs, become more independent in navigating from early elementary, to middle school, and now as a senior in college. By continuing to use the I’m Determined tools and resources, I can use them as a guide to support other youths in positive ways.”
- What is a memory you have with I’m Determined that stands out to you and why?
- “Talia’s favorite memory from I’m Determined was using her powerful voice to connect with other youths with disabilities at the youth social, singing “Hey Ya!” and Disney song “Let it Go,”, doing her first keynote, learning self-advocacy, playing trivia games, and taking one last bite of chicken nuggets at E-hall.”
- If you could say something to your younger self (before discovering I’m Determined) what advice would you give them? How have you grown since then?
- “Being perfectly imperfect is what makes us who we are. We are not the same, and being different is how we grow, learn, and be determined in our own way. I have grown by finding my powerful voice to speak up about my own disability and become comfortable with who I am today.”