When MARE first meets with teens about creating these In Depth Profiles, we often talk about their interests or hobbies. Ultimately, that helps lead them to the focus for their profile. Victoria, who, at the time of filming, liked to go by the name Charlie but now prefers her given name, certainly has a lot of interests – drawing, anime, reading, music – but in this case, her personality was the driving force behind her profile. Because Victoria can best be described in one word: inspiring.
When it comes to inspiration, you’ve heard of TED talks, you’ve heard of podcasts, and you’ve heard of motivational speakers. Now let us introduce you to The Charlie Sessions. (Which really should be called “The Victoria Sessions” but we all know who we mean, right?)
The Charlie Sessions Episode 1: Motivation
Victoria wants to share tips for motivation, because it’s what keeps her going. She believes you have to find that one thing that motivates you to be a better version of yourself. It might even be something small, but if you look deep you’ll find your source. “I look at positive affirmations… I journal… I think of all the good things in my life,” says Victoria.
The Charlie Sessions Episode 2: Being a Better You
Simply talking with Victoria is an exercise in motivation. She has faced challenges in her life, but she uses that to drive her to a better tomorrow. She doesn’t believe in wasting time, either. She believes everyone can take steps – even if they’re just baby steps – at becoming a better version of themselves. “There are so many things you can accomplish,” says Victoria. “Whether you have the natural talent or not, you can do anything you put your mind up to.”
The Charlie Sessions Episode 3: 3 Easy Steps
Once you are motivated and inspired to make a change in yourself, you have to take action. “It’s okay to not be okay, as long as you’re working at being okay,” says Victoria. “If you don’t have your back, who will?”
“Life is tough,” says Victoria. “Speaking from experience, it will throw hard rocks at you. Just get back up. I’m where I’m at today because of my past.”
Now Victoria is looking at her future. It would be wonderful to have this inspiring, motivated, and positive teen matched with parents who will be by her side and taking steps together towards being a better family… forever.